“The medium is the message” is a phrase coined by the communication theorist Marshall McLuhan. It pretty much means that the medium through which we choose to communicate holds as much, if not more, value than the message itself. I began to think of this quote last night after having a conversation with Jasmine, my wife.
Jasmine told me that she has been enjoying my blog posts. She described how she likes how I express my thoughts and ideas on this blog. She even said she is learning new things about me from this blog. That’s crazy because Jasmine and I talk all day everyday. If we aren’t talking face-to-face, we are on Facetime, if not Facetime, we are texting, if we are not texting, we are sending each other random things on social media and talking in each other’s DMs.
A lot of things that I write on this blog are feelings and ideas that I have already expressed with Jasmine. It is a completely new medium for us to communicate so maybe things hit differently for her via blog. That’s very understandable. It’s also something for me to keep in mind. I think we should always be more conscious of which medium we chose to communicate with somebody. It can help with misunderstandings.
A lot of times we try to communicate with others, but there is a disconnection because we are using the wrong medium. Maybe you shouldn’t text that person ” I am sorry”. A phone call or even in-person might be more efficient. A handwritten “thank you” note might be better than an Email. Sometimes a “happy birthday” via Facebook doesn’t feel as meaningful as a text message, or even a DM (or a card in the mail, if you’re old school). When I proposed to Jasmine, I asked her in person, but I also incorporated a video. Sometimes words are just not enough.
You might have feelings and ideas inside of you, but haven’t found the right medium to get them out yet. Maybe you should start a blog, or write a book, or a movie, or song. No matter what medium you chose, just get it out there.
And if you’re reading this, Jasmine. Thank you for always encouraging me to pursue my ideas. Thanks for believing in me and helping me in whatever I do. Thanks for being my first blog subscriber also. You enjoying my blogs makes me the happiest man in the world. I love you.
FLY, BLACK BOY 