3 ms·

Not competence--dominance, or independence

• irrational 9y ago
  Competence was taken from the article: "Those who use foul language on social networks (such as Twitter) are sending an expensive signal that they are free – and, ironically, competent. You don’t signal competence if you don’t take risks for it - there are few such low risk strategies. So cursing today is a status symbol, just as oligarchs in Moscow wear blue jeans at special events to signal their power."
  • mslate 9y ago
    I interpret that quote as meaning that swearing signals independence, independence signals competence. Competence in this case means the ability to do something genuinely, without strings attached (independent, no hidden motives). This is important in determining a speaker's legitimacy, truthfulness, the provenance of what they are saying.