1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment
By looking at these two definitions this word seems very black and white, but is it really? We can all grasp the concept of the fact that we see something in our lives, and draw a perception about it. I don't really think this is very hard to understand, but I feel we have problems with the second part of this equation. It is the part where our perception isn't the same as someone else.
How many times have you and I included, been frustrated by someone else because they aren't seeing things the way you do, or the way you want them to. Well for me, it's happened a lot. In the moment it can sometimes be hard to decipher the correct way to act, due to the fact that we are selfish creatures. We want things the way we want them to be, end of story.
So to my point:
All I am trying to say is that we are all different people, at different stages, or from different walks of life with the key word being different. Why can't we understand this concept? People always say the world would be boring, if everyone was the same, but sometimes I feel like people are trying make everybody think and act alike.
Let me be very clear in regards to this topic. I don't think we as a society should always condone other people's perception. However, I do feel that we should understand the fact that others have a different point of view about something.
So back to the question. Is 'perception' something that can be Black and White?
To each individual their own perception is black and white; it is the moment that their perception is transferred from their brain to their mouth and the task of conveying that perception to others is at hand. People’s “differences” are what turn these perceptions to grey. Whether the topic is political, religious, or if Adam Adcock is the best open field tackler to ever grace Greenbrier High School Football; whatever the case maybe there is always going to be a difference in perception/opinion. The only ones who could argue this are the ones who can prove their perception through science and mathematics, I am no expert on this so we shall let “Trevor’s Brother” provide some input on this one.
ReplyDeleteThe great thing about the world we live in is that we can have these differences and still come together and reach a common goal. Through communication and the willingness to be open minded in understanding others perceptions a lot can be achieved.
I don't think perception really requires too much factual evidence. It is sometimes just a jerk reaction to an act, an idea or a picture. What you take from something or understand from someone, is a collection of what just happened. It is a collection of those immediate feelings compiled with past experiences all coming to the surface at once. Perception can also change as you go through life, as your experience changes your outlook on everything.
ReplyDeleteThe level of ambiguity of our world is what makes everything great. The ability to make choices independently, whether right or wrong, is what life is all about. It started at the beginning of time with the choice to eat the fruit or not. Perception is unique to each individual, and should be respected as we look at the arguments for Democrat or Republican; Christian or Jew; or Bama or UT. Though we may think we know which is right it is our duty to respectfully display our perception of circumstances while having the integrity to understand the other side of the coin. However, it is also sometimes our moral duty to change the perception of another, when that perception may make an enormous impact on their life. Perception is a funny thing, but it is what makes this ol' melting continue to boil. Good blog so far Tito.