It Started with "Hello"
It has been more than seven months since my Muslim friend entered the category of "Status Unknown". And it has been almost five months, since I last spoke to her father in person. Four days ago, I answered a phone call which established one small link of connectivity.
At least three times, I asked to see my friend. I was met with silence. So why? Why the phone call?
It started with "Hello". But it put me back on the path of journalism regarding how I view linguistics, grammar, syntax... semiotics. But more importantly, how I view each word, and each definition, in context to intent and motivation. Words on the page; conversations do not dance - until intuitiveness joins in partnership.
Years ago I took note of the word "random" in this film. (time stamp 27 seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0zmsrMpXVU
Merriam-Webster gives the definition of random as, "lacking a definite plan, purpose or pattern".
I disagree.
In my two decades in journalism, I have been part of activities that whilst giving an appearance of being "random" - actually had intent or a purpose attached to the interaction. One of the most meaningful of "random" acts was when I showed up at a Hookah lounge after dark, walked in and asked, "Where is Mohamed?" Several African men seated with their pipes informed me they were "Mohamed". The one I sought, was in a back room awaiting my arrival. His guest - believed that mine was a random action. It was planned earlier that afternoon.
The tables were turned on me once. And "random" became a nice game of cat-and-mouse at a restaurant.
Do I believe in coincidences? Yes. Absolutely. These are whimsical and magical but brief interactions like the one I had at DFW International Airport once. A friend who I had not seen in years was in the adjacent TSA check-in line. Behind me, a man from Oaxaca, Mexico - the land of my childhood. The dual coincidences placed a smile on my face. These are enjoyable moments.
Random - for this journalist - involves intent. And intuitiveness in the journalist exposes an action attached to what seems a normal interaction. Here is the thing. Each word always has a phalanx. The dominant word may suggest a command, but a phalanx word suggests course correction. Random has a phalanx redirection with the word "intent".
So what happened four days ago? There was movement in "the camp". The first movement, in months. Why now? I do not know. But it began with a simple "Hello". Let's see where "random" takes me next.
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