Question

The phrase, "perception is reality," is often used when someone perceives something about someone or something that seems to contradict the true facts about that thing or person. The point is that regardless of the truth, our personal perceptions are usually the strongest factors influencing our actions and other thoughts and feelings. Often the difference between the truth and our perceptions can completely change the course of events that follow from what they would be if our perceptions were more consistent with the objective truth. Because we are all human, positive outcomes or negative outcomes associated with this issue occur everyday.

To help you out with this one, here is one example of this idea from my own life: I know a person who does not perform well in job interviews. She is very competent and a diligent worker, but most potential employers have a hard time seeing her that way because of her quiet and unassuming demeanor. The truth is that she would make a good employee but she doesn't often get hired because the job interviewers don't perceive her that way. At that point, all that matters is their perception of her and not the kind of person she really is. As a result, she often does not get hired.

Please describe your own example of this "perception is reality" issue that has happened to you or someone else. Then, make some kind of supportive response to the examples of one other student.

word limit 150-200

Answer 1

Perception is reality and indeed many times the reality is what is perceived by the other and how one looks on the outside rather than what actually exists. Moreover the inherent qualities are often disguised under many layers of the complex human nature and its multifaceted nature. As Jung describes persona as mask, which is something that we all engage in while interacting with the society, determines how we are looked at by the people in turn. One such example is the fact that I appear extrovert on the outside and thus perceived as interactive and jolly by people around, however temperamentally I like to be highly aloof and centered due to true introvert characteristics. Similarly another friend of mine seems high on the need for achievement and appears a type A personality, however closely examining, one realizes that it is a defense mechanism to over compensate for a deep rooted need for meaning, purpose and subtle low self esteem.