Look at this picture for just a second. What is your very first reaction? Now take another look and think about what memories it brings up. This is an image in the Rorschach Test. The Rorschach test is also known as the Rorschach inkblot test. In German it is pronounced ˈʁoːɐʃax (good luck trying to figure out how to say this). It is a psychological test where subjects' perceptions of these inkblots are recorded. When I look at this ink spot the first figures I notice are two elephants. They are standing on their hind legs facing the middle. In the middle is a clown’s face; it looks kind of scary.
This picture brings back instant images of a circus I went to when I was probably nine years old. It was the first real circus I ever went to. I went with my mom (obviously because I was only nine), my sister, and my best friend Nicole and her family. Nicole and I were always adventurous so we wanted to sit in the front. Our parents, her brother, and my sister all sat a couple rows back. The circus started and the clowns rolled in, all decked out in their outfits and face makeup. Nicole and I were a little scared because we always heard scary stories about clowns in school. The trainers brought out many different animals, all of whom did different tricks.
The most exciting part of the trip was seeing the elephants. We could not believe that the elephants fit into the building. I remember asking my mom when the circus was over how the elephants fit through the door. The elephants stood up, just like I see in this inkblot. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It was quite shocking to see an animal that large stand up the way it did.
At the end of the performance the clowns started “stealing” people’s belongings. They took purses, jewelry, and other expensive items. Nicole and I looked at each other; now we were both really scared. In about three seconds we ran up five rows but it felt like five hundred. I remember that we were crying, but our parents were laughing. My mom explained to us that the people whose stuff was stolen were actors and it was part of the performance. We finally calmed down and enjoyed the ride home, talking about everything that we had just seen. Now we look back, laugh at ourselves, and think of “the good old days”. What memory does this inkblot bring up for you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorschach_test
I enjoyed how you tied in the definition and the memory. I love the whole concept of the post.
ReplyDeleteThis picture reminds me of a mask. Every year my family has a big Halloween party. I always look forward to Halloween every year because of the decorations at my Aunt Bug's house. She goes all out, she even puts a cemetery in her front yard. My favorite part is the costumes. We all go a little crazy. Once my cousins dressed up like the Weasly family from the Harry Potter Movies. This year, my aunt was Lady Gaga and my dad dressed as a witch in drag. It's great, I never know what to expect from year to year.
I really enjoyed what you had to say about the inkblot. I loved how you were able to tie in the memory of the circus with picture. The little insight was entertaining and cute. and I like the concept of this blog! Great job :)
ReplyDeleteThe inkblot seems to be an interesting concept. The story is entertaining and I see the clown and elephant! At first I saw a face but then, the top of the whitehoue which reminded me of my best friend who goes to GW Univeristy. It is a beautiful place. I then thought of my sophomore year history teacher. He was so, so great and was the antithesis of a conventional teacher. He always commented that, "the typical fat lady in the flower dress would say..." He was not the fat lady in the flower dress
ReplyDeleteI did not see what you see. I see a cow. The cow is one of my gods. It reminds me of home.
ReplyDelete