« Limbaugh's radio show; modern day "war of the worlds" theater. | tpmgary's Blog | I want Limbaugh to fail and evolution to succeed. »
somewhere between cave paintings and legal disclaimers, man lost the ability to communicate.
You'd think after 32,000 years of practice, we could understand each other a little better.
What happened to us?
(inspired by a comment made by theraP regarding jargon)
Advertisement
Perhaps being ABLE to communicate is not the issue. We are being communicated to every second of every day. If we aren't communicating, it's not because we can't. Maybe we just don't like the message and are refusing to respond ... purposely refusing to be communicative is not a breakdown in communication.
March 2, 2009 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
One definition of communication; a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts feelings or ideas.
Note the word "progression" in that sentence. Don't you feel like the word "regression" is too easily substituted there?
I believe that a refusal to listen IS a breakdown in communication.
March 2, 2009 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Okay. I was taking communicate in a more literal sense. We can communicate, but are we obligated to communicate?
Refusing to listen is one thing, but is hearing and choosing not to answer back also a breakdown in communication? I don't think so.
Message received with no response, to me does not equal an end of communication, just an end to that specific dialogue... and the start of the search for the beginning of a new dialogue.
March 2, 2009 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
You already read what I think Gary. I am so taken by those cave paintings and have been for forty years. I still managed to save some coffee table books from my old library I lost.
Picasso never did much for me except for his take on Cervantes and Quixote.
But the motion that you can see and many 'experts' have such a fine take on these first pieces of great art.
We have great art. We have brilliant thinkers. But we forget that there are 300 million bodies out there. If one confuses (and I do this all the time) the regular media with ecce homo, we miss almost everything.
Great great minds at work out there. We just have to look for them and it is no easy task.
Reality programming and I Love Lucy does nothing for that part of us, seeking for something else.
March 2, 2009 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
thanks for commenting.
The topic here can flow in so many different directions. We all drew pictures and finger painted when we were kids. Imagine if there was an equal emphasis in our schools on writing and painting--if each was considered with equal importance; both prerequisite for moving from grade to grade, all the way through university.
How would the world be different?
March 2, 2009 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
To me, the problem is not so much a lack of communication, it is the way the line has been blurred between context and content. Duchamp's notion that art is whatever the artist defines it to be, has morphed into the notion that context is somehow more important/relevant than content. In the political world, spinning replaces the thoughtful expression and discussion of ideas.
Communication, but no real content to digest.
March 2, 2009 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whatever this is about the subject heading here just speaks to my heart and feelings lately. I plan to quote it...
March 2, 2009 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's about exactly what you think it's about. Hmmm. Meaningful communication occurred. maybe there's hope yet.
March 2, 2009 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
The ability, or the inclination?
March 2, 2009 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
They both lead to each other.
Less able leads to less inclined. Less inclined leads to less able.
March 2, 2009 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then I guess I am less able, because I feel less inclined ... at least in this context.
March 2, 2009 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boy, I hope somebody comes up with the answer. As I've just spent all day formulating the problem even better!
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/therap/2009/03/systemic-deception-and-the-bre.php
March 2, 2009 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Answers? You're in the wrong room. This is observations. Answers are two doors down:)
March 2, 2009 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lost it? Damn.
I knew we shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque.
March 2, 2009 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
a Bugs Bunny reference! When do we get to Pismo Beach?
March 2, 2009 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Babel.
March 2, 2009 9:21 PM | Reply | Permalink