Perception Is Reality

The phrase that I have as my title is on that captured my attention many years ago. I understood this phrase, but I would have a hard time explaining its meaning to others. I feel that a lot of situations can be defined by this idea. When I try to explain it to people, I think they confuse the statement perception is reality with perception is truth.

Whenever I make the statement, I give a situation that I was given to help understand the meaning. A rumor. Tammy is a virgin. Someone starts the rumor that Tammy is a slut and sleeps with everyone. Although the truth is that Tammy is a virgin, everyone is under the believe that Tammy is a slut because of the rumors that they have heard. Those who don't know the truth, only know the rumor and treat Tammy as such. Since everyone believes that Tammy is a slut and Tammy is treated as such, the reality is that Tammy is a slut. The truth is that Tammy is a virgin.

This thought applies to many other situations that I think about on a day to day basis. When I think about the powerful affect of stereotypes and their effects. Whenever I meet someone from a culture outside of my own, its sparks great interest. I'm interested because of my open mindedness and my understanding that although perception is reality, it is not always truth. I want to learn first hand about the individual I'm encountering, their family, and their perspective of their culture. Although, I have already had ideas implanted in my mind prior to meeting them based on the media and previous experiences, I try not to let those experiences cement my ideas on who that person is.

Unfortunately many people are not aware that perception is not always reality. There are plenty of people who believe that all black people are dangerous, violent, criminals. More unfortunate is the idea that perception guides who many become. Although Tammy was a virgin, over time she may feel defeated by the idea that everyone perceives her as a slut and feel that there is no reason to maintain her virginity if it has no value to those perceiving who she is.