Which would you prefer: Black and white, or full color? Or, why everyone needs a Leroy Jethro Gibbs in their Life

Personally, while I thoroughly enjoy black and white movies and TV shows, I infinitely prefer the complexity of full color. The black and white movies and shows have an attractive simplicity about them ... you always know what will happen. There is an order ... a hierarchy. Things don't go wrong, and when they, there is a concrete reason why and a way to fix. It's hypnotic, especially when you are going through a rough patch in your own full color-and-chaotic life.

You can sit in front of these black and white movies and be drawn in by the simplicity. You can say how much you wish your life was so simple. You can try to recreate the seemingly wonderful haven that exists on the screen. Many people get totally pulled into to idealizing that simplistic image and completely lose track of the fact that life is actually full of color.

This brings me to my next point: when you notice someone starting to get pulled in by a seductively simplistic image on the screen please smack them on the back of the head. Don't be an ASS about it, but remind them of all the things that are wonderful about living in full color.

There are many wonderful things about the black and white image shows and movies: everything has a place, all the families are warm and loving, people are happy all the time. But when you look closer (IE after the back of your head has been smacked by your loving and wonderful Boss) you realize that everyone in those shows and movies are strikingly similar. Where is the wonderful diversity that makes the world so bright? Where is the difference of opinion? Where is the dissent?

This is not to say that the black and white shows and movies are great: they're CLASSICS! Everyone should observe them and learn from them ... but living your life like it's all black and white doesn't work for most people. Some, yes, but not most people.

It takes all kinds to make the world go round ... and there is a vast myriad of experience, none of which are less important or less valid than the others.

Thanks, Boss.