Civilization | Communication | Culture | Failure | Humor | Missions | Sensitivity | Understanding

COMMUNICATION INVOLVES LISTENING
The sociologist on an African jungle expedition held up her camera to take pictures of the native children at play. Suddenly the youngsters began to yell in protest. Turning red, the sociologist apologized to the chief for her insensitivity and told him she had forgotten that certain tribes believed a person lost his soul if his picture was taken. She explained to him, in long-winded detail, the operation of the camera. Several times the chief tried to get a word in, but to no avail. Certain she had put all the chief’s fears to rest, the sociologist then allowed him to speak. Smiling, he said, “The children were trying to tell you that you forgot to take off the lens cap.”