May 13, 2014

style

[stahyl]  

noun

1. A particular kind, sort, or type, as with reference to form, appearance, or character: the baroque-style; The style of the house was too austere for their liking.

2. A particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting they do these things in a grand style.

sub·stance

[suhb-stuhns]  

noun

1. That of which a thing consists; physical matter or material: form and substance.

2.

A species of matter of definite chemical composition: 

4.

The subject matter of thought, discourse, study, etc.

5.

The actual matter of a thing as opposed to the appearance or shadow; reality.

While I am quite sure the practice has been in effect for many decades, the art of giving a “speech” has been finely tuned to include not only the substance but also delivering the address with a style that makes the speech itself seem overwhelmingly believable.  This practice of style over substance causes me to think of President Kennedy and his ability to deliver so many words in a manner that creates “believability”.  This causes many people to get caught up in the manner in which those words are being delivered that they don’t question the words themselves.  Part of the aura surrounding President Kennedy's Camelot mystique is certainly owed to his ability to give a speech so seemingly believable that many people simply couldn't recall the substance of what he was saying.  What I can easily remember about his inauguration speech of 1960 was his challenge to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth, and of course his challenge of “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.  His speech lasted just under 14 minutes and a total of 1364 words spoken.  Yet there was something magical about how there were delivered.  So began, in my mind, the art of “style over substance”.  President Reagan a former Hollywood actor had amazing abilities as a speaker.  Much of the same characteristics of President Kennedy were apparent.  The ability to speak to a lot of subjects while not really being able to deliver on any promises made.  There are certainly people I enjoy listening to simply for their talents on the podium.  Bill Clinton, Ted Turner, Donald Trump, Tony Blair and Barack Obama.  With the current President you certainly know he is trying to pander to many groups all the while knowing completely that his words are merely an attempt to hit upon the “feel good” nerve in all of us.  I would certainly like to be able to believe someone’s words as opposed to being caught up in the manner in which they have been delivered. We need more substance over style Presidents which unfortunately do not get elected because they don’t hit that nerve.  It would behoove us as a nation to hold our politicians accountable for promises or comments they made while trying to get elected.  Sadly, until that time comes we will keep believing in style.

That’s all I have to say about that.