THE MEANING MAZE

THE MUTILATION OF MEANING

Childhood memories can be powerfully evocative of varied and specific emotions, some of which have not been experienced for a very long time.

For instance, the games of childhood can be a welcome source of fond memories and nostalgic emotion, or, on the other hand, of memories scarred by anguish. As an example, recall the emotions experienced when another child calls out “let’s choose up sides and start the game”. If one was looked upon favorably for his physical attributes and his skills, then the memory is warm and proud. If one was chosen last, the memory can be one of humiliation and shame. Childhood memories shape “meaning” in later life.

In fact, of course, choosing sides continues throughout life, as we “choose sides” in our social worlds, and we ourselves are “chosen”   .   .   .   or not. As adults, these decisions can be extraordinarily complex, including elements never associated with games in childhood. At other times these decisions do not appear to be complex, even if they ought to be. Choosing our social worlds can be a rapid, simple decision, stripped of thought, full of emotions, and defining of character.

Use the following two photographs to experience the emotions of deciding whom you would rather have on your team.

 Photos:

A group of Jewish partisans in the Rudniki forest, near Vilna, between 1942 and 1944.

Members of the SS (Schutzstaffel; originally Hitler’s body guard, later the elite guard of the Nazi state) parade during a rally. Germany, date uncertain. 

Holocaust Encyclopedia, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Accompanying Music:   

Ludwig van Beethoven    Symphony No. 5,   2. Andante con moto  

Christoph von Dohnányi,    The Cleveland Orchestra    Telarc Digital