Silence is Golden

Done peeped now, that talk is cheap now. If you aint got the walk to back up that talk, its a conversation you can keep now. -Red Storm

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. -Ansel Adams

I started writing this blog with the intent of talking about the many ways silence can be interpreted. I still plan on hitting the topic specifically, but upon reading the quote mentioned above (by Adams), my thoughts turned to something different.

I decided that the quote by Red Storm was the motto I am living by for 08. However, I've realized it's just a wittier way to say the thing our mother always told us, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Think about it. Red Storm basically says that he isn't entertaining the idea of anything but sincerity. If you don't mean it, don't put it into words. If it's not something genuine, keep it to yourself. In the same token, Adams said don't use silence as a tool to block hypocrisy, be content with it at times when words don't hold truth and nothing else can replace them.

Curse that day. My career, as I know it, would be over.

Back to regular scheduled program:

I was watching The Great Debaters (two thumbs up && highly recommended) and one of the debaters says he always wanted to be the quiet mysterious type, but he couldn't keep his mouth shut long enough... don't I know the feeling. I got to thinking about why quiet people are perceived as mysterious. I haven't reached some grand conclusion on the issue, but it's a thought to consider. Nonetheless, it's funny because there are other times when silence is considered to be disrespectful or deceiving. When you're questioning someone and they're hesitant to answer, it's pretty much understood that whatever they're about to say is a lie. It's also mistaken for stupidity. Silence can also lead to being forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind- right? The same goes for those who don't speak up. There's also civil disobedience, and when silent during these situations, it's considered a form of passive resistasnce. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't know. Just welcoming you to the amazement I shared at the thought of it.

Contentment is Key,

B