uncanny valley (102)

There is a theory in the field of aesthetics called the uncanny valley. It holds that when something looks almost like a human being- an android or department store mannequin, it creates revulsion in the observer. 

The revulsion comes from the fact that the appearance is so close to a human being, yet just off enough, to evoke a feeling of uncanniness- something both real and alien. It makes us feel discombobulated and sickened.

This whole temporary, extraordinary likeness of normalcy- feels both legitimate and conflicting. Authentic and estranged. There is a layer of ash of our former day to day lives, coating everything. We dust it away and can glean remnants of the past.

But, the ash returns- as if a blinding, disconcerting storm of anxiety and uncertainty is unwavering. Every news story, every press conference, every reality check- heavy. Adding to the piles of ambiguity and misgiving.

I think as a country, we are coping. We are listening to recommendations and stipulations. Most have provisions. Most have entertainment. Most are staying isolated.

Some people are more innovative, these days, because their minds- stepping away from the day to day- are for the first time in a long time seeing the pause, hearing the quiet- both leading to ingenuity.

Uncanny is a great word- strange, mysterious, unsettling. Our situation in a nutshell. Valley- a low point or position. Definitely visible and palpable. Visceral in fact- leading to insomnia, depression and guilt.

Rising heroes. Illuminating voice of courage. Any time of upheaval not only prepares the exemplar, it gives a platform for the villainous. In every one of us lies an adventurer, defender, guardian and warrior. But with fear and anger - another side may appear- one from self-preservation and misunderstanding- vandal.

The thing about uncanny valley- our coping mechanism's that allow us to deal with our situation, our reaction to the revulsion in other words, is dependent on our emotional response. Our mental and physical preparedness. 

Our willingness to adapt. Our mindset- are we open to new ideas and opinions. Our reasonability- our acceptance of fact over fiction, truth over lies. Can we see correlation versus causality? If we keep our minds in check, we can squelch our abhorrence, at least a little.

This in turn will keep us centered and focused on the problem-solving we each must do. It will set the stage for mindfulness. It will allow us to forgive, appreciate and look for opportunities to help others.

Uncanny valley does not mean- hunker and ignore. It means look at the situation with clear eyes, knowing it feels familiar, our surroundings appear somewhat normal. But also the effects of the global pandemic, which have made our locus out of phase. For some a little- for some a lot.

Look at the edges, the shapes are the same. See the big picture, the fine details, the difference between uncanny and commonplace. Things will go back to normal eventually and remembering this recoil will be important.

It will keep us from falling back into the same groove of separation through devices and taking for granted our normalcy. This recognition will hopefully, help us set the stage for a canny peak. Canny-having or showing shrewdness and good judgment at a place of advantage.