Choose your Metaphor (Part 2)

‘The headlines describes the failures of mankind. The sports page describes the success of mankind.’ ~ Unknown

Film

Everybody loves a good story, and Hollywood and filmmakers have endeavored to do just that – create stories that filmgoers connect with. Most of us enjoy a happy ending, unless it is a biopic. They say that art imitates life. Many films use the device ‘based on a true story’ or ‘inspired from actual events’. Conspiracy theories are also popular in a post-Orwellian and post-X-Files era. Whodunits have their fan-base, as do Disney-funded stories of underdogs.

Many great leadership lines can be spouted from films, especially treatises of famous people. Most biographical epics (biopics) can extend as long as 3 hours, and more. You will need patience and a good night’s sleep to fully immerse yourself in the story.

Language patterns derived from film include: acting- (as in acting-manager), play a part, roles, cast, directed, staged, main players, scripts, scripted, rehearsals, and audiences. These terms are used in management science, human resource and marketing.

Family

The core of all of us is our family, and what’s familiar to us. Founder of Conjoint-Family Therapy, Virginia Satir said that our biggest instinct is that for/of the familiar. We need to know. Not knowing can be threatening. Of course, humankind’s second instinct is survival.

Family values are highly valued for they form the foundation of character building. Moral education and ethics are founded on the family unit, its dysfunctionality, customs and tradition.

Language of family that has penetrated our working vocabulary includes: care, concern, consideration, generosity, morals, relationships, family dynamics, family, sibling rivalry, politics, and expectations.

Previous interviews with parents in this blog involved these language patterns and values. Do read them for insights.