We probe William’s fears in this episode, and see what makes him tick. We also wait twenty minutes to start the episode. And as a bonus, we discuss the VVitch! Enjoy!
QUESTIONS:
You’re having lunch with three people whom you respect and value. They start criticizing one of your close friends without knowing that they are close to you. Their criticism is unjust and offensive. What would you do? –Cawfee
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I wonder if one thing that’s happening when people say one thing and then it turns out that they want the opposite is not that they always meant the opposite but that they’re ambivalent and aren’t aware that they are. And they don’t become aware of their ambivalence even when the ambivalence has shifted to the other side–in fact, they’ll believe that they always felt the way they do in the present. I think I see that a lot. It seems to be a way the brain works that people have an underlying belief in their own consistency. Plus Western culture has a strong foundation in the idea of a unified self.
I had really bad stage fright when I was growing up. At piano recitals, my hands would shake so hard that I really couldn’t play. I think it got better as I’ve had a lot of practice being up in front of people as a teacher. Also playing taiko (Japanese drumming) now, I’m always playing in a group and that seems to eliminate it for the most part. Doing things solo though is sometimes still pretty hard. When I took karate 10-15 years ago and did sequences in front of judges at tournaments, my hands and feet would go numb–not great for karate. It does seem like my body is in rebellion against performing since the effects match up with what would screw up the performance the most.
And I have learned from experience with taiko, that the audience really can’t tell most of the time when there’s a mistake–unless the performer indicates it by grimacing or shaking their head or whatever. So I work on smiling even more when I’ve goofed up and that helps me to get through and focus on what I’m doing rather than on the fact that I made a mistake.
You do taiko? Very nice! I’ve listened to and watched a number of taiko performances (never in person unfortunately). There’s something truly wonderful about the rhythms/sound of taiko. Not being a music/audio person, not sure how to better explain it. 🙂
I forgot to mention that my wife and I play-tested Dave of Id’s RPG last Saturday. It was awesome.
🙂
What makes Yes Minister such compelling viewing, even 30 years later, is that all the politics are still relevant. There’s one about the UK and the EU, about funding to the NHS, etc. In the current Conservative leadership battle, someone just had private comments published, and for that we have an episode about always assuming every microphone is live.
Incidentally, if you like old British shows and politics, I’d highly recommend the original House of Cards series.
My folks have been pushing the British House of Cards for… well, much longer than the American one has been around. I’ll get to it… probably. 🙂
First off, I feel obligated to point out my wife bought me this t-shirt to show off my spirit animal.
Yup, people suck but persons can be acceptable.
Stage Fright: I can totally relate to this. I’ve never been comfortable with any sort of public speaking, performance arts, etc. Last year I even got a taste of why I don’t like these things. For work, I had to co-present a panel at a user conference. I’m told I did fine but the entire time I could barely hear as my heart was beating so loud and my fight/flight instincts were cranked to max settings. *shudder*
Tony’s book: Woo!
Cawfee’s question: A close friend? Hell yeah, then I’d interrupt and defend my friend. If I truly respect/value the people doing the criticizing and will have, or want, to interact with these people later; then I’ll probably try to be diplomatic about it.