Say Yes to No

Think Negative / Start Tomorrow

28 May 2008

It was the first in a series of evenings on The Power of Negative Thinking. Mediamatic wanted you to say no and stay critical.

Tonight's theme was the Development of the Self in the 21st Century, hosted by Timothy Moore. Concept: Melanie Bonajo and Kinga Kielczynska.

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28-05-2008 Say Yes to No - Say Yes to No was the first in a series of evenings about the power of negative thinking, based on a concept by Melanie Bonajo and Kinga Kielczynska. This evening Timothy Moore was the guest to talk about the Development of Self in the 21st century. During his performance, the audience was divided into a 'yes' and a 'no' group and challenged to take a critical stance. Photo by Zapdelight, found on Flickr.

What?

Everyone seems gay these days. This lack of conflicting emotions fails to arouse alternative passions. Here, every critical position dissolves. Timothy Moore invited you take a stance against this YES-YES mentality and challenge the status quo. He asked you to break from consensus. So, go on, make a NEGATIVE statement; it's the most positive thing you can do.

How?

Through film, dialogue and performance, Timothy Moore (editor of They Shoot Homos Don't They?) and guests searched for ways of radical critique, whether through over-identifying with the enemy, or even better, taking an oppositional stance just because you can. These modes are important options one must attempt before seeking pragmatic avenues. We must avoid the contemporary state of democracy, which is currently one of conflict managing.

No. I don't like it. Think Positive
That's not what I hear
Don't ask me. It's your problem
No, no, no, no, no
You created the mess. Lie in it.
You're no good for me. I don't need nobody
That's a stupid thing to say
You didn't really mean it
You are so wrong it's not funny
Talk to my fist