"In vacant or in pensive mood..." I am: Bekah; 24; Law Student / Favorite Things: Carbs (so there!), Johnny Damon, Smiling at babies, Grilled cheese, Comfortable silence / Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Brennan / Favorite Wilson: Owen by an inch / Today's Special: Song: Elliott Smith, "Bled White"; Quote: "You know, there's like a butt-load of gangs at this school. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bowstaff." Please love me: mmbekah@yahoo.com


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I admit it. I like quoting people and songs and movies for effect in conversation and writing. Someone once said that quoting is for people who don't have anything original to say. I have two original responses to that. The first is to point out that I had to paraphrase that statement because whoever said it wasn't memorable enough to quote by name. And the second is to argue that there is often a subtle difference between quoting and quoting well. Most people, I'm sorry to say, are sub-par quoters. For example:
My girlfriend just broke up with me, and I'm totally devastated. I mean, the way I feel about her is so deep, it's hard to put in words. It's like that Edwin McCain song...
Ok, that's enough. This is your garden-variety method of quoting, and it is totally ineffective. Not only was this guy about to quote an unacceptably insipid song, but he was going to use that song (without any ironic or satirical intention) as a substitute for a personal attempt at explaining his situation. Generally speaking, people quote for three reasons: To help express what they're trying to say, to lend credibility to what they're trying to say, and/or to make themselves look smart for finding such an on-point quotation for what they're trying to say. To that end, there should be certain guidelines to help people be the best quoters they can be. Here are a few:
1. Never quote a person, song, book, or movie that clearly sucks or is painfully overrated or overused. Such sources include: Scott Stapp of Creed, Thomas Edison, Ghandi, Dead Poet's Society, Oprah, and Dr. Phil. The only exception to this rule occurs when you are quoting for comic value, as in exposing George W.'s sheer idiocy.
"I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions. I can't answer your question." - George W. Bush
2. Know your audience. Only quote a movie that you think at least 3/4 of the people around you have seen. If not, you will be received with uncomfortable silence and awkward shuffling after ordering "a bloody mary, a steak sandwich, and a...steak sandwich" at dinner. Note: It's ok to make a few mistakes in this department. If you're lucky, people will think you are quirky and off-beat, and may even think you are smarter than they are. You're not, but it's fun to pretend.
"Come, let us dance like children of the night!" - Mike Meyers, So I Married an Axe Murderer
3. Be choosy. Before you quote, think: Would people benefit from or find humor in this quote? Your quotes don't just say something about a topic you're interested in or intrigued by--they say something about you. You wouldn't be caught dead in tapered jeans, so why quote someone or something that might make you look just as ridiculous? Shop for quotes as discerningly as you'd shop for clothes, and you'll find something that fits you.
"Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith, I consider a capacity for it terrifying and absolutely vile!" - Kurt Vonnegut
4. Always reveal your sources. It's good to be a little mysterious with quoting, but if someone asks, you should always let them know where you got the goods. This is beneficial for you, and for the person/work you're quoting. People like you for finding such a funny or profound quote, and the people quoted by you like the attention. Sometimes quoting is a good way of advertising or talking-up a book or movie that you like and think other people should like too. It's an educational tool.
"To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower, to hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour." - William Blake
5. Know when to quit. No one likes too much of a good thing. I once ate an entire wheel of Brie as a baby when my mom wasn't looking. Big mistake. Like Brie, a good quote should be an appetizer, or a garnish if you will, not a main course. Man cannot live on quotes alone. The most obvious offenders in this department are Simpsons fans. Once you get them started, it's like a quoting war, no holds barred, until someone can't think of what Chief Wiggam said to Homer in that episode with the tennis match.
"Everyone has problems. I dropped my cookie." - Chief Wiggam
posted by Bekah at 5:04 PM :: |