In this society, it often seems that we are like lemmings being led to the sea, or that we are listening to the riveting tunes of a Pied Piper. The theory seems to be that if one is not in possession of facts, then one should just dazzle the public with rhetoric. Perhaps then, people will feel as though the speaker/or writer has a higher calling and truly knows more.
The quote in the title of this essay, “Analysis Paralysis,” is brilliant, if not taken out of context. The two words are attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, that African-American visionary-martyr, who was educated, and whose words resonate, even after all of the years that have passed since his death. He will be revered forever, as a spokesman for the truth, and that is what makes him an icon, for all races.
“There is nothing so powerful as the truth, and nothing quite so strange.” This statement was spoken by New Hampshire statesman, Daniel Webster, a hard-thinking, hard-drinking man, and a leader of the people. The first part of the sentence has become somewhat of a state motto. Another set of words to live by in the Granite State is, “Live free or die,” stated by General John Stark.
I believe in the truth. That is why I do not believe in the trumped-up notions that helped to weave together a tale about a secret quilt code, out of wholecloth. To weave something out of wholecloth is an idiomatic expression. If you are not familiar with it, you’d best look it up.
What would Dr. King think of this phenomena called the “secret quilt code?” As a man who stood for the truth, what would his “take” have been?
Eager to seize something warm and fuzzy (quilts) to add to a more rigorous learning environment (history classrooms), the idea of the secret quilt code, as actually having existed, captured the minds and hearts of many people. Now that this idea is in place, and has been endorsed by those “in high places” (in some instances, “educated fools”) and those who BELIEVE, the idea can’t be let go. To try to explain why this scenario could not have been, is met with heavy resistance, especially by those whose egos can’t/won’t let go of the idea because they have become so emotionally-invested in it.
Never, ever, believe all you hear, or all you read! Just because someone has a college degree more than you does not necessarily mean that they have all the answers or are the experts in everything.
I defer to reasoning and use solid facts to back up my ideas. That is the course of action that I think is correct.
People come and people go. Already, Ozella McDaniel Williams, the woman who offered up this “family secret quilt code” has crossed the River Jordan. Likewise, one of the greatest detractors of the idea, Giles Wright, an African-American with a Ph.D., has likewise succumbed to the brevity of life.
This is not a race issue and I refuse to see it as that. History is what happened, not what it is convenient to say happened, in order to make us all feel better, and somehow, sanitize the past. I will continue to speak the Truth, as I see it, until I “shuffle off the mortal coil.”
“Analysis Paralysis” is a term not likely forgotten. It sums up the mindset of those who refuse to look at the facts and do some critical thinking.
My comments do not come from out of the blue. They are offered in direct response to more statements online today (on a list) about secret codes. You know, stories are passed down through the generations. I came to know that I could believe less than half of what I heard. Stories take on a life of their own and are usually not reliable indicators of the facts of any matter. The storyteller’s viewpoint often gets in the way of a truthful account.
This conversation about the secret quilt code should have been terminated long ago. However, there are those who want to look at quilts and read into them more than is logical to assume. These individuals are motivated either by money or attention. That’s what the situation looks like from where I sit. Now, to give this topic a much needed rest!
Yours,
Patricia Cummings In the great state of New Hampshire, where we calls ‘em like we sees ‘em.
Quilter’s Muse Publications
