If Looks Could Kill - Graphic Art & Design

Thinking in pictures:

Psychologists have been able to classify people into two groups. The first is the ‘pictorial’ type, for whom imagery is the scanning of an actual image and storing it in the brain.

The second type is the “descriptionist”, who do not perceive a picture but the graphic detailed nature of the language stored in the memory bank as an image.

I retain images and impressions, blocks of color, shadow, lighting, composition… but to relay these things verbally… far more difficult. I can’t explain movie plots to save my life, yet I could ramble on over visually stunning elements. ;)

The psychologist in this article says, “Those who are good at, and have the rare gift and facility of, thinking in vivid imagery, may not need to acquire verbal skills.”

However, I see no supporting facts within the article to say that there is no need, just that it requires more effort for these ‘pictorial’ types.

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An article offers tips on nonverbal cues to advance in a business context - some of this is valid, as I’ve played the corporate game - some of it’s just odd.

• Wear pastels to imply trustworthiness.
• Eye contact expectation = 90% in US
• Wear lower heels for equal footing, literally & figuratively

I personally resent the implications of pastels. To me, it says the individual has playful bunny figurines at home. It’s merely a matter of aesthetics, but I suppose the majority rules. “More tea, Polly Prissypants?”

The eye contact level in America is extreme! It used to wig me the fuck out, but then I realized it was all part of a larger game, control, dominance & submission… As the article points out, it’s all very animalistic.

Besides, when most ppl look at you, they’re thinking about themselves anyway, not you. We are an individualistic & self-absorbed society.

The psychology of high heels… that’s a whole other post, but this article would portray it as a signal of weakness, putting oneself off-balance and at a disadvantage. But they look fierce!!! Some could even double as weapons. Not ideal for long hikes, so there is some reality to the overall concept.

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The border between coercion and torture: the after-effects on interrogators

“I never saw a ghost in Abu Ghraib,” he said. “But I saw a ghost last night. It was me.”

They’re not all drones (free signup required) letters tell soldier’s story posthumously

He had just earned a master’s degree at Texas A&M University in Shakespearean literature, but he was too restless for academia.

“September 11th had a profound effect on him. He didn’t want to be there in 20 years talking about the war,” Jennifer said. “He wanted to be making changes in the world, instead of complaining about them.”

I find these particularly fascinating, just no time to elaborate. Well worth the read.

Make no mistake, I still think their president sucks, I didn’t select him either time. However, I feel for the soldiers’ plight.

How individuals interact with others can be revealing of sexual appetites and “promiscuity.” Supposedly, those who are overtly friendly or antagonistic have far more partners.

A bizarre quote from the article:

Patrick Markey says it’s particularly interesting that warm people tend to be promiscuous, because in some ways, it conflicts with the moral thinking that promiscuity is bad.

Warm, friendly ppl participating in an activity thereby makes it good?

Personally, I question who quantified and defined “promiscuity” for this study, their basis for comparison.

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In studies, deriding women caused doubt, lowering the math scores of competent women as they second-guessed themselves. This proved to be true across all people facing stereotypes, even white men.

I firmly believe in this. One must mind the poison that leaves their lips. Further, the bile others expel can affect your potential.

Whether you accept their words or not, they occupy an area of consciousness that could otherwise be focused on enhancing the task at hand.

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This part particularly strikes me:

The essence of a lie implies in fact that the liar actually is in complete possession of the truth which he is hiding. A man does not lie about what he is ignorant of; he does not lie when he spreads an error of which he himself is the dupe; he does not lie when he is mistaken.

from Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre.

It clarifies the mechanics of deceit. Applications are limitless.