if a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?

on npr the other day they were discussing salons and discussion groups (or conversation circles, or whatever you want to call people who gather to talk about pertinent subjects). it sounded intriguing to me, and something i find myself missing after college - groups of interesting intelligent people to talk with, and plenty of time to do it in. gathering over coffee, over beers, and discussing the state of the world. and whether you prefer anderson valley pale ale to sierra nevada. ;)

during the discussion, a caller called (that doesn't sound right, but you know) to admonish these people for these 'contrived' conversation circles. why, she asked, isn't it like europe where people just sit and talk. on their own. without a talking stick, a meeting time, or a moderator?

i thought about that. why?

the panelists agreed that they wish it would be this way, too. but, unfortunately, people don't seem to have time or energy to bother with such things anymore. they are on fast forward all day, no time to think, let alone talk about anything other than 'yeah, chicken for dinner. with broccoli. can you pick up some ben and jerry's on the way home?'

why did we allow it to get this way? why do people tune out when you bring up a 'touchy' subject, or one in which people don't always see eye to eye on? i love talking, listening, hearing how other people feel, and what caused them to form these opinions, the emotion behind them. sometimes my opinion changes, sometimes not, but i always leave knowing more.

i don't know if there is a way to explain the breakdown of communication - i think it is something that happened slowly over time. i hope it somehow makes its way back into society. if not, i hope i find someplace to live and work where there are exciting, dynamic, interesting people. it's not easy, i know, but it's a hope of mine.

oh, and you can listen to the discussion. (it's toward the end of the program)