Vague Platitudes challenges the way we think about communication, symbolized through a subtle yet powerful image—a human and an alien shaking heads at the edge of a forest. This twist on the familiar handshake—an act typically associated with agreement or mutual respect—introduces a sense of disconnection or misunderstanding instead of unity. It asks us to consider how often we perform surface-level gestures that appear meaningful but lack true substance or connection.

It considers the overuse of empty, formulaic expressions in everyday communication. We encounter them often—those words or phrases that are said out of habit or politeness, yet fail to convey any real emotion or understanding. While they create the illusion of connection, their impact is shallow, leaving the core of the conversation untouched.

In this piece, the meeting of the human and alien represents more than just a chance encounter between two vastly different beings; it symbolizes the failure of communication when we rely on these vague gestures. The edge of the forest, a boundary between the known and the unknown, becomes the setting for this interaction. Instead of true engagement, the exchange is reduced to a mechanical act—a shaking of heads that does not build a bridge but reinforces the divide.

We can interpret this scene as a reflection on the barriers we face in trying to truly understand one another. Language, culture, and experiences all shape the way we communicate, but when we rely on empty platitudes or surface-level gestures, we lose the opportunity for deeper connection. The human and the alien are not just figures—they are metaphors for how easily we can drift into meaningless exchanges, even when we stand on the threshold of something transformative.

The power of this piece lies in its ability to evoke these questions. It invites viewers to consider the moments when they, too, may have relied on routine gestures instead of seeking true understanding. In doing so, the piece calls for a shift—from superficial interactions to meaningful dialogue, from shallow engagement to authentic connection.

Communication is one of the most fundamental ways we connect with one another. Whether through speech, body language, or creative expression, it forms the foundation of our relationships and societal structures. Yet, there are moments when this vital lifeline is restricted—whether by external forces or societal norms—leading to a breakdown in genuine dialogue between generations. Rhetorical Tautologies explores a phenomenon increasingly present in today's world, where barriers to open communication create a kind of 'silent divide.'

At its core, communication is more than the exchange of words or ideas; it is the sharing of experiences, values, and truths that bind us across time and space. When that exchange becomes restricted—whether through censorship, social expectations, or the unspoken rules that govern what’s "acceptable" to discuss—it prevents true understanding. What was once an open dialogue turns into a conversation dominated by silence, repetition, or trivialities.

One of the most significant places this breakdown occurs is between generations. As technology advances and cultural shifts happen, older and younger generations often find themselves speaking different languages, figuratively and literally. Youth may feel that the older generation fails to understand modern challenges, while the older generation may struggle to relate to the evolving social landscape. When these perspectives aren't shared openly, a gulf forms, with each side retreating into its own world of experiences and assumptions.

External forces, such as political divides, media narratives, and societal expectations, amplify this gap. Societal norms often dictate what is appropriate to say and how we should express ourselves, pushing controversial or uncomfortable conversations into the shadows. When speech becomes so constrained by what we’re "allowed" to say, genuine dialogue withers, and the ability to bridge differences, learn, and grow diminishes.

Generational misunderstandings often result from this. Younger generations might feel pressured to conform to older, established views, while older generations may feel alienated or overwhelmed by the rapid changes in values and technology. Without open dialogue, stereotypes take root, and real connection fades. The result is a sense of disconnection, where communication is either reduced to surface-level exchanges or entirely absent.

To counteract this breakdown, it’s essential to foster spaces where all voices can be heard without fear of judgment or restriction. Dialogue must remain open, even when it is uncomfortable or challenges the status quo. This is not about everyone agreeing on the same thing, but rather about creating the conditions where differing perspectives can be respected and understood. Only by removing the barriers to communication—whether self-imposed, societal, or technological—can we ensure that the bridge between generations remains intact.

The silencing of voices, whether through external censorship or internal suppression, is not just a loss of words but a loss of connection and understanding. In our current climate, where generational divides and ideological barriers are increasingly evident, the importance of open and honest communication cannot be overstated. It is through this dialogue that we build empathy, understanding, and ultimately, unity across time and experience.