Klarinet Archive - Posting 001314.txt from 2000/12

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: [kl] Pot Shots vs. Negative (was technique vs. music)
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 12:26:28 -0500

At 08:15 AM 12/29/2000 -0800, you wrote:
> > .............................to this negative stuff again.
>
>Is it negative? Or it just the occasional pot shot at an issue and
>a question with no definitive answer?
>
>-- Neil

Neil -

Assuming you know that my last post was not addressing your postings.....

I think the latter - mostly because of assertion of one way to do
things. Everyone has a mission in life - and everyone believes strongly in
something. But realization of a goal can be attained in many ways - and to
constantly say things like, "you are wrong" or "your argument is dead"
means that, rather than three dimensional thinking occurring, two
dimensional - or in some cases - only one dimensional thinking is
dominant. This makes for a limited discussion - more arguing on the part
of the limited thinker and less perception from this kind of person who
cannot perceive or understand issues from several sides.

Then there is the very negative problem of inserting vulgarity and insults
into a discussion because there is no other way to discuss. If you ever
watch children interact on a playground (or even in my home!!!!), you will
see that when they get to the limits of their capability in discussion,
they begin to call each other names, assert they are right or simply walk
away trying to get the last word. There is a boy next door, age 6, who
plays with my 10-year-old. His father left his mother (a really great
looking and nice lady by the way) for a sleeze on the other side of town,
and the divorce has caused this otherwise nice boy to react
inappropriately. - probably due to insecurity from the divorce. This is a
simple, single example from an infinite number of examples that represents
the most basic of psychological positions - insecurity in oneself breeds
either frustration with others or contempt for oneself and, eventually, for
others. Contempt then manifests itself in some common ways - assertion of
absolutes (not always - just as a pattern), name calling, use of
vulgarities to make a point, etc. But it all comes from the same issue -
insecurity with oneself and inability to articulate beyond a single idea or
group of ideas with a mutual starting point. Such an individual can appear
witty and funny - interesting and informative - until the secure position
he/she is arguing from is challenged in some way. Then - watch out! The
true debater/arguer is one who can look at all sides - recognize what is
actually being said (and why), understand that it often supports their
position, and debate/argue from that standpoint. In this realm, it ceases
to BE an argument or debate, and it becomes a mutual discussion from which
both parties contribute and benefit. If one approaches discussion from the
standpoint of argument (win or lose - thus, "you are wrong" or "your
arguement is dead"), it means that their goal is not to contribute
mutually, it is to dominate and force learning. Discussion (as opposed to
argument) never really needs to degenerate to name calling and "you are
wrong so I'm not going to discuss it......" or (worse), "I refuse to
discuss it at all.........." (implying total inability to comprehend or ego
that dominates sensibility to the point of complete anger). Discussion is
a civilized behavior that can result in some excellent results - and is a
basis for great teaching and learning. Argument (even argument with
so-called pre-determined rules) is uncivilized behavior that can result in
(sometimes) superior understanding - but at a cost - and often falling
short of the intended goal - usually reversing the possibility of being
understood. Probability and outcome studies show that those who argue
often and from a point of "you are wrong" know huge numbers of people but
are without true friends - rather, they have people they refer to as their
good friends, are name droppers, and attain positions of prominence, but
they fail to truly impact on the world around them in any significant
way. Further, even though they don't realize it, the people they call
friends might not return the favor. Thus, they remain possible movers and
shakers who never fully realize their potential.

There are lots of cool books written on this subject (I really enjoyed my
psychology classes - both in undergraduate and graduate school), but I
don't really want to get into a discussion of those titles, theories,
etc. I'm just responding to your question - which I wonder now if it was
leading? If it was, you did a good job of pushing my button.......bravo!!

Now - back to the mini-lathe I received for Christmas - and the baton shaft
I am making from a nice piece of maple. I've broken four and am close on
the fifth. Turning wood is, perhaps, the most challenging woodwork to date
for me. But it is peaceful and takes my mind away from the occasional
people distractions that cause so many bad feelings in the
world. But.....I digress.

4" of new snow today - fun, fun, fun!!!

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Advisor, IWU Recording Services
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

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