Discourse

When I talk about definitions, I think it is important.  For me, at least.

A discourse – a conversation, talk. (apart from other meanings).

Origin: Latin dis – in different directions + currere – run.

An example?  Oh, my goodness!  I often listen to the songs on the www.youtube.com.  And how many times I had encountered absolutely insane conversations!  Most of the time I just don’t even pay attention to what is there.  But once I was asked whether I am aware of the discussions under the clips.  Then I sort of started paying attention.

I picked a clip teaching beginners’ steps for Salsa.  And a discourse jewel on top.  Here it is – a priceless example of meanness and creativity.  And one of the participants had a good point, when he mentioned the importance of definitions.

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Participant 1:

Following your line of thinking, Spanish is actually a retarded deformation of Latin and Arabic.

Notwithstanding the fact that you are unaware of the definition of the words:

1) retarded

2) language

3) dialect

the fact remains that you are neither intelligent, nor insightful, nor useful as a human being. I hereby order you, in the name of the survival of the species, to cease existing immediately.

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I was just wondering what drives those conversations.  Some people would say anger.  But I am beginning to think that it is pure loneliness.  Maybe both.

Quotes on Discourse:

1. “All discourses but my own afflict me; they seem harsh, impertinent, and irksome”

(Ben Jonson)

 

2. “Of our thinking it is but the upper surface that we shape into articulate thought; underneath the region of argument and conscious discourse lies the region of meditation.”

(Thomas Carlyle)

 

3. “It’s our tendency to approach every problem as if it were a fight between two sides. We see it in headlines that are always using metaphors for war. It’s a general atmosphere of animosity and contention that has taken over our public discourse.”

(Deborah Tannen)

4. “The only privilege literature deserves – and this privilege it requires in order to exist – is the privilege of being in the arena of discourse, the place where the struggle of our languages can be acted out.”

(Salman Rushdie)

 

5. “Discourse may want an animated “No”

 

To brush the surface, and to make it flow;

 

But still remember, if you mean to please,

 

To press your point with modesty and ease.”

(William Cowper)

 

6. “The failures of the press have contributed immensely to the emergence of a talk-show nation, in which public discourse is reduced to ranting and raving and posturing.”

(Carl Bernstein)

From: Capricorn 1144>
Subject: RE: An Answer
To: Halloween Girl 42
Received: Saturday, June 27, 2009, 2:00 PM

Well now, angry are we?

I won’t run on like you to defend my positions that you have attacked.  Your response just shows the type of person I thought you might be, which is what I picked up on from you.

For you to actually strike back with such emotion tells me you are not happy and very much in need to find a better place.  The fact that you repeatedly stated that you could not care less, well that is just your defensive side.

Above all, you could have just not responded at all (like my advice to you about unfavourable Lava men), OR simply taken a more graceful route by simply saying a few words and perhaps good luck.  

You did not so this, which is a symtom for you to reflect on and look inside yourself to know this is not a positive atribute to show.

Fact is, nothing you said rings true in my world as I am in a transiant place, have some friends to hang with, and have no shortage of mid 30’s smart, attractive women to date who are looking for quality over quantity.  2nd, 3rd dates are more common than you think for me…..and I am going on one tonight.  

If you value your integrity, no further response is neccessary or needed.  Your words mean nothing to me, so save them.  Good luck with your career path and future.

Capricorn

Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:26:35 -0700
From: Halloween Girl 42
Subject: RE: An Answer
To: Capricorn 1144=

Last Reply from Capricorn1144

Say what you will, but your previous response already shows your anger.

Too late to change that now.

Material for your book?  

I will keep your email reply for the record in case you do mention my name in vain.  Regardless, you need to move on and not bother wasting your time with me as we are not a good social match. 

It is funny that you now come to the surface about “unknowingly” suggesting that you have good material for a book.  Nothing happened and your responsibility for whatever you think happened has not been addressed, so taking something that is not real and didn’t happen is fiction.  

Any further attempts to contact me will just show how you don’t respect another’s point of view.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT ME ANY FURTHER

“It is our job to state our thoughts and feelings clearly and to make responsible decisions that are congruent with our values and beliefs. It is not our job to make another person think and feel the way we do or the way we want them to.”  – Harriet Goldhor lerner (1985)

“Anybody can get angry… that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree and at the right time, and the right purpose.. that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” Aristotle