Perception in my Life

Promt: Perception

I believe Gorgia's and Socrates’ perception that one can't have an objective perception. Can perceptions change? Are they subjective or objective perceptions? Have perceptions changed over the years? I believe they have. Racism is still a problem today even though slavery ended in the mid to late 1800's. I do not think I can ever truly relate to the trauma of slavery since I was not in a position to experience such suffering. Now racism is not limited to just blacks and whites. It exceeds to all races. I have noticed that after 9/11 racism is especially bad for Arabs. My reaction when I see someone dressed in Muslim attire is a feeling of uneasiness and at times fear. This is obviously my subjective perception. I do not believe this is solely because of race. It is also because of their culture. However, my eyes we opened a bit when I watched a television show one night. Another lady, having similar feelings as mine, was dressed up in Muslim attire and went out on the town with an Arab lady. I saw and at times felt the discrimination and prejudice that she experienced everyday of her life. I had just a taste of what it was like to walk in her shoes.

The way a person carries himself or herself has an effect on our perception as well. If you’re giving a job interview, and there are two people equally as qualified, whom would you choose? The person in the suit who carries themselves professionally or the person wearing dirty overalls? Most likely, you would hire the professional person. I believe this is true, not just in interview, but in everyday life. The way you speak, walk, stand, and sit all have all effect on people’s perception of you. We are not supposed to be judgmental but in all actuality we are.

Culture is another subject that plays a huge part in our perceptions. I think more of the time culture and religion go together. I felt tension with the Arab lady because of her culture opposed to mine. I am a Methodist. However, I am interested in studying other religions. This is not because I wish to convert but because I felt that if people could understand what people of other cultures and religions believe that then we could perceive each other alot better. The discussions was have had in class have opened my eyes alot. I realize how at times I am closed-minded to others. This perception blog and the discussions have made me question my own tastes, perceptions of others, and how others perceive me.

About Me

My name is Heather Elizabeth Jones. I am currently a freshman at Macon State College and majoring in Information Technology. I chose this major because it has been something that has interested me for a few years now. I have had a good deal of experience in it since I have been trained at my church to run all of the technical componets for them. This is one of my interests. Some others are swimming, exploring, and hanging out with my friends, both on and offline. I am very glad a good bit of assignments are online. That was one thing about college that made me happy. Others were how the atomsphere was so much different that high school and much more organized. However, I am still learning where everything is located but I will learn it in due time.