I’m just going to come right out and say it: we SCAD Atlanta artists seem to have a communication problem. I don’t know if it’s because we lean toward introversion. I don’t know if it’s because we rely solely on expression through our art. All I know is that we don’t seem to like using our actual vocal chords to emit coherent, audible sounds.
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In workshops and seminars, we stare in silence as the guest speaker encourages open dialogue. At the Hub, we avoid eye contact and do all we can to stifle a response when someone outside of our circle of friends greets us. When one of us walks into the computer lab at Spring House, the rest of us look up like “Children of the Corn” from our mainframes, regard the newcomer with vacancy in our eyes and then resume our keyboard pecking.We do, however, hold very loud conversations on our cell phones in the library.
The deafening silence does not only stop with our current crop of students. Sometimes we receive important emails on registration, upcoming events or safety concerns after the fact or not at all. No one, including the shuttle drivers, seems to know the schedule for the shuttle trips to our various satellite sites. Earlier in the quarter, the issuance of our parking pass decals remained a mystery even to those working in the Student Success Center
Why don’t we talk to each other? Is this supposed to be our silent haven from all the noise of our live-out-loud society? Do we fear being misunderstood? Do we fear being offensive? Do we not like the sound of our own voices? What is the issue?
If we can’t communicate with each other here in this safe place of academia and aspiration, how are we going to function outside in our wild, wild world? I worry about us. I worry about myself. I came to SCAD Atlanta to practice my speech, to be heard and to hear everyone else. I think we have something worthwhile to say. I think we have relevant questions and we deserve relevant answers. Sure, writing is my primary vehicle but I also have a speaking voice. I know the rest of us do too. Thus I proclaim in a written plea, let’s hear each other. Let’s not be afraid to speak. Pretty please?