Sunday, June 28, 1998 04:17:27 PM
dhurles@pacbell.net
A few words about words...
Sunday, June 28, 1998 04:17:27 PM
dhurles@pacbell.net
A few words about words...
Words are devices created and used by the human mind. When combined they create a code and system by which humans communicate with each other. Words create images, and images convey meaning. But words are like quicksilver, their hypnotic lustrous shine seizing the attention of the receiver, even as their intended meaning is savaged by the revisions of time and history, intentional or otherwise. Words are as likely to conceal the intention of their speaker, as to reveal his motives. They kill as often as they comfort. Words can inspire courage and hope in people and nations, but with equal facility they can also sow doubt, introduce fear, inflame the soul. Some words are sharp and precise, others fuzzy and vague. Some words excite, others define. Words are powerful…and they are dangerous!
In these tapes words become the currency of exchange for our common existence, giving tacit recognition to the sure and certain fact that we are each, ultimately, trapped inside our own unique, individual reality. The value of this currency depends upon integrity of the speaker, his sincerity, his honesty about what he says he believes, his freedom to freely reveal his convictions. Value does not spring from the convictions formed of uttered words, which may be repugnant or unspeakable; but like bringing precious ore from a mine-shaft deep in the earth, value attaches when light finally shines upon that ore.
Control of this shared currency, speech, is a serious matter. It empowers political thought, giving it form and substance. It gives life to religion and philosophy, even as it concentrates irrational power and sway over the faithful. It administers our economic and social structure. The controller of this currency is able to create labels for his friends and his perceived enemies, which can be perceived as he wishes. The currency of words spurs cultural evolution, and hastens cultural disintegration. The question then is: who gets to spend which words, who decides what to spend them on, and who decides the spending limit. In this age of media anarchy it may well seem, to many, a free for all...every man speaks for himself. But when the smoke is blown away and the mirrors are removed from the stage, the truth, usually unspoken, is starkly and tragically revealed. Unchanged throughout history, the controller of the currency of words, complacent in his rectitude, wears the mantle and claims the title of authority.
Each audio is a stream of consciousness rushing from the speaker’s mind into a non-judgmental void. Rarely is the man making the tape mindful of who will listen to it or how they might receive it. Rather, he is opening up his heart or mind, perhaps revealing prejudices and fantasies to himself, trying them in various strings and formations, in some manner playing with them…in a manner, playing with himself. At times this can be boring, or slow, or confused…then in a flash it can turn into something shocking, or terrifying. There are times when it requires no more than the sound of a certain voice to arouse; at other times it is the passion and form of the words spoken which excites.
Although each man on audio is unique, there runs throughout their revelations a common thread to our own lives, pulled from the human and cultural fabric we are all part of, suckled by television, and the vicarious society it has constructed.
The brief description of each audio is limited to a few words. While they may be short on particulars, some effort has been made to distill their essence in a manner designed to be mutually understood. These few sentences march like a color guard before the whole parade…but it is the parade itself which can be at times emotionally breathtaking, exciting, revealing, surprising.
And too, time marches relentlessly onward, as do the styles, customs and politics of the culture we are part of. So, from time to time. heard on these tapes may be freely spoken thoughts of drugs, violence, sexual practices, which may seem inappropriate to this current day or time, but are a part of the beauty and curse of hearing yesterday speaking to today. And finally, part of the joy of hearing these tapes springs from the fact that people routinely speak in a style and metaphor common to their age group or origin. Although it often must be deciphered for meaning, its cadence may inspire an altogether separately satisfying response in the listener
May you listen, learn, and enjoy!