An afternoon well spent?

I spent most of this afternoon researching mannequins - mainly their history and evolution. At some point, I found myself delving into the fears of mannequins that people have, and how this relates to The Uncanny Valley theory.

This theory basically says that we as humans like to empathise with things that have human-like characteristics - we find them endearing, and quirky, and loveable. Because they are distinctly not human. There is a point, however, when the subject - be it a robot (this is what the theory originally applied to), a mannequin, a doll, or a puppet - becomes lifelike enough that it becomes scary. Instead of finding the similarities, and empathising with them, we find the differences, and are revolted by them.

So this is more or less (along with a bit of reading, and a little writing, and editing) is how I spent my afternoon. Hopefully this evening I will be able to make some headway through this mannequin thing, which I am honestly having trouble with. Its a good idea, but hard to work with in the monologue style. I'll get there.

Have a great night. Blake.