WOW Word-Of-the-Week #450: Juxtaposition
March 21, 2013 by Susan Clarke
Juxtaposition – putting side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
Is this a word you are familiar with? Have you ever used it in a conversation? Do you remember the last time you noticed any contrasts?
This week’s WOW came from my good friend and fellow speaker Sarita several years ago. She came into my mind on my travels this month and I decided to rerun it. Sarita said, “I love the word ‘juxtaposition.’ I think the word would give you a great opportunity to talk about your recent travels…traveling is when I most notice ‘contrast.’”
Example: “When I spoke in Hong Kong years ago, I remember that I was struck by the juxtaposition of the old-world Chinese boats and the modern high-rise buildings.”
St. Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia
It was this photo that Chris took on the island of South Georgia that made me think of Sarita’s WOW. It is such an example of contrasts. Reindeers belong on the North Pole right? As it turns out, the reindeer were brought her by the whalers as a source of food in the early 1900’s. The island is governed by the U.K. and they are in the process of removing any animals that are not indigenous. Rats are another problem and the reindeer have been eating the bait put out for them. By this time next year their goal is to be reindeer and rat free.
This week’s focus is on contrasts. Do you have an example from your travels? Have you noticed any contrasts in your daily life?