How Subtext Creates Delusion -- Why We Should Pick Other Communication Approaches
Updated: Jul 3
Synopsis by Mr. Chris Kingsley and Mr. Joseph Bright
The article "How Subtext Creates Delusion -- Why We Should Pick Other Communication Approaches" critiques the use of subtext in communication, emphasizing the importance of clarity and directness.
The article provides a clear thesis and purpose, arguing that subtext can lead to misunderstandings and delusion, and direct communication is a more effective alternative.
The article highlights potential pitfalls of subtext, such as misinterpretations, missed cues, and unchecked biases. It emphasizes empathy and compassion, underscoring the ethical dimension of communication.
Introduction: The Murky Waters of Subetext
Subtext, an unspoken layer of meaning beneath the surface of words, can be a source of frustration for anyone. As a man that prefers honesty and hates masking, subtext takes on a whole new level of complexity, as people might not be aware of my relentless straightforwardness.
The attempt of another to find a subtext that's not even there, can make us feel misunderstood, frustrated and lonely, as our words interpreted in ways we never intended. And thus, people's minds deceive themselves by choosing "the truth" they wish to hear.
Here's why subtext is illogical as an effective approach:
Misinterpretations: We may say something literal, only to have people assume a hidden meaning we never implied. This can be confusing and frustrating, as we struggle to understand the source of their misunderstanding.
A Single Layer Delusion: We can fail realizing what the other side is referring to, while deluding ourselves that we know. In reality we can have two different conversations, pretending to be one.
Undecipherable Code: Subtext relies heavily on social cues and unspoken assumptions. And of course, these assumptions often go unquestioned, and assumed as fact. These can be challenging for people to interpret, and especially autists who remain uninformed, instead of inquisitive. This makes the whole subtext "code" seem illogical, uncritical and unpredictable.
The problem is two-fold:
Missed Cues: When subtext goes undetected, the intended message can be lost, leading to missed opportunities for connection and understanding.
Unchecked Inner Confirmations: Conversely, people can project their own interpretations onto the message, mistakenly reading subtext that wasn't there. This can create confusion and even conflict, caused by the "truth-altering" nature of our confirmation bias.
A Two-Way Street, Not a Solo Act
Communication is simplistically regarded as a transfer of thoughts from one person to another, like a basic case of supply and demand. However, the reality is far far complex as it is subtle... For people, in general, are poor critical thinkers, and are therefore unaware of the biases which govern them from the shadows of their minds....
People may choose poor timing to react, compromising their thought clarity. This in turn can make them understand and react poorly, while increasing their implusivity under the temptation of hatred, the desire for revenge, and blind rage.
Combine heightened sensitivity with the affiliation bias, and people could think you're trying to insult those they are affiliated with, insulting them in turn, indirectly, and unintentionally...
For the immature mind, mere criticism can cause distress, marking you as a threat in their matrix.
When One Way Becomes Two Timer...
Communication therefore is reliant not only on cooperation of understanding, but also on the ability to dechiper how another's mind operates.... That is, unless you have no desire for that. Understand how Michael Corleone works (Screenrant Blog):
Michael was a master at keeping his emotions to himself, whether talking to loved ones or staring into the eyes of enemies he planned to have murdered mere moments later.
When Vincent makes an outburst about wanting to retaliate against Joey Zasa, he gives him this calm advice. Being the hotheaded character that he is, Vincent doesn't take it and Michael's next suggestion is delivered much less calmly.
Still ["Never let anyone know what you're thinking"], this is an iconic Michael Corleone quote from a much older and wiser Don who's starting to truly resemble his father.
Effective communication lies not only in great literacy. Rather, it's also the ability to compel the other side to want to understand what you're saying. One way to do it is by active listening. Pay attention the thoughts of another with greater focus and you can build greater trust and harmony.
However, you should reveal your honest thoughts to those who won't hesitate so easily to betray you. Therefore, your true thoughts should be heard by those who appreciate the essence of loyalty.
The Role of Internal Synergy
Fail to unlock the hearts of those who can contain you, and you'll compromise the greater competency of their intellect. Try to remember that the mind and the heart often work in synergy. Do not sabotage that union in another, for they might not understand the ways of your own cognitive function...
Well, sometimes our brain is not as powerful as we think! Did you know that your heart sends more messages to your brain than your logical brain? There is more being studied and discovered about this, but a great organization to follow is the HeartMath Institute.
Our heart can sense and send messages to our brain, which are more regarded by the brain than our logical thinking.
When our thinking and heart have two different messages it creates incoherence, causing our body to be unable to act or move forward.... [It's] important to find where we might be having incoherence in our thoughts. (SynergyStrategies).
Should you find yourself in a communication malfunction, remember that is rarely a one-sided issue. It's a "tango" that requires both parties to be clear, open-minded, and willing to listen and learn.
Thus, recognizing the pitfalls of subtext, and whatever leads to its false understanding, we can all work towards more effective communication. One that fosters understanding, professionalism, comapssion, and empathy.
Why Clarity Has the Sharpest Razor
Clear communication relies on both the speaker's ability to express themselves effectively and the listener's ability to interpret the message accurately. When it comes to subtext, this interaction turns even more complex, especially for those who struggle with social cues.
Therefore, based on the rationale of Occam's Razor, the sayings we should pick the most, are those who are the clearest.
On the other hand, relying on subtext can lead to unnecessary complications.... A simpler, for competent choice is to embrace clarity.
Say What You Mean: Instead of relying on subtext, be direct and upfront about your message. Choose words that convey your exact meaning.
Context is Key: While avoiding subtext altogether might not always be possible, providing clearer context can significantly improve your message's impact. Explain your thoughts and feelings directly. Try eliminating room for misinterpretation.
Conclusion
Direct communication that also focuses on moral values such as compassion, empathy, kindness and peacefulness, is one you can use both to be understood, AND save yourself from regrettable conflicts. Conflict often involve coercion, which shouldn't be normalized for its negative affect on our mental health.
Since we require to be in good mental health in order to think more rationally, we should use our words in ways that can improve it, not deter it. Both, in ourselves, and in those dear to us.
