We Are Our Perceptions
In this society and in this time, we are ruled by our perceptions. Each of us is a bundle of distinct desires, fears, memories and biases that color how we perceive our world and each other, and how we act.
If we perceive the world as a dangerous place and that we and our loved ones are in peril, we will likely be over-protective, tentative and somewhat paranoid. If we feel that nationalities, races or faiths other than our own hate us and are out to harm us, we may, in turn, hate them and contemplate on how to harm them. If we hold celebrities or sports stars as the ideals of humanity, we will strive to emulate them, for better and worse. If we perceive that wealth means happiness we will devote most of our life"s efforts and time toward acquiring and keeping that wealth.
Although the news media have attempted to influence the public for centuries, we live in a time when we are overwhelmed, from every direction, by entertainment and news outlets diligently and constantly striving to influence our buying habits, political leanings, perceptions of our health, tastes, fears and desires. Likewise, other environmental influences including friends, family, neighborhoods, faiths, jobs, co-workers, cultures, education and experiences affect how we perceive our world and condition.
None of us are above being affected by our perceptions, but we must take care not to be controlled by them. From time to time we should reflect on our biases, our likes and dislikes, and consider their foundation in reality. We should consider why and how we came to resent or fear certain things, people, groups, places or situations. Are our feelings based upon logical and well reasoned facts and evidence, or do they reflect preconceptions that came from external and dogmatic sources? Do we blindly accept, without challenge or question, the viewpoints and values of our favorite religion, political party, pundit, parent, friend, or celebrity hero?
I believe that true moderates base their opinions and beliefs, as much as possible, upon reasoned analyses of known facts, and take with a grain of salt the opinions of those who set themselves up to lead and instruct.
Dick Sem is a security and workplace violence consultant (http://www.SemSecurity.com) based in Wisconsin.
He has been married for 36 years and has two sons and two grandchildren. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
Dick grew up in a conservative, Republican family but, especially in recent decades, realized that his beliefs spanned both conservative and liberal positions, making him a moderate. He has created his blog, http://www.therestofus.net, as a forum for those of us who are political, social or religious
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Retail Display Fixtures Can Affect Consumer Perceptions Of Products - Science Daily (press release)
Sensex and perceptions - Financial Express
McCain, Obama To Meet For Final Debate Wednesday Night - AHN
Reuters McCain, Obama To Meet For Final Debate Wednesday Night AHN - The event is McCain's last chance, according to observers, to change voter perceptions that he is less adept on the economy, or at least close Obama's ... McCain Faces Tough Task in Final Presidential Debate POLL-Obama has 4-point lead on McCain in US race Obama and McCain to go head-to-head