Saturday, March 4, 2017

Synchronization: One is a wiggle, multiples are a movement


     We can sit back and watch someone dance. We observe the fluidity of their motion, the deliberateness of the position, the rhythm of the movements. Perhaps it is even in accordance with the components of music -- the tempo, the syncopation, the tones. The body becomes an extension of the mind and spirit -- an instrument for expression. The experience is different for the participant than for the observer but still capable of extending beyond words, or sounds, or sights.
     But, what happens when we observe someone (or do it ourselves) who does something that is considered "clumsy"? Something is dropped. The body sways to one side in an erratic way. A jump is made but the landing does not meet expectations of how it should be done. There is a fall, a jostle, a slip. Instead of smooth transitions, each movement is jerky and without observable rhythm.
     We have probably all noticed this -- in ourselves and in others. Perhaps we have also made judgements about ourselves. "I just can't dance." "I have no rhythm." "I cannot let myself be seen in public."
     But what happens when movements match within groups of people -- or even couples? One person raises their arm up at a 45 degree angle. What is going on? Two people raise their arms up at a 45 degree angle at the same time. Does it feel different? How about when a dozen people do it at the same time? It can no longer be considered an accident or a coincidence. There is synchronization -- individuals are becoming part of a group and using that coordination to communicate something.
     What are they communicating? Ah, that is a question indeed. About the only answer I can give is "42". Bees join into groups of movement to indicate food supplies and directions and weather and other things vital to the colony. Aliens from other worlds might join to indicate similar things -- so could humans, if desired.
     What about our examples of "clumsy"? What if two people sway to one side at the same time? What if an entire group of people jump up and land in an unexpected way? What if the jerks happen in a series of movement within a group of people -- no longer at the very same time with each person but in a series that is apparent even if not predictable?
     What we can see from this is that movements do not carry inherent worth -- or they all carry inherent worth. While an individual may tune their body to express in ways that are socially recognized as approved movements, the individual movements that are not so approved can still be appreciated when synchronized within a group.
     So, am I clumsy or have I just not found the group to match my wiggles?

Biases and Prejudices: There is a difference

       It is always difficult to choose people on a jury. Every potential juror has a history, education, and daily life which influences th...