I WAS told that the art of communication is best learned through the study of Mass Communication or Journalism.
I believe when men started to socialize, it was inherent in men—educated or otherwise—to be able to communicate.
Native American Indians did it with smoke. Our deaf and mute through sign language. The blind among us are thankful for the discovery of Braille.
A newborn child connects with his mother by crying, then by giggles and chuckles. An autistic child with delayed speech development will try to communicate by pounding his closed fist to show anger and by jumping to manifest joy.
Caveman clobber fellow caveman in anger. An evacuee with drooped shoulders and bowed head manifests devastation. A child made orphan through war suffers great loss and looks up to the heavens for answers. Fishermen whose catch is taken away by Chinese coastguards slap the ocean waters with the paddle to show frustration.
Should I see militant groups marching down a major thoroughfare, and even if they do not say a word, body language is sometimes more powerful than verbal outcry.
There are accepted forms of communication like the judge pounding the gavel. When a nation’s flag is at half-mast or when the flag is inverted, we know the state of the nation. A white flag waved by soldiers means surrender. White smoke signals that a new pope has been installed at the Vatican.
No matter what form of communication, it is important to remain relevant and humane. The internet being the most effective way to communicate should be handled with utmost care. The abuse or misuse of the social media defeats the very essence of sound communication.
By communicating well, we can better understand a situation. Assumption by trying to read people’s mind is not a good start if you are trying to empathize. Sympathy is achieved by being genuine.
Double-talk oftentimes brings confusion. However, “Your God is stupid... “ cannot be given a different interpretation. It was loud and clear. No further clarification is needed. Being combative all the time can never replace patriarchal persuasion to awaken what is perceived to be in a state of doldrums.
In analogy, you do not want to confront or startle a person who just woke up.
The State and the Church could cobble together an agreement to disagree without being disagreeable.