Versus

Posted on August 20, 2010
Filed Under General News | 3 Comments

As most of you know, I’m in the process of preparing for a show in October named Versus.  This particular show benefits a Seattle non-profit – The Heroes (http://www.heroeseverywhere.com/The_Heroes/Home.html).  The concept for this show is for each designer to represent a dichotomy through fashion.  I asked for input from some friends and was provided several great ideas, however I was intuitively drawn to one provided by a dear friend – ‘Carrier Pigeon vs. Text Messaging’

Over the past few months, I’ve really taken this idea to heart.  I’ve found several studies done on the effects of text messaging on the structural composition of our hands (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/mar/24/mobilephones.games), and have read some books on the subject as well.  Most recently I was recommended to read the book ‘Crazy Busy’ by Edward Hallowell, MD.  Initially, I had anticipated that it would speak to my habit of overbooking and overscheduling my life.  As I was reading today, I realized that it also spoke to a topic related to this upcoming show – connectedness.

Dr. Hallowell notes that ‘if we’re not careful, we’ll get so busy that we’ll miss taking the time to think and to feel.  We won’t have the extended periods of time required to complete a thought, develop a conversation, or reflect upon a complex set of emotions.’  I’ve found that through our increasing amount of instant messaging via computer or text has completely removed the need to connect with other humans on a real level.  We avoid picking up the phone to call one another, instead opting for a 160 character or less text message or an 853 character facebook message.  What happened to personal communication/interaction?

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Italian culture that I miss is the personal communication opportunities.  I can recall two to three coffee breaks per day, in addition to three (or more!!!) hour meals. Because of this, I was fortunate to spend significant amounts of time with the people in my community during that time.  So much so that I’d estimate spending more time with those people in one year, than with some I’ve known for the past four years.

Dr. Hallowell also notes that ‘being connected to what matters most is the enlightened way of life.’  What matters most to me is my connections with those that are close to my heart in personal and professional arenas.  This is why I’ve chosen to conduct my own social experiment – I will be giving up text messaging for at least two weeks.  *GASP*  I know, impossible.  Yet, it is my intention.  I want to remember what it’s like to feel a human connection. And hopefully to make deeper and more meaningful connections in order to make myself a better woman and human.

For those of you unwilling to pick up your phones – I will be checking my text messages twice per day (once in the morning, and once in the evenings).  So what can you expect from this?  Less than instantaneous responses to your messages.  AND responses via telephone.  What do I recommend?  If it’s important, call me.  I can guarantee you – I would love to hear your voice.

Ill take notes over my two weeks, and report to all the results of my experiment.  Who knows – this may be made a more permanent aspect of my beingness….

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