Perception

            Perception, according to Google: “A way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.”

            Perception plays a large role in our lives.  Perception, related to observation, takes place all the time, whether we are aware of it or not. The translation of the world through one’s personal lens, a lens shaped by other stimuli previously received. Observation, perceptions, stereotypes, judgments- it’s all related.

            When I say that perception occurs regardless of our awareness, I am not speaking only of that which occurs in our sleep. People are often unaware that they have certain perceptions(interpretations) let alone where they come from, and perhaps most importantly, how accurate they are. Perception is powerful. It’s a force so powerful that it can defy reality, at least in the mind.

            Perhaps the most significant part in the forming of perceptions is exposure. Constant and repeated access to stimuli which all present the same traits about a given entity will shape our perceptions of that entity. Once that shape has been set, it is difficult to alter. So what happens when perceptions are formed with only one set of information?

             The barrier to a mutual acceptance of all humanity is less a matter of difference than a matter of perception. As humankind, we have more things in common than we do differences, and among those differences, the majority are neutral in and of themselves. It is the people, with their individual or collective perception of those differences, that create conflict. Perceptions, for example, that some practices, traits, or behaviors are inherently evil, or perhaps perceptions that some practices, traits, or behaviors are superior while others are inferior. Essentially, such perceptions are inaccurate. It doesn’t end there, however. 

            As I mentioned, most attributes(really, anything that isn’t an aspect of character, and even that is debatable) have neither positive nor negative value until we as people decide such, and yet, so great is the power of perception that we find excuses for it. Excuses both to justify our perceptions(typically based upon the limited information that has shaped our perceptions) and to dismiss anything that runs contrary. Exceptions to the rule, certain conditions that altered the outcome or distorted the evidence, details that were ‘missed’. Anything to avoid admitting that the perception itself(our interpretation of the world, in whole or part) is wrong. So, in effect, not only are we misinformed or lacking relevant information, we are also insistent on remaining in such a state. But why?

            Put simply, no one likes being wrong. Being wrong can mean feeling guilty. It may require an apology. It may be cause for receiving retribution or giving reparation. It may even require a change. See, being wrong(being PERCIEVED as wrong, for that matter) calls a person into question, not just in regard to the matter at hand, but as a whole. Think of the negative stigma that comes with being wrong- the demonization and discrediting, especially in terms of public image. Think celebrities, think politics. Everything is a scandal. Even ‘a little’ wrong is a serious offense. At the very least, if we’re wrong and we don’t know it, we can fall back on the excuse of ignorance- no harm, no foul, no need to change.

            So we have faulty, limited perceptions. We have no desire to rectify this. Why is this such a big deal? People have opinions. The problem comes when people’s perceptions lead them to act in ways that cause problems for others. Serious problems. Faulty perceptions include the association of completely unrelated qualities to one another. This can cause misunderstandings, strife and resentment. This ascribing of qualities may lead people to dismiss others entirely, dehumanize them. Once that happens, it is far easier to justify any mistreatment they receive without any sort of moral backlash on the part of the perpetrators. If people are hunted, hurt, or ignored for their differences, a mutual understanding becomes impossible. After all, those who are (incorrectly)perceived in a certain manner cannot change that perception, and those who possess that interpretation have no interest in rectifying it.

            In short, inaccurate perception stands in the way of people coming together in tolerance, let alone acceptance.

            What can we do about it? It starts with rethinking our perceptions. It starts when we do not label inherently neutral things as good or evil.What do we believe of those who are different from us? Why do we believe those things? Do we have enough information? Do we have the right information? There will always be more questions than answers, but that’s no excuse not to ask. We need to recognize as people that our perceptions may associate things, positive or negative, that have no correlation, or at least a hidden correlation that has not been considered. Perhaps we will be led to ignore actual cause and effect relationships- whatever is convenient for our view. Regardless—

            Above all else, when it comes to people, we are all individuals; by definition, we defy classification. And that’s okay.