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August 26, 2002
Ok.. that has to be the laziest graphic design thing that I've ever done in my life. And on such a milestone number too! Ha, oh well.
Okay... a topic that we can all relate to: Interruptions.
Note that this only relates to conversational interruptions. Things such as phone calls, doorbells, etc. aren't included.
I have noticed that interruptions were increasing, and shortly after realizing this, I also noted that I have been interrupting just the same! Disgusted, I quickly resolved to cut down on my own interruptions. I believed that I have succeeded, but not without much much stress and tension in my shoulder muscles.
Since my minimal interruption policy that I put onto myself, I have noticed that my amount of talking has dropped sharply. Additionally, I have also noticed that the length of my conversations have also become shorter. Yet, the enjoyment of each conversation hasn't really changed, so that leaves me to conclude that the conversations are becoming more efficient (something that I strive for in all walks in life).
Okay, so I solved my own personal problem, so I was curious just how this problem came about. My first thought was the current technology for instant information. Yet, that is all about obtaining information, not voicing one's opinions. I quickly scratched that idea.
I went to the a place known for voicing research by the common people, TALK SHOWS. After watching things like love pentagons, delinquent teenagers, I had enough. It was very fustrating to see these problems and nothing was being done, no real educational value about such problems in the society. For the most part, interruptions resulted to more interruptions to arguments and then downgrades to name calling. Admittedly, I only gave talk shows about 2 hours, so if you have any recommendations for any redeeming talk shows out there, be sure to let me know, and I'll give it a chance.
It's not just these talk shows either. Even guests on the Newshour with Jim Lehrer interrupt. Let's not even get started on political debates like CNN Crossfire! But it's hardly fair to judge these shows, since it's not very popular. So what about the most popular and mainstream entertainment? Primetime sitcoms and drama shows are all scripted, so there can't be many interruptions. The same goes with movies. Even sports commentators and game show hosts hardly interrupt.
Now, let's get to language. Let's say you were trying to justify/defend yourself in some situation. You want to say "I thought about the situation, and it was the best choice at the time being,' but how often has the conversation ended up more like:
You: "I thought ab..."
Other: "YOU THOUGHT?!!? How many times have I told you to..."
But a language such as German, the verbs are at the end. Roughly translated, the beginning might be similiar to: "About the situation, I thought." Even if there was to be interruption, the verb is at the end. Which forces some patience before interrupting. But I don't think this makes the Germans any more patient than Americans are, they are just simply forced to wait.
So now what? I still engage in my conversations, but slowly drop into the background and perhaps will be titled as a "listener" more than a "talker."
