Numerous studies have been conducted regarding features that allow people to be classified and categorized to belong to or thought of having particular personality characteristics. Scholars and experts, therefore, have conducted research to determine the reasons why people give certain attributes or associate certain appearances with certain character. As the adage goes that a picture is worth a thousand words, the same idea has been applied by some in defining ad describing people and, therefore, categorizes them. There are many elements and attributes that experts have pointed out shape and determine personal characteristics and, therefore, their personalities. They include, but not limited to environment and background that one was raised at, philosophy and believes of an individual among others. In some instances, contradictory reports and expectations have been noted in relation to classifying an individual. Psychiatrists and sociologist have cautioned out to avoid the generalizations that many have over an individual appearance that they use to characterize a person. It is noted that it has been turned into a mind game especially by criminals among other bad people to implement and enhance their bad motives by exploiting the assumptions and generalizations to their advantage. However, my goal in this piece in to examine that factors that lead to wrong personalization of individuals in society and the challenges that relate to it, as I now turn.
Just as the saying goes that all that glitters is not gold, the same replicates to the concept and ideology of personalizing people. Experts note that it is healthy and right to personalize an individual on the first look of an appearance since it is a healthy way of communication that happens naturally especially if one is a stranger. Psychiatrists point out that the mind has to take a position and analyze concepts as well as process ideas regarding a person using the physical appearance of the person (Murphy & McVey, 12). This is the first process in the mind of any normal person, and, therefore, personalizing people is a normal process associated with normal people. However, when there is engagement either directly or indirectly, it gives the brain more options and information regarding an individual that can be realized through verbal and non verbal signs. It is noted that it is a process that goes through stages and processes before a right place can be taken regarding a person s character and according to the professionals this can take some time before true character is correctly defined. It had been stated that many people react and conceal their true character to conform to the societal expectations. They behave differently when under public scrutiny and during their private and concealed lives. This has made the subject even more challenging (Coon, 26). Time and close relationship with an individual over a set period can help when giving the best and correct character to an individual that most likely ill present a higher percentage about the believes and features of a person.
The society across many places has assumed that certain presentations give people or describe them in a particular manner with specific personality traits. Many people are given varied personality descriptions depending on the way they look and appear. Looks may be deceptive as it is cautioned out, and one you might think one is might turn out to be the complete opposite of the expectations. These wrong meanings and personalities have affected people negatively in many ways such as loosing opportunities in life by just being judgmental. It has also exposed people to a dangerous situation and has ended up losing their properties and assets to fraudsters. It has, therefore, presented different results in equal measures even though both are negative as noted out in Coon (2006) piece titled Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior (17). In the contemporary times, criminals have mastered the art of imitating and presenting themselves in the best possible manner that conforms to the societal expectations. This has enabled them penetrate boundaries of their intended targets with much ease and less struggle, and, therefore, has worked to their advantage. Many people, therefore, have also ended up to be victims of crimes and related issues due to the wrong personalization and characterization of people. Criminal’s activities among other deviant’s behaviors that entails use of the brain that the camouflage with the societal expectations has been described as “smart crimes." This is because it mostly entails brain and psychology game results from personalization of people. It is nowadays possible to understand that you have been a victim of crime after long period that might even occur to you severally before you understand and sense any danger.
Experts, on the other hand, note that an individual behavior is largely shaped by the background that one was raised and brought up. It entails a lot such as parental style that one had when young, was it abusive or responsible parenting, the values and virtues that were instilled in one both by the society and close environment that one grew up in as well as intellectual and physical abilities among others. Scholars note that the mentioned attributes only contributes a fraction in determining the personality and character of an individual (Lewis, 8). It is advised that care and caution should be exercised in giving people characters and the process might take a long time before the correct personalities of an individual is noted.
In conclusion, society has created into the minds of many people the personalities that are associated with a particular appearance. These assumptions are hardly true in most instances and, therefore, have led to a mixed observation and experience across both ends of life. Many people with bad intentions in the society have exploited the situation to their advantage. This has resulted into many incidences of crime has tremendously increased that rely on psychology to reach their targets. All precautionary measures should be taken that puts everything and everyone as suspect especially strangers until the time that true picture ad character of an individual will be revealed.
Works Cited
Coon, Dennis. Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior. Australia: Thompson/Wadsworth, 2006. Print.
Lewis, Sarah. Positive Psychology at Work: How Positive Leadership and Appreciative Inquiry Create Inspiring Organizations. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. Internet resource.
Murphy, Naomi, and Des McVey. Treating Personality Disorder: Creating Robust Services for People with Complex Mental Health Needs. London: Routledge, 2010. Print.
