Gradually, and then suddenly
'Gradually, and then suddenly'. A quote recently frequently (over)used to describe how one can fall asleep behind the wheel, not noticing the direction things are sliding. It feels like a slow motion. It is all business as usual, until it doesn't.
THINK. Facing digital world most of the time, we often forget about the power of random encounters. When in London recently, my kids and I spent a decent time browsing through comic bookshops. There is always a hidden gem out there!
On the surface, 'NO/ONE' from Image Comics is a story alike many others. Present-times true crime story revolving around topics of corruption, accountability and political radicalization. Well written and illustrated. Believable characters. A lot of mystery and some action. But the true power of the story is its intertextuality. A reader gets a graphic novel that also leads them to a journalist documentary mock-up podcast, several audio and video files and newspaper articles. All fabricated, of course, same as the entire story of accountability murders. It is the combination of podcast, comic panels, articles and audio recordings that make it so immersive. 'In next town over' like.
The story made me think about fabrication of news. It nearly seemed like, with the variety of media channels, the credibility of the story grows exponentially. Source diversity and engaging audiences through different media formats might boost truthfulness index without changing a single fact. Well, if those are even facts.
In my head and hence in my writing, I often use 'zoom in to zoom out' frame. Singular, micro-observations become dots on a scattered pattern graph. 'NO/ONE' experience is no different. When you look close enough, the broader meaning starts radiating into the back of your mind. My wife and I just had a long chat about the role of critical thinking while walking the dogs. As usual, it started from our kids. But whether it's education, broadcasting messages through ever-evolving media channels, doing digital business or maintaining relationships, one truth remains. A red flag is a red flag.
Anyone out there still arguing that comic books are for children?
FEEL. I have not been feeling too well lately. A seasonal bug that just extended the stay for far too long, and crawls out from premises rather than be hastily marching away. Nothing dire.
It has been a good lesson of humbleness, though. I am so used to moving at pace, leaving little breathing room, that I am nearly enjoying the slippage. Nearly, as I am still annoyed with low energy levels. But I am trying to make my peace with it. On balance, I am amongst the most blessed people alive! So why does it take a situation like this to notice?
Psychologists would probably refer to a mechanism called 'habituation' to explain it. The response of one's nervous system decreases over time with repeated exposure to a stimulus. It is very telling that, in context of evolution, it was used to explain adaptation to stress and danger. In the present world, it equally relates to not noticing how well we are doing. We constantly move the bar up.
DO. I was recently asked to deliver a keynote presentation in a couple of months. A great ego boost, for sure, but also an obligation to make it matter. It got me energized and slightly frightened at once. Crafting the story, selecting the content, deciding on how to message, and finally delivering that message - it all carries so much weight. If only I could share that burden with someone! Oh, wait...
I must rethink my approach to trying and failing and asking for help along the way! So, in the spirit of making real changes to one's behaviours, I am already partnering with a non-organic intelligence to complete my research. But if you are open to help me on this journey, please get in touch. The topic is influencing others.
On which note, our daughter is currently studying for her exams. She colonized my home office and had no real appetite to move out! Also, all my family constantly occupy a recliner armchair I got to ease my lower back (doctor's orders). Any promising strategies to combat this type of habituation?
