Attraction To Images (形象的吸引 -《隔閡集》第一頁)

Some outstanding images can firmly capture our vision, and we can’t forget them for a long long time.  Whether these images come from novels, plays, dances, painting, sculptures or news, we will be strongly attracted to them once we encounter them.   Afterwards, every time we close our eyes, they will relive in front of us like they are alive.  Even though it is in the past, when everything is history, their powerful characteristic has deeply rooted in our brains and cannot be easily removed.

For example, if we have read “Oliver Twist” or “Romeo and Juliet”, we would have created our own images of Oliver and Juliet.  Even though we have never met someone like Oliver or Juliet, but because the images we created were so prominent, when we see Oliver or Juliet appears on stage or in movie, we may say “doesn’t look right at all!”

We slowing establish our own standard among many complex images, and we use them to evaluate and judge others.

A unique image doesn’t have to be a hero or a beauty, can be very ordinary, but full of characteristics.  It may not be pretty, and without adornment, but just a brief conversation, a movement, or just an accidental clip is enough for us to enjoy for a good while.  “Love at first sight” doesn’t have to be between people.  When attracted by a powerful image, we feel like we are crazily in love.  Without experiencing it first hand, it is difficult to understand how it can be possible.

Television screens have given us many conspicuous images, and hence our standard is slowly building up.  We will grow to like or dislike some images.  Sometimes without reason, we will feel nauseous when we see a certain image.  Without specific reason, we may be disgusted by certain character, or love a certain character.  In clever productions, authors will create some fresh and superior characters and images for their audience.  Unfortunately, majority of what we see are just old and repeated characters and images which are pretty bad; because of this, the more we watch the less attraction we feel.