Ugh. I don't like the sound of my own voice so I've recorded this script over and over. Still some blips and I STILL sound like Mini Mouse, but here it is.
Script:
Is it possible to observe and not judge? Is it possible to express yourself without drawing on your own encounters and your own history? I don’t think so.
I’ve learned a lot by studying myself. I’m not a therapist and have no desire to become one, but I can see from my own journaling that the people and experiences of my past often explain my reactions in my present life. Like most people, certain names, landmarks, and even smells, trigger associations still today.
Many studies have been done on observation and experience. Jury selection, for example, has become an art form. Sometimes controversial, the selection process can employ background checks as well as intensive interviewing techniques to uncover potential biases. Building the optimum jury pool brings benefits to both sides. Jurors are often meticulously chosen to give the defense a better chance of winning sympathy for their client. At the same time, advocates contend that jury selection methods give both sides more confidence in the verdict. Think about that in the real world and what would happen if we could choose our observers and how they react to us.
Psychologists have examined the unreliability of eye witness accounts and how peoples’ past experiences influence what they see or think they saw. The term “mind’s eye” describes how humans are able to visualize what they WANT to see which does not always mirror reality. That can explain how your big sister’s memories from childhood differ from yours though you lived in the same house at about the same time.
This blog is meant to capture that very human practice of comparing our lives to others. You’ll read character studies of individuals and cultures I encounter as well as those who choose to be in the public eye. I’ll attempt to map my response to them by drawing from my past experiences.
I’ve found that first impressions are often wrong. Many of my closest friends now are people I had deemed too loud, too humorless, or too arrogant. Because of my naturally vigilant behavior, I still form bonds slowly. My self-study has made me more thorough in my reasoning and yet less judgmental -- a revelation that could be positive for others as well.
The blogs I enjoy most are those which attract comment. A blog is not complete without reaction; the varied responses are of greatest significance to me. There are many people who will not commit to journaling or logging on their own, but are happy to reveal themselves in other’s work. My intent is to invite commentary on my self-study and encourage scrutiny of my readers’ own lives. In examining others, we’ll learn more about ourselves.
My commitment was to write about myself, but my relationships with others are a big part of who I am. Hopefully these introspections, by me and my readers, will have positive effects on us all.
Thanks for this submission, Mimi. I can relate to your issue with not liking the sound of your own voice. I always feel awkward hearing myself talk. I never sound exactly like I think I ought to. But if it makes you feel any better, you sounded fine. The volume on my end was a little low, which is probably an issue with my computer rather than your input device, but otherwise I was impressed. You start with a valid question, one I wish more people would ask before assuming the role of the accuser, and delve into your subject matter from there. You splash in some light science and won me over as a viewer when you admit to forming bonds slowly. I think your closing lines are good but, and this might be more of a personal taste thing on my end, you might want to remove the word "hopefully" from that last sentence. I know this is you trying to be humble, which I respect, but in this instance humility might work to your detriment. You are selling yourself to the person who can fund your dream project. Don't want to leave him, her or them thinking something might work. Your introspection will, emphatically will, have a positive effect on us all. No if, ands or buts about it. I say that with the fullest confidence. And so should you. Boldness becomes you, Mimi. Great work overall. I enjoyed it as always.
ReplyDeleteMimi, your presentation does a nice job of "teasing out" the specific goals you want to accomplish with your online presence. I like this assignment because it forces us to focus. Six words per slide, and if it doesn't fit, you have to find a clearer way to say it.
ReplyDeleteI like the ideas you outlined: We all judge. Our past experiences influences our current interactions. Learning about ourselves through through others, and at the same time comparing ourselves to others. I love the idea of having a place where we could all learn to judge less and understand more.
Having said that, you have a well-written script, but I still feel like you're talking around your idea. "Introspection" is still such a big, unwieldy word. You say your self-study has made you less judgmental which could be a good thing, yet also admit that we can't observe without judgement. So what kind of space do you want to create? A place where you and your readers can embrace the tendency to judge others? Or a place where we all become less judgmental because we feel less alone?
You made a nice comment to MBQ506 earlier in the semester, in which you spoke honestly about ups and downs in your own faith, and encouraged her to "hang in there." You stated it beautifully, and I learned a lot about you from that comment. In thinking about where you want to go from here, I wondered if you might create a space where those floundering in their faith can share their experiences and have others weight in. It would give you an opportunity to share your thoughts, and for your readers to learn about themselves by seeing their struggles mirrored in others.
Just an idea. Your focus keeps getting better - you've accomplished so much this semester!