After reading Ann M. Penrose and Cheryl Geisler’s Reading and Writing without Authority, I personally believe that I fall somewhere between both characters, Roger and Janet. Though I have not achieved the level of expertise, confidence, and authority Roger has, I am a little more experienced than Janet when it comes to writing and using references in an objective manner.
The intentional decision to evaluate characters like Roger and Janet, who are extremely far from each other, visualizes a considerable range of authority while writing. This executive selection leaves out the many shades of grey between black and white as a current college student. It is only natural that I feel in the middle between a graduate student and a high school graduate.
Inside said middle ground, other factors can be taken into account. Gender, race, age, school major, environments, and even discourse communities! I believe these factors to be the most important to gain authority, as each one imparts knowledge in their own particular way. In personal experiences, I have noticed how people who explore the world the most, travel overseas and engage with different cultures gain authority organically.
At this point in my professional and academic career, writing like Roger is the goal I’m trying to achieve. Being able to study and analyze references and opinions just so I can formulate my own with authority, then I would have enough resources to back up my claims. However, since one doesn’t become authored automatically, I plan on using my path in academia as a tool that also allows me to practice, practice, and practice on my own time. While also exposing myself to the unknown, cultures, beliefs, traditions, and techniques. By doing so, I believe I will be setting myself up for success in my writing with an authority journey and professional career.
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