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| Contrived Speeches. | Started by: Octavius on Dec 13, '07 08:07 |
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For as long as I've remembered, and probably for quite a while before that too since my memory isn't all that special, contrived speeches have been a part of La Cosa Nostra. At times, it gets to the stage where the contrived speech seems to be almost a rite of passage for anyone eager to be a Leader of some description, at least from my perspective. I shall sidetrack for a moment to shed some light on the issue for those who are unaware what a contrived speech is. If I come across as arrogant and condescending just now, then my apologies. A contrived speech, by my definition at least, is a speech with an alterior motive; normally that alterior motive is to boost one's own reputation for the purpose of auth. That being said though, what doesn't qualify as contrived? After all, a speech written by someone who's already a Leader, or has no desire for the position of power, could also be construed as contrived...the alterior motive being to boost one's own activity, or the activity of the streets as a whole. Rarely is a speech written just to inform or to entertain, street activity and presence is almost always there as an underlying factor, but I feel I'm splitting hairs a tad. Let's get back to my original, and the 'standard', intepretation of a contrived speech. Over the years, the writers of contrived speeches have been pilloried, and the subject matter overlooked, on the basis that it's only been written for once purpose. Is this really such a bad thing, when the bigger picture is observed? There's a potential leader, who is hungry for the opportunity to be given a chance, so he has decided to be proactive and come to the streets in an effort to showcase his literary talents; is that a bad thing? Is it a bad thing that street activity is being increased and promoted, however shallow the motive? I think not, but I suppose it's all subjective. Finally, was I writing this speech to illustrate a point and try to inform you all, or was it merely an exercise in ingenuity? |
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This is one of those brain twister speeches? I see what your getting at, i undertstand you dont fall on either side of the fence, meaning you dont disagree with this behaviour, your simpily pointing it out. But its an awfull circle this reputation thing. Would be leaders are damned if they do, then damned if they dont, what choice does anyone have in our line of work? We must strive to improve ourselfs and our reputation. What actions on the way to the top are not contrived? I guess you could put that lable on most actions around here. But being a little subtle or consistent would be nice for some up and coming hopefulls. |
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| Reply by: InSideOut at Dec 13, '07 08:37 | |
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Indeed it is a label that can be stuck onto many of our actions. After all, I'm a Mobster, not a philanthropist, as both a Sotto Capo and as a regular member, the actions I do are foremost to benefit my family, then myself, and lastly, the community. So I guess you could say all my actions have alterior motives; although that'd be quite pedantic. |
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| Reply by: Octavius at Dec 13, '07 08:43 | |
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| Indeed we are very contrived in our line of buisness, appart from me of course. I dont even know what alternative motive is! | |
| Reply by: InSideOut at Dec 13, '07 10:57 | |
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"Everyone has an ulterior motive for everything they do, in some way or another. Whether it is to entertain, to inform, to buck for auth, or just to fluff their own ego. I don't think any of those are bad reasons for speaking, they are just reasons. In general though, people speak because they want to share their own opinion, give their own viewpoint on a speech or situation. People speaking just for the sake of it are fine, as long as they do it properly. Speak, and listen. I hate people who make a speech, then just wander off and never bother listening to the replies. Those people annoy me greatly." *Slevin's nostrils flare slightly, as he thinks of those who anger him.* |
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| Reply by: Slevin_Kelevra at Dec 14, '07 18:44 | |
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Yep. Some guy said "Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens." I forget who said it, in fact, that might not even be the actual quote, guess I should've listened more closely. Oh right, fuck. But yes, we're not all saintly philanthropists; in fact, I don't think any of us are. Personally, my motives for speaking are to try and inspire some debates, see what people's viewpoints are on any given topic, my thrist for knowledge rivals my first for power...um...ade? Yeah. Powerade, I'll put a patent on that. I admit, I usually sit on the fence with a lot of my speeches, but occasionally I'll feel extremely passionately about something and generally come down hard on a particular side of the aforementioned fence. Looking back, I realise I've said little which is relavent to my original rantings, but in a way, I did. |
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| Reply by: Octavius at Dec 14, '07 20:20 | |
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"Motives, hmm, nothing to do with Tallien's prize, of course..." *Slevin gives a wink, and lets off a light chuckle.* |
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| Reply by: Slevin_Kelevra at Dec 14, '07 21:29 | |
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| I'm afraid not. Though I would love to reap the rewards, I fear it would be unscrupulous of me to claim it were I to win, given my family's close links with City Hall. | |
| Reply by: Octavius at Dec 14, '07 21:31 | |
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*Rubbing his chin, Slevin raises an eyebrow, and ponders a moment.* "Unscrupulous... Hmm. Isn't that us all over? As mafioso, I mean." |
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| Reply by: Slevin_Kelevra at Dec 14, '07 21:32 | |
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Ah, yet another topic od debate. Yes. Unscrupulous, I'd say that's a word which generally suits us and most of our activities down to the ground. Perhaps I should've phrased more eloquently. Personally, I'd have no moral qualms in taking huge loads of cash off Taliien should he choose to throw it in my direction, but perhaps the good people of La Cosa Nostra would begin to talk, no? |
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| Reply by: Octavius at Dec 14, '07 21:47 | |
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"Do they not always? Talk, I mean..." *Slevin gave a knowing wink.* |
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| Reply by: Slevin_Kelevra at Dec 14, '07 21:49 | |
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One would assume as much, would they not? Yet sadly, that doesn't always seem to be the case these days. |
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| Reply by: Octavius at Dec 14, '07 21:51 | |
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| "If it is true that people only talk when they have something to say, then perhaps it is safe to assume that at least 50% of the population have undergone a frontal labotomy recently?" | |
| Reply by: Slevin_Kelevra at Dec 14, '07 21:55 | |
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