Let’s define mime: the theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, using only gesture, expression, and movement.

Mime is a form of communicating something. It replaces language. It is also for the most part made up of reactions and raw emotions.

Language is very much the voice of knowledge and logic. What is very easy to explain in words (such as how night and day works) can be very difficult to explain in actions (and writing it down or drawing it doesn’t count!), and vice versa: What may be hard to communicate efficiently through words (love) can be communicated through actions (a hug, a helpful gesture, etc).

American society (and I’m sure many others as well) has conjured up something we like to call “awkwardness,” which is something that is hard or difficult to deal with. Naturally, we try to avoid that. Showing emotion makes us vulnerable to others (predators, if you will), and thus it becomes an awkward situation. (read sequel for conclusion)