"Color television! Bah, I won't believe it until I see it in black and white"
About this Quote
This quote attributed to Samuel Goldwyn is a witty and paradoxical declaration, illustrating a funny hesitation towards technological improvements, in this case, color tv. The humor stems from the obvious contradiction present in the expression "I won't believe it till I see it in black and white". Black and white, the lack of color, becomes a metaphor for something concrete and verifiable, which seems paradoxical when discussing an innovation defined by its usage of color.
The quote showcases a typical human response to development: suspicion and disbelief up until concrete, undeniable evidence exists. In the mid-20th century, when color television was becoming a reality, lots of people had a hard time to comprehend its ramifications after being accustomed to black-and-white broadcasts. Goldwyn's quip encapsulates this struggle and expects extensive apprehension or dismissal of brand-new technologies before they are extensively adopted and comprehended.
On a much deeper level, the quote likewise means the nature of perception and fact. "Seeing in black and white" may be analyzed as looking for clarity, a definitive and unambiguous understanding of new phenomena. Although color represents vibrancy and life, for numerous, it was initially viewed as an unique gimmick rather than an improvement of reality. Goldwyn's statement catches the paradox of requiring black-and-white proof of a colorful principle, explaining that for something as naturally visual as tv, conviction often drags truth.
Moreover, the expression plays on Goldwyn's track record for "Goldwynisms", or amusing and illuminating linguistic mistakes. This line, like many attributed to him, underscores his comical wit while using a meta-commentary on skepticism towards progress and how brand-new realities challenge established standards.
In essence, Goldwyn's quote works as both a spirited dismissal and an endorsement of seeing before believing, showing how established habits form our readiness to embrace development.
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