„Hello
everybody. At today’s lecture we will cover the mysteries of invisibility, when
does it occur, what can we do about it and so on,” the lecturer introduced his
discourse. There were still some students fidgeting and talking but in whispers
to each other. He cleared his throat to break the spell. Some more heads turned
in his direction, if he was lucky maybe even some focus was put on him.
“They say that “we
are what we think” or that “what you think you become”... yes, our mind does
wonders. Sometimes the situation, environment we are in and the people we
interact with create illusions or fake opinions. They simply make us believe
something. If a majority thinks something we are prone to think it, too. What I’m trying to say
is that
it means you don’t even need superpowers to be invisible! That’s great news,
isn’t it? It’s enough to be forgotten. Forgotten by the people you love, you
like to spent time with, who you call friends…”
Some students
shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Notes were written down.
“It’s not that
you’d ignore them or neglect your relationships,” the lecturer went on. “No.
Mostly you don’t even know the reason and just like that – POP – nobody sees
you. You’re invisible! Magic!” he spilt out.
“And you know
what breaks the spell?” he sized up the puzzled audience. “Help.” The simple
word echoed in the spacious lecture room gradually acquiring a deeper meaning.
“Just when
they’re fucked up they’ll be sure to turn to YOU!”
Some people gasped, some
shook their heads, some scowled or audibly expressed their disapproval.
“Well, there’s
no doubt about it,” he smirked and continued as if nothing ever happened.
“Another sign of
being invisible: when you check your e-mail and you see you’ve got a new
message. That brightens you up a little, although it’s spam you secretly hope
it’s just a misplaced e-mail from a real person so you click on the icon only
to find out it’s the newest Viagra 30% off offer from Canadian Pharmacy. I
mean, why not, right? But not today, thank you very much for your concern.” He took
a deep breath.
“Yeah, maybe you
should do something about it… be more active or something – but why if you feel
it would be a step too far taken? We don’t want to be the annoying poor fellow
begging for other’s attention, do we?
You know what’s funny?
That at night even your own shadow lets you down and disappears into nowhere…”
The lecturer
paced the podium and made a halt at the window.
“Michael Jackson
assured us that “You Are Not Alone”. Well, sorry bro but there are moments when
you can’t help it and feel completely abandoned. Like an old deteriorating
building nobody gives a damn about.”
By now the
atmosphere in the lecture room was very tense. Some students have even left
thinking he must have gone mad or something… After all he was in general very
popular among students and his colleagues. This was a one of a kind lecture.
“You know what
hard core invisibility is?” he looked around at the gobsmacked audience.
“Is he seriously
expecting an answer?” was a frequent question that passed the students’ minds.
The lecturer
smiled. “It’s not that easy to perform though but yes, you can be invisible in
the utter proximity of other human beings.”
The collegians
shook their heads in disbelieve and argued among themselves.
“Here is an
example: You are standing with friends for everybody to be clearly seen and
having a conversation. Then, however, comes the crucial point. You ask a
question…and they don’t answer! Not that they’d avoid answering it, they simply
ignore it completely. Or well, ignore you. And just like that, congratulations!
You. Are. Invisible.”
One had the
feeling he was talking specifically about himself. But why so? What was this
man going through?
“My question is,
ladies and gentlemen, where does the problem lie? Is your voice too weak?
Surely not. They’ve heard you just right. You even made eye contact. Maybe it
didn’t come across clearly? Hmm you have asked and re-formulated it at least 3
times before you’ve given up so I’d say no again…
I may disappoint
you but honestly I don’t have an answer whatsoever. This is one of the most
complex areas of my research to which increased attention is paid.
To conclude, I’d
like to add that if the case of being invisible really does occur use it for
your own benefit. I mean, why not right? And just to be clear I didn’t mean to
be offensive towards anybody. I just wanted those of you who have experienced
invisibility to know that your fight isn’t lost yet. Keep on going and you will
be seen distinctly. And to those of you who enable others to be invisible…just
don’t, ok?” The lecturer summed up glancing one last time at the whole
audience. Some seats were already empty, some students had their stuff packed,
some were texting or chatting face-to-face. He noticed also those who were
paying attention from the start to the very end. This warmed the cockles of his
heart.
“Have a nice
day,” he disappeared leaving them somewhat lost in their own minds.
