The lesson for the week was on perception and empathy. Different individuals perceive situations differently. This might be because perception is relative to one’s situation and line of thought. This essay seeks to discern the main ideas passed across in the classroom and express how they affect the manner with which I think and put them into practice. It is an analysis of my thoughts regarding the lectures from class and my experiences.
Similar images may be presented to different people and be perceived differently by all of them. There is an image depicting two women in one image, but not all individuals might see these two women. There are those who will see an old woman, others a vibrant and energetic young lady. I have also come to the understanding that perception is biased and self-serving. It is guided by the first impressions that an individual has about situations and individuals. It is evident that expectations and the obvious determine the level of perception between individuals.
There is an array of lessons to be learnt from the texts and teachings in class. It is evident that one cannot possibly attend to everything that they perceive. The body and mind only perceive those messaged that grab their attention. This lesson teaches one the importance of observation and taking the time to understand all the images and events happening around us. During the lessons, I was contemplating on the instances that I have perceived situations differently because of the circumstances in which they were set. It is vital to understand different situations and their vitality.
The readings might have been in class, but they brought with them different epiphanies. One often comes to the realization that perception is relative to different individuals. It is vital that one understands how to perceive things differently if they are to understand the different situations with which they are faced. This topic has altered my frame and the way of thinking for the better. It is evident that I can perceive things differently and have the ability to understand different situations and accept the circumstances that surround these situations. Perception is the cause of all stereotypes. It is unnecessary to have stereotypes because they are an indication of an individual’s unwillingness to understand others. This leads to their making assumptions of other people and the manner with which they make decisions (Arogundade 34-35).
Whereas stereotyping is common in the society today an outstanding deal of individuals might find it offensive. I have learnt that all individuals are different in their own unique sense hence stereotyping is unnecessary. It might be uncomfortable for some individuals to be labeled using traits that they might not even possess. There were lessons on how to make sense of the stimuli and gestures that other people apply in their conversation. I have understood that there are numerous factors that affect interpretations of different actions and situations. How one responds to these interpretations is solely based on their understanding. It is unnecessary to make assumptions about human behavior.
It is also clear that negotiations are part of perception. One negotiates with others in an effort to make their perceptions understood by other individuals. The lesson has taught me that there are different factors that influence perception, and these factors affect all individuals. It is upon these individuals to decipher and ascertain the factors that strengthen their perceptions. One should take caution not to have negative perceptions about situations that would demand otherwise. I have come to the understanding that some of these factors include age and maturity. Cultural differences and gender roles are just but a few of these factors.
Empathy is an emotion greater than sympathy. It arises when an individual places themselves in a situation with which others are faced in an effort to understand their predicament. Empathy is a form of emotion; one that is mutually beneficial to all partisan parties. Throughout the course of my reading, I have understood my emotions better and have better control of them. There are different methods to express emotions. If channeled in the wrong manner, emotions can cause a lot of hurt to individuals (Bonanno and Tracy 55). This topic gave me an understanding of different psychological responses, nonverbal cues and verbal expressions, and cognitive interpretations. It is also clear that there are different emotions. Whereas some like happiness and sadness are emotional, others might be influenced by personalities, culture, gender roles, social conversation and the fear of social contagion.
It is possible for emotions to be influenced by people around us. To avoid conflicts in different social settings, there is a guideline to expressing emotions. It is vital for one to recognize their feelings and consider the most appropriate manner to express these feelings. One of the valuable lessons gained from the text is that one should be ready to take responsibility for their feelings. It is of importance that an individual expresses their emotions in the most efficient manner and not cause harm to the individuals around them. It is also essential to minimize one’s debilitative emotions (Bonanno and Tracy 70).
Works Cited
Arogundade, Dele. Perceptions. London: AuthorHouse Publishing, 2012. Print.
Bonanno, G., Mayne, Tracy. Emotions: Current Issues and Future Directions. New York: Guilford Press, 2006. Print.
