1. According to Gavin and Wilkinson, this study between Brad and his mom is not a study of interpersonal communication. A significant aspect of Gavin and Wilkinson's definition involves an interdependent interaction, with meaningful interpretations of the individual's verbal and nonverbal interactions. As we see in the case study, Brad's mom continues to deny her son's sexuality when she responds, "No, you're not gay. Someday you'll find the right girl and give up this crazy phase." She acts as if Brad will wake up one day and decide to be straight. Also, there are no implications of a positive relationship between Brad and his mom. Typically, a mother would be more nurturing toward their son. However, Brad tells his mom, "I wish I could make you understand that I am gay and it's not your fault," which implies that the mom does not care to understand her son's emotions. While this case study does not apply to Gavin and Wilkinson, it also does not support Wilmot's view of interpersonal communication. Wilmot simply describes it as communication that may be fleeting, recurring, face-to-face, or mediated between two people. However, it involves a mutual recognition that is being perceived, which is not seen between Brad and his mom. Brad's mom saying, "Someday you'll find the right girl and give up this crazy phase," implies that she does not understand her son's sexuality is not a phase nor a choice. Brad and his mom clearly have relationship issues that are failing to be worked out due to Brad's mom's blindness and skewed opinions.
2. The relationship between Brad and his mom lacks empathic listening. Mom fails to try and understand her son's sexuality. She is oblivious to the thought that Brad understands his friend Jeff is gay, and that is why he enjoys hanging out with him. After asking Brad if he is going to hang out with Jeff, his mom says, "I don't like Jeff. He's, he's gay." When Brad questions what his mom has said, she continues with, "You're not like that and he's a bad influence." This example also shows how Brad and his mom fail to co-create a mutual understanding of the situation when assessing it from dialogic listening. Also, their relationship is under question as Brad says, "Oh, Mom. I wish I could make you understand that I am gay, and it's not your fault. I love you. Don't you understand that?" The fact that Brad must have if his mom understands his love for her, questions their understanding of their relationship. Lastly, Brad's future differs in the opinion of Brad and his mom. Brad, who informs his mom of his sexuality by saying, "Mom, how many times have I told you that I am gay and Jeff is a good friend," does not know...
