The night air was starting to cool around Meredith as she looked around the streets. Everywhere she looked there seemed to be a story being told. She listened to some and others she walked around trying not to disturb the group around them. Tugging at her dress a little she could feel the coolness of the air brushing up against the heat that was pouring from her. Today had been an unforgiving heat wave and she was ready for night time to descend and work it's magic around her.

Stepping here and there she wandered the streets. She was looking for something in particular. The more she walked, the less she could find until eventually she stumbled upon Jack Mezzo's discussion about sketchy members. Finally something she could sink her teeth into. Something with meat and bones and interaction. But wait, the crowd here was small. Meredith blinked as she realized just how small it was.

Turning away from Jack she wandered a little bit away and tried to grab the attention of a few folks around her. In doing so she began to dance to a tune in her own head. One that made her sway and bounce around with an excitement and joy she could hardly muster up after such a disappointment. Noticing heads turn in her direction she flashed them her best smile.

"I see I have gotten your attention now. Perhaps you would care to join me in a bit of a talk?"

Her movements slowed and eventually she was standing with just her hips swaying from side to side. Her dress floating around her.

"You see I am the kind of girl that needs some meat. Something to really chew on and get into. I mean that in a totally innocent way. In our world we have plenty of stories. Plenty to listen to and understand people and what they have been through and where they come from. But our community is lacking.

It is suffering from a lack of discussions. I noticed that the ones that do pop up are so easily buried and forgotten in this day and age. So let me ask you, why is this?

Why are we getting so much more of one thing and so little of another? An era? Have we forgotten how to discuss things among one another that when someone tries to pull something up it falls so easily by the wayside?"

Meredith brushed her blonde locks back from her face and gave such an intense look. She truly wanted to know and it was something that had been bugging her.

"Please tell me how we can draw some life back into talking with one another."

Ciao Meredith, thank you for the hat tip on the members speech. Something I'm keen to get opinions on, however you're right, the appetite is a little dry. 

I've spent a few good hours developing content to talk about here in the streets. I've done this under the impression that the material presently available isn't demanding enough of attention from others, or it's not something that hasn't been seen before. I'm starting to think that there is more to it than just shitty content. 

So, let's try and entice a discussion on discussions. 

Personally, I believe the volume of more physical activities and story telling appearances are partly the cause, as there is only so much content  person can take in within a day. Discussions used to break up this type of content nicely.

I would also ask the question as to if there is some element of concern over speaking out publicly? We seem to be in a time of stable peace and developing relationships, which to me is an ideal time to share opinions and thoughts on what the future could hold.

Or is it not being able to identify the discussion based content among everything else?

I must admit, I find myself putting time into things to talk about these days, simply because I'd love to see more of it. Sharing of opinions and supporting ideas is one of the things which connects people and triggers new relationships. Associates, acquaintances. 

A discussion on discussions... that sounds quite lovely. I've always enjoyed looking at opposite ends of a spectrum, the extremities, to see where we might want to fall. I tend to characterize discussion partakers on those respective fringes as 1) people who say a lot, but others gain very little from it and 2) people who say little, but others gain a lot. 

By the end of this, I think you'll realize this little comment of mine will be fast approaching the first option. Or maybe not?

Anywho, moving on. Recently I have seen a large amount of preplanned RP situations- nothing wrong with that except it discourages random people from joining. I have also recently seen at least one situation in which an open ended event intended to attract other people went over very well, and that not the encouraging of others joining, but the discouraging of discouraging others from joining (implicit as it may be). I'm sure there are those in this community that know quite a lot of people, and float between the branches of our lovely tree of life as a butterfly may. And then there are the newer people, who could perhaps be shy in some aspects, who do not as quickly mingle (as it may be). Those individuals, I know not how many there are and I can only guess, do not feel confident(?), secure(?), interested(?), involved(?) enough to join in those previously scripted discussions. I can understand that, as I feel it's not really my place to intrude upon somebody else's story. 

But then again, maybe it could be. Okay, don't get me wrong, I respect people putting ALL THAT TIME (I mean that's a lot of time) into making some of these stories, but a little chaos can actually develop that story in a good way, a wrench in the works (plot twist!!). All I'm saying is that I'm noticing less and less unscripted RP situations and the converse with the converse. 

Discussion- now back to the original question, theme area, idea. Discussion is a bit different from the posting aspects I think I touched on previously. Discussion, now that is one of the founding elements of a democracy... And I definitely don't wanna to get all politicky right now, but maybe there is a (now-)silent group of people who believe the current regime doesn't wanna hear their bullshit. I guess I can understand that, I've definitely had my own troubles, same with other people, with change. I dun like it. Okay maybe I do. Well it kinda depends, ya know? 

It takes time to adjust to change, whether the change is good or bad. It's especially hard to tell while the change is taking place. What changes are taking place? Heck, I don't get paid enough to make those decisions. 

Another reason could be some people just don't like talkin' philosophy. The deep down thoughts, pondering as to our existence. I don't mind it, I like to think it makes people think. I guess some people just don't like to think. And that's okay. Maybe some people like thinking about why people don't like to think. From the existence of this thread, maybe I could get that as a takeaway. 

Speculation... is a sport in which I both love and hate to partake in. I like being able to predict what's going to happen. It's incredibly empowering when something happens that you called ahead of time. It's also terribly disappointing when things just don't go the way you planned or expected them to. Shit happens. Well, I'm just gonna go ahead and speculate nonetheless and then end with closing remarks. I doubt many will read this far anyway, I mean that's a whole brick and a half of text. 

Much like the constant push and pull of the tide, the community in which we exist will wax and wane. Therefore I'm going to predict (hehe there it is) that we're just going through a little drought, a bit of a low tide. And after a while the tides will turn. What I mean to say is: "this too shall pass." I kinda always liked that line. It's more than likely made it into some pop song by now, but hey, I probably read it somewhere a while ago. We go through things, as individuals, as groups, as a whole. All I can hope is that we take the reigns on this sort of thing, ya know, some carpe diem type stuff. 

This place is what you make of it (Yes, I guess I'll include me in you, even though it's kinda weird to say). If you look back into its history... That's pretty friggin' cool. But what else could happen? 

Here's to keeping the flamin' hot forge of our eternal voices going. Let them echo throughout the night. 

Star listens to the discussions over Meredith's question, worrying her lip with her teeth as she ponders how to address what she wants to say without sounding hackneyed. She, and many like her before, had been around these shores and streets for many years. Often, the same questions and conversations popped up from time to time, just in different ways. Once given her chance to speak, she steps forward to say what's on her mind.

"I'll be honest with you, I enjoy a good debate. Something to really think about and ponder but, I worry sometimes that I am simply just another voice that the same people listen to and others ignore. I was told recently that it didn't matter if I said something about men who come to women and try to get them into bed without anything more than a "hey you look hot!" I was discouraged because, as a woman, I have found that on several occasions my pretty face invites lecherous and unwanted comments. I was told, however, like I said, that speaking up about such a matter would be pointless because it wouldn't stop those people. I would be talking to myself in other words. 

It really made me think and I ended up not giving that speech after all. I stayed silent because, well, it had been discussed before and still it happened. It did something else though, it made me doubt myself. Am I just another person who others will see as "little miss talks too much"? Am I someone who has something valuable to contribute or are my opinions seen as nothing more than a money grab? 

Am I saying that I have nothing to contribute? No, not in the slightest. Am I saying there's no room for discussions on the streets? no not that either. Am I saying that there needs to be an encouragement for both young and old to come and say their peace and be respected for it? YES! I think that is such a valuable thing to be able to have that sort of conversation and, even if you disagree, to be amiable about it. 

Jack, I appreciate your thoughtful discussions. I'll admit, there are times where even I am astonished by your thoughts. You have so much to say and I'll admit I'm often at a loss at what to say. But I am endlessly glad that you continue to ask and debate and start these conversations. They get people thinking which is something this world desperately needs!"

Calimero had been standing nearby listening to what others were saying and taking it in. Eventually so many things had been said from differing viewpoints that he could not piece together something entirely original and decided he would just speak his mind although it may be repetitive at times...

"So, after some time here in America what I have gathered from reading some old journals that friends keep around and that are from a distant relative of mine I've come to a few conclusions which honestly may be completely wrong or somewhat right. When it comes to the streets I do not think that anyone can be completely right since people's discussion activity or lack of it tends to be for many different reasons. I suppose I shall cover what I believe to be a few of them." He paused a moment to take a sip from a glass of water he had carried outside with him.

"I believe that for those who are newer, they tend to bring a discussion to the streets and the responses they get are mixed and usually have a few similar themes to them that are quite discouraging. They include statements of or similar to "Well, I'm old school...." or "Things never change...." or "I know better than you since my bloodline has been around for 30 years..." and these are all things that CAN add experience or wisdom. The problem is that it tends to lead to a thinking of "you're new and don't know anything so you can't be right. Just sit down and shut up." which is quite idiotic since it is all mostly just opinions. People tend to just get stuck in a pattern for what they know and what they've experienced so much of that they are unable to really respect or accept a new way of thinking or acting." Calimero shrugged as he knew that possibly some people might not like his statements.

"I think another reason for lack of discussion is based in the idea that everything has been talked about so why talk about it again? Which I can see some logic in that thought, but I believe that many things we can discuss do change with the leadership that is in power. As they have the power to shape and change how things work. Maybe a discussion actually causes change to happen if enough people voice their concerns or opinions on a matter. I do know that is hopeful thinking, but you never know." He began to stretch as he got deeper into his own speech of sorts.

He looked around at many of the faces that were listening or even ignoring his rambling....

"Lastly, I think that some people who would want to come to the streets and discuss things maybe have TOO strong of opinions that maybe they worry it would get them yelled at or disciplined. Maybe even worse, they'd get shot for saying something that somebody didn't agree with. Whether that is their own Crew Leader or another one who reaches out to theirs. I mean who wants to lose their life and all the hard work they've done just to try to share their opinion? I mean if it is a worthy one then I commend those who do so without regard for their own life. Essentially at the end of the day there are just a multitude of reasons that discussions do not happen. I have probably missed some myself. My overall hope is that maybe we can change some of the things that I've stated so that discussions happen more often in the public's eye rather than just in back rooms, phone calls, and letters being sent around the country. I do like the idea of "Bring Back Your Voice." He chuckled to himself and hoped that maybe this topic would maybe be the start of some more discussions moving forward. 

"I've been thinking about this quite a bit myself, Meredith, and I appreciate you raising the issue here. As I see it, there are three major factors that I've been considering.

The first factor is that, after our society has existed for so long, it's harder to have debates or discussions without feeling like one is traveling over already well charted ground. For those of us who have had generations present in the streets, our inherited journals show just how many times some things have been discussed. I still believe there's value in discussing things again, since there are always new members of our society who could benefit from them, but it may be harder to fill the streets with debates as in the ancient past. 

Ultimately, while this is a small factor that may decrease the number of debates, I don't believe that this by itself would result in these discussions being eliminated, as they can always be spurred by current events and concerns.

The second factor, in my view, is that the streets are much more busy today. To be clear, I do not perceive this as a negative; I think that what we see in the streets- men and women trying to tell the stories of their lives, interacting with each other, growing, and throwing themselves into new challenges as they pursue their goals, is the reason why many people are here. In the bustling streets of our current world, I think it's easier for people to lose track of debates. 

But while this may offer some explanation as to why a discussion doesn't stay in the public consciousness for a truly long time, it doesn't explain why many debates or discussions are totally ignored. I believe that there is enough room on the streets for all sorts of activities, and I don't accept the zero sum view that an increase in one sort of street activity automatically results in the decline of another.

While these first two factors of discussion fatigue over time and busy streets may have some small impact, I think the single biggest factor that has influenced the current trend of waning discussions involves the factor of crewleader influence.

In short, I believe that people tend to follow the lead of those who run our world. In the past, when there were consistent popular lively debates, I would argue that the world had a solid representation of crewleaders who not only valued these discussions and participated in them, but also consciously or unconsciously encouraged their members to do the same. If the leader of your city is consistently making their way into debates, you might do the same to get noticed. But if your crewleader doesn't seem to value debates enough to participate in them, there is less incentive for members to do so.

This is in no way a castigation or negative statement about our current group of crewleaders, but I don't think it's controversial statement to say that, with one or two exceptions, there is less interest in debates coming from our current crop of leaders. Ultimately, I believe that each person/crewleader has the right to follow their individual preferences- to each their own! If our current crewleaders largely prefer other activity to debates or discussions, that's their right to do so. But I do think that this may have had an impact on which activities are more popular and valued in our world. 

So while I don't want my response to boil down to "rank up and do something about it", I believe that the change you're hoping for will occur when current leaders participate more in debates and encourage/expect their members to do so, as well as when those interested in debate and discussion grow to assume more positions of leaderships. 

Smiling now that her original speech was finished (it turned out longer than she thought), Tara addressed some of the other points that were made.

JackMezzo, I think your point about "concern over speaking out publicly" is an interesting one. In the past, that has certainly been a factor that has dampened speaking out. Excuse my potentially imperfect memory, but I can't think of any examples of the current crop of leaders clamping down particularly hard against any potential statements of the street.

In the past, however, I've noticed that sometimes it just one example of someone offering a respectful critique and not get shot to encourage more discussion? 

I heartily agree with you that this sharing of opinions and ideas is an important aspect of our world, and I hope to see it make a return as well.

JoeyGazpacho

Although our business, obviously, is most certainly not a democracy, we can still benefit from elements of the democractic system. By discussing and contemplating ideas and perspectives from others, we improve not only ourselves as individuals, but our society as a whole.

And I agree with you that "we're just going through a little drought". As you said, these things tend to wax and wane.

Star

I think your point regarding worrying about being another voice ignored-or drawing unwanted comments- is a good one. I think that debates and discussions really only work when there's interactivity and actual discussion, rather than a question with multiple, unrelated responses. 

To your points about feeling discouraged, I'm sorry to hear it. I hope that you can find your voice in spite of the unwanted advances, feelings of unimportance, or lack of encouragement. You certainly have my support, and I'll be happy to assist you however I can!

Calimero_DiGrazia

I echoed some similar ideas in my own speech regarding the relationship between time of our society and street speeches. When you through out the idea that "maybe a discussion actually causes change to happen", I couldn't help but think that perhaps the best street speeches are not simply philosophical exercises (those have value as well), but actively advocate for a change that could occur. 

And to your last point about people worried about being shot or disciplined, I don't think that the current crewleaders have done anything to lead people to believe that this is a real concerned. But perhaps this is something that must be actively addressed and permitted, rather than assumed? I'm not sure, but I appreciate your thoughts!

Looking over at GavinAndTaraByrne, Calimero nodded and began to speak...

"Oh, well that was not my intention to infer that it is what currently is happening or that people think that of current leaders. I just believe it is something that has happened in the past when some have spoken out and it will always be in the back of people's minds as they have heard or seen it happen. I also do not believe that anyone has truly come out to the streets and said anything inflammatory or too much in the category of 'challenging what others are doing or saying' which would cause this situation to occur." He paused to gather his last few thoughts.

"I hope that it would never occur and nothing I've seen has pointed to it being something that would occur. I just think it is something that people worry about. It is something that will keep people from making a speech or stating something in response to one where they express strong opinions. Eventually somebody will come out here to the streets and make a statement that could fall into these categories and we'll see what happens. Obviously you have to be respectful as shooting somebody for clear disrespect is different than shooting somebody for calling you out respectfully or disagreeing with you." Calimero tipped his cap towards the well spoken twins out of respect for their prowess with spoken and written word. 

Meredith looked up to see a variety of faces. A smile appeared on her face and she acknowledged each person with a nod.

"Thank you all for coming and taking the time to join me. I do greatly value and appreciate the time and thought put into this topic."

Pausing Meredith watched each person for a moment. Her head moving from one to the other as she collected her thoughts.

"JackMezzo, I am glad to see yourself walking these fine streets. Like you I have noticed that these streets of ours have become more one sided, the story telling side but perhaps you hit on something when you mention not being able to find a discussion. Just the other day someone had pointed out a discussion to me because I had not known it was there. I had not heard the discussion as I was taken into the stories that people were telling.

Perhaps there is only so much we can take in and sometimes things get missed when it becomes lopsided. I would be most pleased to see any topics that you wish to discuss and I would gladly come and discuss them. I believe discussions break up the stories nicely, but they also allow for us to discuss the community. Whether it be plans for the future, or ideas for the future or even just the odd and occasional thing that perhaps someone has noticed and wanted to talk about. These are the things that will help our community to grow. "

Pausing she takes a sip of the bottle she had brought with her. The weather was hot and standing out here wasn't going to make it any cooler.

"JoeyGazpacho, I agree that the stories take time and effort to tell. There are some beautifully written and I would never want to take away from the work put into being a story teller. 

You raise some very valid points. Some people just may not be interested in discussions, they may not feel up to it for whatever reason or they may have a bit of a fear. All of these combined could very well be what is causing our drought in the discussions area. However, would it be fair to say that perhaps the risk is worth it? Perhaps somewhere out there is someone who is most definitely willing to listen to what you have to say. All it takes is one person to listen and find a way to get the ball rolling. I wouldn't call it bullshit that's for sure."

She flashed her biggest smile. Meredith was happy to see so many faces and she couldn't help but wonder what the next idea would hold or bring to the discussion.

"Star, welcome. I am sorry to hear that someone would say that and it would make you doubt yourself. Honestly, even if it had been brought up before I would still like to know that it is happening in our community. Perhaps you don't have to name or shame them but its good to keep your fellow females apprised in such things so that they can prepare themselves. Creeps may be all around us, they may never stop but the thing is, knowing about them and discussing them will prepare other women in managing those said creeps to the best of their abilities.  It is worth saying if it is something you have given a great deal of thought to.

Encouragement for all is certainly something that should be happening. No one young or old should ever feel that they are not worth being heard, because I almost guarantee at least one person more often then not would take something away from what you have to say. Whether it be good or bad. I just would like to see what people are taking away from it. What they have to say about the matters at hand. Acknowledgement is just as important as hearing.

Calimero_DiGrazia, pleasure to have you here with us. Your reasoning is very fair. I do wonder if perhaps those that worry they may take it too far be encouraged to have someone to use as a sounding board. Someone they trust that will say something if they feel its pushing too much into a disrespectful tone. I strongly  believe you should be able to speak up even on the topics you are extremely passionate about but as my line learned many moons ago, you also need to have the ability to say them at the very least civilly without purposely inciting or being rude. Do you think it would be fair to even go so far as to see if there is some way one of the hands or the leader themselves could help in regards to also being sounding boards and/or perhaps teaching better ways of speaking among the streets.

I have never been a fan of discouraging the newer individuals to our community. I find that harsh since new ideas create change and keep things spinning."

Pulling the bottle out again she managed another sip. Another sip as she thought about all that was said. All that could be said and she hoped to see more faces. She'd keep encouraging the people to come and speak to her. It was something she thoroughly enjoyed and she always found something to think about from everyone she encountered.

"GavinAndTaraByrne, great minds perhaps think alike just a little bit? I am glad I could bring something that you were thinking about to the light. You bring to light something I had not thought of.  I had thought of the factors being that perhaps people felt discussions had all been used up or things were just being forgotten. However, I had not thought that people would follow their crew leaders lead in regards to the streets.

That being said, I know many people will respect their crew leaders wishes and commands but never had I thought when it comes to the streets that people may be taking their lead from them. It makes sense though when you brought it up. I wonder if perhaps there is a way to get some leaders more involved in the discussions? A way to pull them in, interest them even? You have certainly given me some food for thought."

Meredith took one more look around her and really gave herself over to wondering how she could inspire more leaders or interest them into her discussion or the discussions of others in our community. As she thought she wondered if she was perhaps missing other things.

Meredith spoke to Calimero bringing up some fair points and good ideas, he stood there for a moment thinking strongly on one specific comment that she made...

Do you think it would be fair to even go so far as to see if there is some way one of the hands or the leader themselves could help in regards to also being sounding boards and/or perhaps teaching better ways of speaking among the streets.

"I believe this is something worthy of consideration and honestly should be worked upon. Leaders and their hands should be a resource for their members in every aspect. If you want your members to represent your crew well, then making sure they are respectful and smart in their choice of words is something that should definitely be taught and guided closely. At least you should make yourself available to be a 'soundboard' as you stated if you don't have the time at that very moment to listen to an entire speech or statement and give feedback." There was some commotion over on the other side of the street that grabbed his attention for a moment.

He then regathered himself and turned his attention back to Meredith and some of the others that had gathered to discuss this topic, "Possibly we will see this sort of organizing and teaching in order to make sure people are not worried about this sort of thing. Making sure people know how to respectfully talk about something they are passionate about in the streets is an important lesson. People who are new to these shores would be welcome to these streets and their ideas and viewpoints are important as things change, so doing whatever we possibly can to promote them being active in the streets would be wonderful."

Calimero was quite enjoying this conversation so far as it was something that needed to be brought back up into the streets every so often to really understand why there might be something that is lacking and possibly how to improve upon it...