The Value of Flipping . . .

“Obi-Wan Kenobi is Dead“

This line leads to a satire on Osama bin Laden’s death set in the Star Wars universe. This is great satire because it is:

 Internally consistent enough to satisfy this Star Wars fan

 Wickedly welded to recent events in our real world

 Nicely written with the feel of a real professional news report

A great example of how humor can teach

Teach, you say?

When we take something familiar and put it into words or contexts which are different, I call that “flipping“.  Yes, a more professional term probably exists for this creative thinking exercise, but I like mine.  It describes the goal of changing our viewpoint or perception about something.

This satire takes an event many have followed in detail and puts it into a different perspective, like looking at a war’s outcome from the losing side than our side or thinking about what happens to the minority when “majority rules“.

We are flipping our minds over, so we can see things in a different light.  We are trying to produce value.

Value, you say?

Well, someone had to engage in flip thinking to visualize the concept of pumping our gas ourselves than wait for the attendants in the greasy overalls to meander over from the garage.  Someone else flipped their thinking, possibly while standing in line to get an airplane ticket, and came up with the idea of a self-service kiosk.   Flipping was definitely involved when someone decided to allow women and non-caucasians the right to vote.

Changing our perspective allows us to see opportunities and name issues.  When problems are invisible, they do not get resolved.

When has “flipping” or changing the context provided you with new insight or changed your perceptions?

Bonus question:  What is the correct term for what I am describing:)?

Flipping pancakes and concepts in the Heartland . . .

John