Perception is defined as the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses or the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted and could be described as insight, awareness, observation, or sensitivity.
Many of us in the “minority” population often decry the media and others for their representation of us and their negative stereotypical portrayal of our young people. Yet, we defy logic by posting and exchanging images that portray us in negative ways.
There have been a number of studies illustrating that some of us, both young and old have a perception that members of some groups seem more trusting, honest, and worthy while other groups have more negative attributes and are unworthy of respect. That perception has its origin in how we are portrayed by others and is perpetuated by how we portray ourselves.
If we want others to perceive us as a whole in a positive light WE MUST ALWAYS present to the world that POSITIVE image. Yes, there will always be exceptions to the rule but, we have to make it clear the exceptions are the aberrations and not the norm.
In his book Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things Dr. Donald Norman an academic in the field of cognitive science, design, and usability engineering, cites two related studies about attractiveness impacts a person’s perception.
In the first, researchers in Japan set up two ATMs that were almost identical in function, the number of buttons, and how they worked. The only difference was that one machine’s buttons and screens were arranged in a more attractive manner. The researchers observed that subjects encountered fewer difficulties with the more attractive machine; the perception was that the attractive machines were easier to use.
The experiment was repeated in Israel to test to account for cultural differences and in fact, the effect was even stronger – attractiveness correlated to ease of use.
A Fire Service Image Task Force Report: titled “Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception” by the International Association of Fire Chiefs states:
“If we are to be successful in maintaining a positive public image which enables us to secure the public’s trust we must reflect honestly, talk openly, work collaboratively, act professionally and take responsibility.
While it’s easier to point fingers at the media, elected officials and the public, the first and hardest step in this process is taking a good look in the mirror. How has our own arrogance or unwillingness to keep pace with our changing environment contributed to this decline in public perception? How did we become out of step with those around us?
The point of this honest assessment is to allow us to move forward by identifying what works, figuring out where good intentions went wrong, and applying our best attributes to addressing our image flaws. For example, with very little effort a professional demeanor, a compassionate word, and few pieces of sound data to back up our opinions the negative perception of arrogance becomes a positive perception of confidence.”
In both the studies cited and the Fire Service Report what is made clear is that the portrayal of something as attractive or positive can have a profound impact on the viewer’s perception. If we continue to portray ourselves in a particular way, then we will continue to be perceived in that way. We have to take control by persistently creating positive images of ourselves. We have to encourage our young people to take pride in how they look, how they speak, and how they dress. We also have to tell our own positive stories and learn not to take ownership of the negatives.
“It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea” – Nelson Mandela
