"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Do you want to play?

You fill in the blank.

7 comments:

AfKaP said...

Sweet? (You did not say where the blank was, ( Dorothy).

neroli said...

It's an open-ended icon. I have really been interested in visual icons, iconic language, and the perfusion between the two. Can one component, say, words, be more flexible within the context of the image?
If so, where does one draw the line that marks where the words no longer are part of the built-in meaning of the visual imagery?
Is there even such a thing?
Asking any takers to fill in the blank, wherever they might perceive the blank to be, helps me to think about these questions.
And "The Wizard of Oz" is just replete with all manner of iconic imagery and language for me. (Sighing happily)

I have lots of neckties said...

SURRENDER...all buckets of water to security guard before entering witch's castle.

neroli said...

Dear Lots Of, we've missed you!

I have lots of neckties said...

SURRENDER...the Ruby Slippers, Dorothy. Oh, yes, I'm still going to kill you, but at least I'll get what I want sooner!

neroli said...

Lots Of,
Is that like having your cakeand eating it too?

I have lots of neckties said...

Yes, from where the Wicked Witch stands at least, it's definitely like that "cake" proverb. It's a bit different from where Dorothy's standing, of course. There, it's a lot like another old proverb: "You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't."

Let's give the kid from Kansas a chance to fill in the blank:

SURRENDER...? I think not! Glinda told me to hold tight inside these shoes! What say you, Scarecrow?