Reading Other Topics

Recently it came to my mind what an all-time-favourite topic the weather is. At work, we talk about it at least twice the day. As soon as our boss pops in, the topic is on again. At home we talk about it, too, sure. And if it comes to small talk... again: At the doctor. The girl at the desk says hi to me, leads me to the examination room and remarks that "it's getting really dark and cloudy". Minutes later, the doctor is treatening my muscles and remarks "the weater's getting bad, hum?".
Why is weather such an interesting topic? I mean it's not interesting at all because everyone sees how the weather is unless we're talking about weather in Spain. I think it's because weather is such an omnipresent and harmless topic (other than e.g. politics).
Now I wonder, if this situation is world-wide? Or do australians never talk about the weather? Maybe they prefer talking about vegemite to hardly known people? ;)
During my studies i also heard that japanese letters usually start with weather or season. It's practice. Noone there starts a letter with "Hi! How are you? Do you know who I met yesterday?" and so on but with "Hi! How are you? It's really hot here. Everything is in full bloom..." and so on. Is that true? I'm not sure, because my e-mail pal usually doesn't start with weather. Sometimes, but not often.

"Sie wollen nichts anderes. Sie wollen kämpfen! Sie sind Soldaten! Fucking Wahnsinnige!" - Noel G.

I live in a farm community, so the weather is always a popular topic. When the condition of the sky can make you or break you for the next year, it will be a constant consideration.

Weather is one of the only things that is a nuetral topic, so it is a great conversation starter. Even if it is the most obvious of statements i.e. "God,it's hot out there!" or "It's gonna be a wet one", it is something everyone can agree on.

When speaking with someone who is from another part of the country or the world, the weather is also an interesting topic because it can relate the similarities and differences of the geography, even the culture that the people are living in. For example, the differences between the sunscreen slathered barely-covered beach living Californian and the wool-clad Peruvian from the Andes.

It is a daily reminder that we cannot control our environment, that our lives are essentially controlled by the barometer and the thermometer and we are constantly making adjustments in order to stay comfortable and productive.

I am just me, searching for simplicity.........and a good hair stylist

This post was edited by betty on Jun 20, 2006.

I imagine agriculture is where it started. One farmer to another mentioning how they think the weather would turn up was serious discussion, not just small talk.

Of course it has evolved. Now it is just one of those things you say to break the ice. It is a perfectly acceptable thing to say, which anyone could provide an answer to (some more willing than others).

Though, I would guess in places like antarctica in which it is mandatory to live in a heated living station to survive, nobody ever says, "Hmm.. I heard today it's going to get chilly again." Though, even if someone had, I'd imagine the joke would serve the same purpose as breaking the ice, so it is really universal.

If the world should blow itself up,the last audible voice would be an expert saying it can't be done