“Welcome! Welcome, welcome.” I can’t say that without thinking of Effie Trinket from the Hunger Games. Such an iconic character, one of those many writers would hope to create for themselves. If you’ve seen the movies, you can’t help but relive the first appearance of Effie. Elizabeth Banks brought her to life in such a way that she is every much a part of the structure of that series as is Katniss.
There is a point to the previous paragraph and that is, of course, that words are powerful. They give meaning. They create context. They stimulate. They ignite the imagination. The mere mention of a few words can draw a picture within the mind. I’ve covered this in my previous blog, but it’s something which I return to because speech, words, and their power are subjects which have become quite important of late.
I could have gone in several directions with that opening paragraph. It could have touched off a conversation about the importance of character development. It could have talked about how iconic characters make their way into our society. I might have chosen to do a review of the Hunger Games Series, but rather I chose to speak to the image that those few words could draw, inspire, or release within our minds.
Take for example the words of a commercial. “What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” Those few words might have you humming a tune for the rest of the day or even get it captured in your mind in a loop until you reached a point of frustration. “Oh, say can you see…” might have you finishing the song if you’re among those who know the words. “Yesterday, December seventh, nineteen-forty-one…” might remind you of an era, and some might even be able to recite a portion of the speech. “I have a dream…” and “Ask not what your country can do for you…” could stir something deep within you.
It’s been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I’d say that a few words can stir a thousand pictures, which run in streams within our minds. “Nine-eleven,” might set off a kaleidoscope of images – news clips and pictures flashing through the mind — some may wish to have never experienced, and another generation may have only seen in a historical context. “One small step for man…” may project the image of a grainy black and white video or the image of a boot print in the dust of the moon. “Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow…” may generate images of peace and comfort. “It was the best of times…” could take you to another place and time. “My name is Forrest Gump” may bring to mind a lovable character on a park bench.
The point is words have an impact upon us. They can express our deepest feelings and beliefs. They can takes us to places within our imagination. They can sooth our troubled souls. They can stir us to action. They can remind us of a time gone by.
Welcome to this place which chooses to celebrate the importance of words. Welcome to my blog. I have archived articles of the previous blog if you’d like to peruse them. Otherwise, stay with me. There’s more to come.
