Journal 3-4 Max Bardowell 2-19-08

Conflict With Roommates

Answer to last week's question: The most popular programs are EVE- Essay Verification System, JPlag, and Plagarism.org.

Last week we discussed the complex ethic situations that one encounters when forced into a close proximity with others for a long period of time, mostly due to their inclusion in an academic environment. People tend to amplify the problems generated by these circumstances, and rarely do you find a group of individuals that can live in complete harmony with each other. Thus, many dilemmas can arise from these three main reasons (any others are simply offshoots of these three); first, there is a differing in lifestyles, second there is a difference in culture, and lastly there is a difference in personalities. All of these can be solved with the greatest of diplomatic tools: communication. Unfortunately, this tool is rarely used.

A difference in lifestyles can be anything from having differing sleep patterns to enjoying differing styles of music. This can lead to friction in the areas of priorities for the group, sleep and studying vs. partying and loud music for example. This can easily be solved by creating a schedule or calendar for specified activities.

A difference in culture is a harder potential problem to define, as this issue may not exist in some circumstances. This problem could develop more often when one roommate meets the family of another. Both roommates must take into account the various cultural practices of their fellow compatriots and act accordingly.

Finally, a difference in personalities comes in to play more often than the other two, as this reflects the compatibility of the two roommates. Thus, if two roommates’ personalities react abrasively to each other, you will have conflict, while if two roommates are mostly amicable with each other, then conflict will remain at a minimum. Each roommate must see each other for who they are, and respect the boundaries that would cause conflict. They must tread lightly or conflict will arise.

Question: Where can students go if they have seemingly unsolvable problems with another student?