1. Throughout his text, Gee, states two controversial theorems, the first theorem is in regards of being fluent in a discourse. It states that in order to be considered fluent in a discourse one must “display ones identity.” (Gee, 9-10) That without this display one is considered to be a pretender and cannot be apart of the specific discourse. An example to further explain this theorem would be doing gymnastics is only one aspect of the discourse. If someone wanted to be apart of the gymnastics discourse they would have to understand competition, certain apparatus and much more. The second theorem that Gee states mentions how discourses cannot be liberating. It must include meta-elements in order to be liberating, which means it must include “(language, words, attitudes, values) in terms of which an analysis and criticism can be carried out.” (Gee, 10) This second theorem also states that primary discourses are limited, due to the fact that one cannot rely solely on primary discourse for many occasions. Primary discourses need to be built upon with meta-elements in order to be applied to certain discourses. That without the meta-elements the discourse would consist of an empty shell.
  2. As I mentioned above, meta-elements are the specifics retaining to a discourse. More specifically, they are the “language, words attitudes and values” (Gee, 10) that provoke criticism and analysis. They would stand to be the basis of the discourse, without the meta-elements the individual would be considered as a fake. In addition to this term Gee mentions mushfake which is essentially making do with what you are presented with. With this said, in the context of discourses it is running with the information that is known. It is also paired with meta-knowledge and strategies to attempt at survival within the discourse. I specified with “attempt” due to the fact that someone using mushfake will often be called out on being an imposter due to the gates of superficialities. And lastly, resistance is simple, it is refraining from certain qualities or characteristics. One major quality of society that is both important and unimportant would be superficialities, Gee mentions how we should resist from these gates.
  3. One way that Cuddy’s ideas correlate to Gee’s theories would be faking it until you make it and mushfake. Cuddy believes in pretending to be knowledgeable in a specific area in order to gain experience and become the desired state of mind. An example of this concept would be when she gave advice to a student of hers, she stated, “And you’re going to go into the classroom, and you’re going to give the best comment ever.” (Cuddy, 10) She told her this because she wanted her to participate and become apart of the class, apart of the discourse, in a way. By doing this she gains experience and through repetition it will no longer seem like it is being forced, but instead it seems natural, like oneself. Mushfake is the same in the fact that an individual uses prior knowledge and meta-elements to be an apprentice or learn. Overall they use what they know to blend in and potentially gain more. Gee describes it as “making do” (Gee, 13) which is essentially faking it until you make it.