Ya know, if you think about it - every criminal who has ever commited a crime, was not a criminal the day before. 🤔
I mentioned awhile back that my drivers license had been revoked. (Resolved btw). Anyway, the way I found out my license had been revoked - I got the ole red n blue lights right after I pulled into the post office. The post master is a friend of mine and he watched the whole thing. As soon as the ordeal was over I walked in to get my mail - the first thing he said was "that was profiling". I replied "I know, right?"
Ive experienced this my entire life because I look a certain way (mainly my long hair). I chuckled at the irony it says "in god we trust" on the back of his squad car. Ya know, that long haired guy . . . .
Buuuuuuut I digress
Which brings me to the point of this blog.
People that see with more than their eyes.
Or better yet, people who dont.
We are creatures of patterns - its basically in our dna. Thus stereotypes exist. Its survival at its base. That can help us and it can hurt us. Chances we missed out on because of a preconceived notion a person or thing is a certain way.
Cats and dogs like me, horses, birds, etc - the entire wildlife kingdom seems to like me. Children like me, and of course, the sighted like me. But there are those who dont, based solely on my appearance.
A few days ago I was at the store filling up a 6 gal water jug. Just standing by the machine lost in thought - it was early morning and hardly any patrons. I got startled when I heard "boo!" - a rather elderly, very small woman smiled at me as she walked past behind me - I will never forget that.
Our marriage counselor was a very sweet 72 yo woman who had been at it for over 45 years, ushered us into her session room carrying one of those "pocket dogs". As we all sat down she says to me "now I gotta tell you, she doesnt like strangers and she doesnt like men" - I thought, "and shes here why??" - then she exited for a few minutes (I dont remember why) and left the dog on her chair. She was startled to discover when she returned her dog was in my lap. It continued to dumbfound her the entire session. Her dog was even licking the back of my hand.
Ive had many examples like this throughout my life but ill save those for the book ill never write.
Is this a trait that can be learned? Taught?
The ability to see with more than your eyes?
Or is it too contrary to our survival instincts?
Thinking outloud
