Ethnicity

Apparently, I am not truly of this country. Are you sure? Check again. I was born in this country. I have lived here all my life. All personal documents of mine label me of being part of this nation. So are you sure that you have your facts right? I'm just as much a part of this country as you are. If not more.
Race.
One of the most detestable features that the human race has to offer. The constant quest to demoralise people through remarks about there skin/religion/origin.
What these bigots who ramble on in this unpleasant and overall disgusting manner do not seem to realise is that, beneath the surface, we are all the same. Our hearts are all in the same place. So is our stomach, our livers and every other organ in our bodies. We all share the same flaws, and the same advantages. Simply in different ways. So why does it matter whether or not I am of your seemingly perfect expectations?

You don't seem to realise that imperfection is the true perfection.

TRSS

Art is a Taboo

Art Is An Expression Of Ones Self. It Is A Way Many People Show Their True Feelings. Art Varies From Music To Painting. But I Don't Have Time To Cover It All. So I Think I Will Just Stick To Painting. Paintings Come In Colours, Shapes And Sizes. Leonardo Di Vinci Painted When He Was Angry. Not Many Of His Painting Were Found. Mainly Because He Had A Habit Of Destroying Allot Of His Work.

The 'Mona Lisa' Is One Of His Most Popular Pieces. He Started Painting It Around Three Years Before He Died. It Is Believed That The Fascinating Frowning Women Was Leonardo's Ex-Girlfriend. When Leonardo died the 'Mona Lisa' Was Incomplete. We Know This Because In His Notebook He Wrote On The Day Of His Death 'Will Add The Finishing Touches To The 'Mona Lisa' Tomorrow.

WQ

Sex

Apparently its a good thing, and it's also a bad thing. So how can it be both? everyday I witness sexism at my school, it is becoming a trend, and it worries me. We are destroying what our previous generation fought for, sexual equality. I think of myself as a feminist, and I don't agree with sexism but I do agree with sex. It is possible that you may be laughing at that, but why? We laugh because we don't like to think about it, we are nervous and it shines through. If I said to you 'lets have a conversation about sex' there would probably be a long pause, as people would be thinking of how to formulate a conversation on sex, without it being awkward for either party.

I used to laugh at sex, now I don't
and I never thought seism was funny.

JM

Sex

A: I remember when I couldn’t say that word. I can now. Sex, sex, sex, sex. Is that making you uncomfortable? Good now discuss. Well I suppose for (you)

B: Stop

A: why? Am I offending you? Is it the concept or…

B: no.no at least not .at the moment, look, can we  just…. cant we…. Put it off

A: till tomorrow

B: tomorrow

A:  over tea?

B: yes and scones

A: great tomorrow I will discuss sex with you over tea and scones.(…) It wasn’t her fault you know, none can say  she (didn’t try)

B: I know but…….. Look I don’t know what….

A: you could try talking

B Ohhh I’d love to see that you, me, tea, scones, sex and Sharon.

A: look it’ wasn’t your fault you can only really blame him.(…)

B : Tea, scones and sorrow …. And IT, it will be there in the tealeaves.

A: it, the elephant in the room

B: yes tomorrow the elephant it coming to tea.


BD

money,money,money

It runs our world. And we talk. And yet behind the talking there is a missing truth. It's lost. And we regain it. We hope. But without talking. Number. Numbers. All the numbers. Why can't we speak? Because the foundations of our world are based on another one of those virtual things that we believe in. Like a God. When we no longer believe it is lost. I pretend not to care. But when that 50p rolls out my hand that apple juice is no longer mine. It's what we own. And that's where it lies. Secrets. The idea of comparing or realizing what we don't have stops the talking. It stops people moving. It stops us being the same. It leaves the people behind. The ones who don't have a pocket full. If we're nice enough we'll give them some, if we don't have much ourselves or are feeling particularly generous.

H.D

Religion

It's about expressing, but how can I without hurting another? It controls us and yet we have the choice.  We all think so differently. You either believe or you don't, I am in the middle.  If you feel it is right then listen but don't make a show of your religion, nor expect others to believe. A question without an answer is more trying than an answer to it. I listen and I am hungry for more words, stories! But, they're not just what we learn, It's Faith.


LA

No taboo in particular

Just scared. Turning to this thing just because you're frightened of what may happen to you if you don't. I have always wondered if that mattered to anyone in particular. You have my envy. More than anyone else. I'm jealous of your absolute...what? I don't know what it is I'm jealous of. Perhaps it's the fact you don't have to find security in earthly things like me. But I wouldn't understand now, would I? I'm just this. So foul, so tainted with..yes, that word again. I'm sorry you think that about me, I'm sorry I simply can't believe what you do. No I won't take a brochure, it's wasted on me. You don't understand how much I wish I could. I should stop apologising, sorry. You don't want to talk about it? No, that's fine. Sometimes things are better left unsaid.

MM

Sex

They say you should write what you know... So this is awkward.
What makes sex a taboo word? Sex is love, I think- and it's passion or fucking.
Sex is when you look at someone and think 'phwoar'.
Sex is a good thing, it gives us babies.
I admire nuns, they don't have sex.

ED

Sex: The Aftermath

About last night...  

Oh, well this is awkward. 
Yeh, sorry about that. 
Shall i just leave? 
Was it OK?
I didn't expect that. 


Just, forget about it. 
I don't want to talk about it. 


You be the avocado, ill be the banana.  


MH

Religion- Matthew's view

'Religion is the reason for violence' 
No you're wrong. It is why people hold on and carry on their day for. Who are you to say they are wrong. It brings joy to people and their communities. 
'I'm an atheist, there is no God' 
No your wrong, although we don't have proof that there is a higher power, people believe it, it effects them and their actions effect you. Those actions make God. Your argument makes God real. 
Religion is private for a reason. 
A contrast in opinions compels an argument. 
I am not christian or atheist nor any other religion. I don't know what I am. I don't feel the need to label myself and i lack the faith and strength to believe something above myself. 
But i love religion and what it teaches. 
I don't agree with the church about many decisions or views like abortion or stem cell research. But I love our differences. 
I have friends who are highly religious. Christian, Hindu and Atheist.
They are all happy and kind. I have view or opinion on their religion, I just judge them as a person.


MH

Politics

David Cameron is a twat.
Margeret Thatcher is a twat.
Nick Clegg is a twat.
David Cameron is, once again, a twat.

I don't like politicians... incase you hadn't noticed. Well, not all of them. I liked Mo, she was good.

Mainly, well, because the fact is, that they should reperesent the people, and they simply don't. The majority don't understand how most people don't always have money. That people need support, help. They do not.
     And, because they do not, they become immune to the normal ways of life, oblivious to the fact that many families can't afford to sent their children to university. Or to the so called "PUBLIC" schools, which, it must be said are one of the most innappropriately named things in the world. They don't seem to understand how wealth isn't intelligence, how wealth isn't enough.
   So they spend their time, not doing as they should, but instead removing the money out of the working man's pocket and using it to line their own.
     They are immune to the injustices of the world. They're still sending more and more troops into war zones, cutting more and more benifits, stopping children learning, the sick recieving treatment...the poor for leading good lives.
     I'm sure that a lot of politicians started off fresh-faced and willing to save the world, but that clearly turned to shit.
They just don't give a fuck. Fact.

MBS

Religion

Photo courtesy of russelheilland.com

 I don't think it's important what your religion is. Not to anyone but yourself. Or at least; it shouldn't be. Some people make a big deal out of religion. There are those that are extremely atheistic, and in that almost seem to discriminate against those with beliefs. Then there are those who are extremely religious, and not only believe, but pressure others into believing. That's just as bad! I think people can believe whatever they wish to, religion to many makes them feel supported and safe - only a good thing surely? It's when it's used as a tool or an excuse to hurt or to break society's rules and make others uncomfortable or scared, that it is not acceptable. If it helps you - fine, good! But sometimes it goes too far. There is a time and a place for it, but in modern society that place is not the public eye. Sometimes it is in the media, but unfortunately not for the right reasons. Beliefs that cause people to open fire on a school. To hijack an aeroplane. To blow up a building. Things like this make people scared of religion. In our world of political correctness, its place is quickly vanishing.

RB

The Beast Within

Ever since I can remember, injections have scared me.
Really scared me.
Even the mention puts me on edge.
I can't concentrate - can't keep still.
It's not something I can control.
I'm not proud of it.
When I tell people they don't take me seriously.
They scoff.
They say I should relax.
That it doesn't really hurt.
But I wouldn't care if it was the most beautiful feeling in the world.
The gut-wrenching terror would be the same.
It's irrational.
That's why it's called a phobia.
Illogical by definition - only I understand why.
I don't expect any different.
The funny thing is I scare myself.
When confronted with my fear I turn into some primeval version of myself.
Fight or flight.
I don't know what I could do.
I don't feel like myself.
But the scariest thing is that it is me.
It's the beast within.
We all have one - it just takes different things to bring it out.

RB

Science

Science - Contrevercial. Surprising. Constantly evolving. We can't talk about it, people become offended...but why?
Science is the human race, we should accept that. Why is it a taboo? Why do people believe in an obvious myth about a trickster from 2000 years ago? Evolution is clearly the right way of thinking, yet it offends people...my views offend people...Science is subjective...I guess I'm in no place to judge.

TB

Body Image

At least once a day some tells me they are fat. Ironically, they normally aren't. I don't know whether they say it because they seek attention or they truly believe it. Either way, I have given up telling them they aren't. Humans or never satisfied. We always want what someone else has got. Straight hair, nicer clothes, to be taller. Or smaller. I don't know when body image became taboo. Because it didn't used to be. Going back it was a status symbol, what we judged people on before they even opened their mouths. Come to think of it, it still is. So why can't we talk about it? I don't know. It seems stupid. If we all do it, judge people on their appearance, then why can't we talk about it? Because we are afraid. Afraid of our judgments being judged.


HM

Best Man Speech

Smile please Image from Google

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Julie and John, it is a great honour to stand here in front of you today with someone as “SPECIAL” as Julie in the room.

I must say, when John came to me and asked me to be his best man; all I could think of was.... 'well third time lucky', and now I stand here thinking 'well just third time then',

It seems I have put as much effort into this speech as Julie has put into losing weight, so not a lot...

But that’s enough of the polite introductions.

I have known John since we were very small, and he has always dated very “interesting women”, but when he met Julie, I knew it had to be (a joke). I must grant admiration to them though, to how both of them have persevered through life together and how Julie has persevered in not restricting herself to a two digit dress size. Not all girls want to be size 0?

I also admire John's perseverance in struggling to fit both his arms around Julie in every hug they share.

I remember back when Julie was just a size 10, and then the two days after that when she was a size 16...

Anyway, I believe that Julie and John were a match made in heaven, and I really don't want to organize a fourth stag do. Apologies Jeremy about the stripper incident, I did not know she was a man.

And In the words of my ex-girlfriend; “I'm leaving you now”. 

RC

Sex!

"Sex?"

Sex is, well something that we all want, I think?

We're suppose to want it right?

Well,what can I do when I turn 16? Pay taxes, get a moped...

...oh and that thing

Apparently there is a talk, I haven't had it yet.

Sex doesn’t happen to the ugly ones...

I haven't got much more to say.

RC

Religion

Religion is beautiful. Faith gives hope. I wish I had as much faith as you. Religion can hurt, people fight over their faith. What for? To believe is a gift. A gift I have not yet received. I am not religious, I don’t believe, I’m not even sure what it is I’m supposed to believe in. You believe and I envy that, when something goes wrong in your life you turn to your faith and yes I want that to. 

Religion is only a taboo subject when it causes terror and destruction. Most of the time it gives people hope and guidance. To discriminate someone of their religion is to destroy their faith. It destroys their passion and their confidence. It makes them the person they don’t want to be and it makes you the person in the wrong. To take away peoples love and belief toward their religion just increases your envy that you have none because when you believe it always means you have someone there to protect you. Religion provides people with safety and it gives them comfort. Why would you want to take that away? What right do you have to take that away?

SB

Body Image

I was only joking when I told her she looked fat!
She said I want't allowed to, that I broke the rules.

Now that I think about it I don't understand why people care in the first place.
Words can't hurt you.
People just say things for the sake of saying them, just to fill the silence and sometimes they just might take it a bit too far.

GH

History

Things have happened. That's history. Should we talk about it? It's easier to just ignore it. But we can't. We mustn't. You have to address it. How can you ignore it and allow it to happen again?
If you let it linger, it will grow. An idea can become almost anything.
But nothing is new. It has happened before and it will happen again, if we do not learn.
Can I say it? Nazi. Holocaust. Why that word? Can I not say it? It means sacrifice. Is that not okay? Is that appropriate?
Are these things that I can say? Rwanda. Vietnam. Darfur. Slavery. Colonialism. Genocide. Extremism. Hiroshima.
Can I leave it in your hands? Can I trust that it won't happen again?
No.
Because these are all too recent.
Because we have to talk about it.

FM

Ethnicity

You say: I am not from this country
I say: I was born here and I live here
You say: I am not from this country
I say: my ancestors were not from this country. But I am.
You say: Go back to you own country.
I say: This is my country.
You say: Your religion is not accepted in my country.
I say: My religion is accepted in our country but you are refusing to accept me.
I say. You say  I say. You say I say. You say.
Well, this isn't going anywhere is it?


B.H

conversation taboos to follow...

1. Religion

2. Politics
3. Sex
4. Money
5. Ethnicity
6. Art
7. History
8. Science

9. Body Image

DA

the conversation (i wish)

I don't like the way you treat people.
I don't remember when you became so mean.
It's like you don't seem to care, like you have no conscious.
Do you enjoy hurting people? You don't make any sense.

I would like to say all of these things to you but I can't.
I like you anymore but I do, because I know I am meant too.

GH

the shop window

I have a fear of manikins.
I am not sure if it is because they are almost real, almost human.
They are created in order to make us believe they are living.
Who are they fooling?

GH

Fear

There is a fine line between the fearless and the weak. It's a basic survival instinct, it drives us. We can try our best to control it, to over come it. But it's always there, stored in our memories holding us back. It's more than an emotion, it evolves in us, it is part of self.
There is no point trying to hide, fear will always catch you out.

ED

Blub...blub...blub.

I'm scared of being trapped on a sinking ship and I don't know why. Possibly because I watched that film at a very young age or maybe I had a bad experience where I was trapped with water around me. Fear I s a rational thing, I think. I mean when I was younger I was scared that when I awoke from my slumber that my room would be full of water due to the polar ice caps melting, but again this could have come from watching that film... twice. So is it fair to say that fear comes from Hollywood? Or is it just there from birth? The only guarantee'd constant in our life, fear. They say it is there to keep us alive, so it has become a part of us, a sixth sense almost in the way that it can protect us from danger, or scary movies. So with that in mind, those who fear nothing, are they inhuman?
     
I'm also scared of fish hooks, but that one is probably self explanatory. Its sharp and I don't want it in my eye thanks, or anywhere else for that matter.

JM

The green eyed monster

I'm not ashamed to be jealous. It's natural.
In fact, I'd like to think you're jealous of me.

ED

I am.

I want to be successful. I crave it. But I think I could be doing it better. I try to be productive as I learn and live each day, I try to do it well. I strive to be better, I pray that I can.
I want, I crave, I try, I strive, I pray, I am.

ED

Secrets are Bullshit

I don't believe in secrets.
Everyday we get so wrapped up in the drama of our lives acting as though people are going to care if they find out useless information about us, so called secrets.
Technically a secret is only a secret when you're the only one that know it.
Once told, secrets turn to gossip.


ED

to attempt

I am a. No. I am not specified. I am one of those. One of those where I'm not a writer, dancer or musician. I am an all do-er, you could say. An all do-er, minus sport. It keeps me busy. I need busy-ness. But I don't do it well. I am an attempt-er, one of those people attempting at life.

H.D

the weakness within me

No one would know that I fear what I fear. And no one would know how much I fear them. Everyday I pray. Yes, I pray to my God because I fear what will happen if I don't. The things that scare me. They will creep up on me and I will realize it was my fault. Planes.A fear I'm sure many people have. When I am on a flight, my body must go to shit. I sweat, cry and become as dehydrated as a prune. And yet no one knows because I'm scared of the fear. I'm scared of showing the weakness within me.

H.D

To be Afraid of Something

Fear. We all have one. Whether it's a fear of clowns, or cows, or even bacon, we all have something we are afraid of. It could be of someone, or something. Some say that they do not have a fear. But they do. It's a fear of being the same as everyone else, of being human. Or does that make them more human than us? I don't know. But fear can either be our greatest asset, or the one thing that destroys us. It's what causes those terrible conflicts that kill thousands, but it is also the one thing that brings communities together regardless of there different views. There is a single fear we are all aware of, and many others we don't know of. I hope to find out what my overlying fear is one day. Because that's what makes us human.

TRSS

Hold my secrets

I hold them somewhere. Somewhere within me. I've always wanted to know where they are so I could protect that part of my mind. Or soul. They won't last. The secret won't last. We only want secrets so they can be revealed. So that gossip will start and rumors will spread. So that we can have the satisfaction of revealing information that we are privileged to know. We reveal so people can be jealous that we own a secret that they don't. Revealing the secrets we promised to keep to others and most importantly ourselves.   

H.D

Velociraptor

Being scared is natural. It's just instinct; the point of it is self-preservation, to keep you safe. Protect from danger. Some are rational others are not. For example I am personally, petrified of poultry. For the simple reason that they are, biologically, the closest living animal to dinosaurs. Chickens are dinosaurs. Don't get me wrong I don't think that chicken will turn into a T-rex, but I’m still distrustful. Some phobias can be explained others can't, some can be conquered others never will. And most stem form experience. Someone once said "The only thing to fear is fear it's self". I think that's rather simple minded. Whoever it was obviously had not been to the circus or ever gone pot holing. They make us who we are, they are a part of us. But I don't care what you say CHICKENS ARE STILL RELATED TO VELOCIRAPTORS. 


BD

Those 6 little words.

Do you remember when you were younger? And either your mum or dad, according to your gender, their
availability or embarassment levels, would sit you down at the kitchen table, demand that you remove your headphones and say the words. Those 6 little words. The 6 little words that sends a shiver of fear mixed with thrill down the spines of 10-11 year olds. The 6 little words that every child does and does not want to hear. "We need to have a conversation."

Great.


MBS

My only consistency

It is a part of self and the basis of unwanted reality. By running away it brings you closer, suffocating your thoughts and hopes and desires. It is more powerful than happiness because it is constant, always there. It is the fear of fear itself that leaves you alone and the only one afraid. I call it fear because it is real, not being the question of fear but the word. It's what changes and drives us, pushing and pulling us. It is when you are at your lowest and drowns you further. It isn't fear alone but you. Fear itself is useless but paired with self it is invincible. Lack of faith. Fear is the search for help when no one comes, the cloud covering your thoughts, 
and then 
the fear.


LA

My Jealousy

I don’t like birds. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s something silly. To you it probably is. But you must have a fear. It’s what makes us human.

There was a time when I would run away screaming from a tiny bird that I probably knew wouldn’t hurt me. Since then I have grown up. Learned to realise screaming doesn’t solve the issue. What happens when I see a bird then you wonder? Well to be honest I’m not sure. I tend to avoid being in close proximity to them. It’s what one usually does when they fear something.

For now though I think I’ll say that my irrational fear is due to my jealousy. Birds can fly and I would quite like the opportunity.

SB

Quit kidding yourself

When I'm home alone, I always identify the object I would use to defend myself if threatened. I try to tell myself every day that I'm not scared of anything. I never believe what I say. I'm not a very good liar. You there, telling me to get over my fears- Who are you to tell me I can't be afraid? I'm human and I'm scared. I'm scared of stupid things like if that thing I said may or may not have been interpreted in a certain way by a certain person and they might think less of me as a consequence.

MM

Circus dwellers

I do not like the colourful entertainers which wear stupid make-up and baggy pants. 


Today i had a great day, i met some great people and did not stress over silly little things like i normally do. 
It was one of those days which i thought was just, well... great. 
It was not the most perfect day in my lifetime, but it could of been in the top 10. 


'Sorry, what does this have to do with your problem with circus dwellers?' 


Nothing. Nothing at all.


It is not something i enjoy. I've never met someone who achieves pleasure with fear, if you do so, i recommend you go to a mental asylum.


I don't know why i dread the colourful entertainers which wear stupid make-up and baggy pants, but i get along with my life just the same. 


MH 

Just don't die

And watch the world burn.

Image from Deviantart.

Fear is amusing.

To know that from a visual or audible stimulus, you can cause a person pain is fascinating.

The way they cry and whimper at a darkness which they know little of.

I don't have fear. Although some may say otherwise.

Fear is only incited in the instance of possible death.

Thus when you are not scared of dying, you are free of fear.

RC

I fear The Simpsons?

Bee's...What is it about them that makes them scary? The ominous buzzing? The fact that they have a stinger the size of a needle? The colour yellow? All of these are reasons as to why I fear them...To be fair..I'm scared of needles too...But not the Simpsons...Well, not the first 10 seasons, the episodes after that are terrible, but I suppose that's not really a fear. Why is it after a programme runs for a while it becomes incredibly stale? Do the writers get bored and not bother? Maybe it's because the Simpsons is only set in one location and therefore there isn't much more you CAN write...

Did you notice? I went off topic..."Why?" you may ask? Simple! I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT BEES! Would you like to talk about your fear? Yeah, didn't think so!

TB

A conversation

“A conversation! I HAVE to have a conversation with you…It’s not necessarily because I want to, but because I was asked to, simple as that...I shouldn’t really be here. I don’t do well in these conversations. Why must I be forced to talk to you? Because someone told me to? Well actually yes…Sorry…I’m repeating myself…I did say I’m not good at this…I mean, I don’t even really like you, so why must I have to talk to you…I know, I know, because my friend told me to…Right…Um…Do you like football? No, sorry, that’s a terrible way to start a conversation…Right, I’m clearly not very good at this…So, um…I’m going to go now…I’m sorry to hear your mum died…I hope I cheered you up, bye!”

TB

Pholcus Phalangioides / the common crane fly

Insects. They are all, without exception, creepy, sneaky bastards with hidden agendas and too many legs.

Though I know they can't actually do anything to me. And you can tell me as many times as you like that "they're more scared of you than you are of them" - but that won't stop me contemplate moving house if I find a spider in my bath.

And I don't think that's true. That it's more scared of me. I am large, it is tiny; making me a very obvious threat. It is therefore an expectation, a daily peril in the life of any insect; the potential to be crushed by the uncaring foot of man. I personally have never seen a spider run away, all my experiences involve them coming at me, towards me at speed - behaviour not consistent with a frightened creature, but an arrogant, mocking one.

And I know they can't hurt me. I know the worst they could do is fly about in my face a bit or crawl up my ankle - not life threatening. Why the paralysing terror then?

No idea.

I cannot rationalise it. I cannot understand it or attach any logic to it, and so it is magnified, multiplied. It is my inability to find its root which makes it most terrifying.


FM

Falling and big bangs

When we are born, we are afraid of only two things: falling and big bangs. Everything else we pick up along the way. Usually they are developed after a traumatic experience at a young age. Sometimes they are things we have been up with, for me, snakes. I have never really liked them and probably never will. Some we can live with. I don't tend to encounter snakes on a daily basis. Others, however, control people's lives. Androphobia, fear of men, would pose a few problems. I think they are different to phobias. They're more general, like loss or the future. Phobia's are specific and yet not unique. Anyone that says they fear nothing is a liar. Because even if they have no phobias, they will always be afraid of falling and big bangs.


HM

Cows

I have come to the conclusion that a fear of,say, spiders, flies or bees come from a bad experience.


For example,


 I have a fear of cows. 


When I was 4, I was walking my dog, Max, with my mum. We went along a hilly area and there was a cow on the path. 


I decided stroke it. Not a good idea I can tell you now.


The cow headbutted me, and I fell head first down the hill.


At the bottom of the hill was a field of cows, and according to what my mum told me, I screamed so loudly that all the cows ran away.


I have never liked cows since.


WQ

Brick wall

A: I want to be able to talk to people, without there being some kind of language barrier, don't you agree?
B: ... Um sure
A: I hate it when someone doesn't understand what I am saying to them.
B: ...
A: It's like to a brick wall... Its pointless!
B: Brick Wall? I don't...
A: Unless of course there is someone on the other side, I guess that could be ok, a little weird, sure, but ok.
B: I don't know what yo- (cut off)
A: What do you think? Oh err... Whats your name again?
B: What?
A: Name, like err what your called?
B: I err can't speak English very well... What are you saying?
A: (Pause) Brilliant! So all this time I have been talking to a brick wall.
B: What? Brick wall? Err...
A: (Pause) Well this has been pointless! I'm leaving. (Exit A)
B: Oh thank god I'd thought they'd never leave! (looks around and walks off, smiling)

JM

Conversations

You do not own a conversation. At least, I don't. You might but then again you are probably a lot more interesting to talk to and imaginative. I am not. My conversations usually revolve around hello, how are you(?) and did you have a good day(?). But after that I am drawn into listening to how generic person A has hurt generic person B and yadda yadda yadda. And let's face it, I do not want to waste my life listening to that. But it seems, sadly, that we must.
That's probably why I always change the subject as soon as I smell danger...

My conversation

I speak, she speaks, he speaks. I speak, she speaks, he speaks. But is interuppted.

A conversation between friends, it happens everyday. If you have friends.

What are you talking about?

Conversations.

Me to.

A conversation about conversations.

Yes.

I don’t think conversations are necessary.

SB

volume control

Shouting isn't conversing.
You may think it is.
But it just isn't.
      Conversation
implies something two people have mutually agreed to enter into.
I never said you could shout at me. You just do, and I pretend to listen. That is not a conversation.

I miss it
conversing
with you
Before you decided that shouting was the best way of getting your point across.

People who shout shouldn't be listened to, they don't deserve to be heard. It's
the whisperers
you want to listen out for.
They usually have something more interesting to say.

People who shout think that they are exerting some kind of power,
      control
but to me
you just look weak and scared and vulnerable.
All you prove is your lung capacity.
'I admire your vocal cords, they work so hard.'
Shouting does not make you superior.
Your words are no more important than my words. They do not have weight
influence
prestige, or any
consequence, just because you shout them.

Your words are the same as my words
Just in a different order
and louder.


FM

The funny thing is...

I've found that the thing about conversations is that the more you know the person you're talking to, the more interesting the conversation is. As another general rule the more you know them, the less you need to say. Does that mean that conversations are more interesting the less that is said? No, that's probably a false correlation. What I do think we can draw from that is that non-verbal conversations can be as good, if not better, then conventional speaking. Two friends separated in a classroom will happily communicate without any form of speech, using only facial expressions and gestures to get their point across - and often successfully.

Unfortunately many people do not, in my opinion, appreciate the value of silence between friends, where to some there may seem to be an awkward absence of conversation. But even in those moments, thoughts are being conveyed, received and responded to. Isn't that in essence a conversation? Does it need words? No, I believe not. Most of what people say when not with an extremely close friend is skirting around touchy subjects in order to adhere to social niceties in any case - maybe 90% of the thoughts remain silent, within the thinkers consciousness but only expressed through subtle body language.

How many times have you guessed what someone was thinking or feeling purely from their body language? I believe that it too is a form of conversation - indeed for many animals that is the only form of communication that they have. The more disengaged from a person you are, the harder it is to discern anything other then what the sender wants, and allows them-self, to send. There is a closeness in face to face conversation that cannot be gained from any other form of communication, and should be valued, more then I think it currently is.

RB

A few words in edge ways.

A Conversation is the words in edge ways that are always started but are never finished. You get to a point where the same conversation is repeated, and this is why time moves forwards so that the conversation does also. Why I don't ever get bored makes me think because the talking and the voices and the words roll into one, we are unconsciously moving our mouth's without thinking. I can't explain it as this is not the conversation and while I know it isn't directed at anybody, when you hear this it will become one. The conversation is like a spiral of language and unrequited words that we just don't understand yet, and when we do find out, then that will be the beginning of the conversation.


LA

Say what we ought, not what we think

We only ever have half a conversation. Never is one whole, as the majority of what has been said is irrelevant and what has not been said it was you wanted to talk about in the first place. Never is it whole because, we never make it. We could be honest tell them that you don’t like that film or that really their bum looks massive in that dress, but no, we soldier on, regardless. Half speaking half thinking. The realisation comes when you think, “what was I talking about to that girl I don’t really know”. Nothing, Just noise, noise to fill the void. I suppose that really, that’s what conversation is, Just Noise.  

BD

1 sided

I'm not sure I want to be your friend anymore.

I'm not even sure we are anyway. But I want to let you know. Those hugs I give you. Thats not real. A real hug doesn't go like that. Life doesn't go like that. It's got to the point. That point when I ask who you are to me. You are there, is the answer. Always there. Pretending to be my friend. But what can I tell you? How my day has gone, perhaps? How much I loved the Weetabix I had for breakfast, or how badly I did in that English exam when I know I aced it? This is the reality of it all. You probably feel the same. Yes. I'm always there too. I'm as significant to you as you are to me. I guess we just haven't seen each others' light. A bit in the dark maybe. Or just in the pitch black. It always feels like a 1 sided conversation. 1 mind. 1 voice. And that is the extent.

There is no future in this.

HD

What is a conversation

What is a conversation?
A conversation is a communication.
I love conversations.
I am a living conversation.
Whatever I do is a conversation.
When i talk I am expressing something to another.
When I yawn I am showing that i am tired.
Some conversations are just to waste time and you son't actually care.
You can have conversations in so many different ways.
Verbally, facially, signing, texting..
My personal favourite is verbally.
Have you ever wondered? I know I have.
Is sign language, a language? I understand that you're getting something across but you're not actually talking? 
Are you?


BH

A conversation for some actors. Or something

B: I've never seen so many.
A: So many..?
B: So many words, it's weird to see them all written down. For us to say, I suppose.
A: Do you know what would be really good? If someone wrote down all of the words and what they meant. I would pay good money for that. Well, I would pay money for that.
(Pause)
A: Did you mean that?
B: What?
A: When you said that you've never seen so many words.
B: No, I was lying.
(A looks at B)
B: Yes, the one thing I wanted to keep from you is that I have seen a whole lot of words. You caught me.
A: You really are...just...
B: Do you need some words? I have plenty...Let's start with 'A'; Archipelago or Archipelago depending on your preference. Ape. Ambitious. Alien. Alveoli..
A: Stop it.
B: I was helping. (Pause) With my words.
A: Mocking me with your words.
B: I have plenty more. We haven't even scratched the surface of 'A'
A: Will you give it a rest?
B: Aardvark is the first word.


MM

That moment when

I'm broken.
Image from Dornob.com

That moment when you realise you cant do anything.

When you realise there will always be someone better than you.

Music is their thing, not yours.

Art is their thing, not yours.

Poetry is their thing, not yours.

They can dance, you cannot.

Are you a person if your are not different or better?

What can you offer!

What can you bring!

Why should we listen to you when Dave could say the same?

What use are you?

You make your own use.

But what use?

The only thing you can do is end it all,

but then again only you can stop yourself.

At what reward.

RC

Awkwardly shouting

A language barrier stunts conversation. Awkwardly shouting at one another, hoping that if you are loud enough they will understand, seems to be the best thing to do. For that reason I can see why people holiday in Britain. But learning a foreign language is exciting. It doesn't even have to be foreign, I remember being excited when I first learnt to text. There's something quite peaceful about not knowing what someone is saying. Of course some people hate it, and desperately try to understand. Languages unlock doors for conversations with people you never thought you could even say hello too. I think that's why we learn languages; to fill the awkward silences with conversation instead of shouting. 


HM

Understanding

I talk.

You listen.

You talk.

I listen. 

I don't have anything more to say about that. 

We look.
We walk.


I talk.
I listen.
I talk to myself.


Nonsense. 


MH