meanings

Speaking is quite Limited in terms of its Perceptual Meanings!

Loot at the following statements given by some of the parents for their own children:

Example 1:

I am not happy with my kids when they do not conform to my standards of life. I want them to become a gentleman like  keeping values that I possess. I want them to choose the paths of life I prefer for them. I want their obedience in each and every matter of life. I will not appreciate their supremacy and limit their freedom if they cross the limits.

This woman’s children are by nature very submissive, obedient, and introvert type. They listen to their mother and do whatever she says to do. They are very nice and caring kids. The woman is also very humble and caring one. She only wants her kids, to be honest, caring and sharing type. But the way she is speaking is not what she actually practices and/or means.

Example 2:

I am very liberal minded and would never accept any restriction on my kids. My kids would decide totally what they want from life in terms of education, social life, and family life. They will be independent in making their choices and I would stand with them in their chosen paths. I think one should live according to his/her own unique personality traits.

 This woman is the mother of a girl aged 4 who is very bright, active, clever, assertive, and extrovert type. She only wants her to become an energetic, healthy and happy person in life. Although she would not tolerate her girl’s rudeness and stubborn attitude, in general, yet she does not admit it. She will never allow many things to her girl to adopt; however, she is quite confident that she will not.

Example 2:

I don’t like the comparison between children. I am a mother who is the only well-wisher of her own children. I don’t care what others are doing. I would care for only my own kids, their health, their education and their better life. I am very much focused on my own kids.

 This woman is the mother of a gifted son who is the brightest one in the class. She does not need to compare her son’s achievements with others as he is already the superb and most brilliant child. Her son is a healthy, super cool, hard working, intelligent and a master at certain skills like mathematics and literature.

Example 3:

I am a mother and a teacher as well. I am concerned about my children’s well- being till the level they get going. I want them to fulfill the average standards of society, whether it is a matter of education, morality, sociology or family life. I will never impose my standards on them; however, I will appreciate their own rational and more acceptable standards of life.

This woman has two children who are neither too bright nor too dull. She is happy to help them in all matters of life. She often guides them in education, social life experiences, family life, and morality. She wants them to become good citizens and a good human being. She compares their standards of education with others so that she could assess their work carefully. She only fears her kids would not quit education at a very early stage.

 

From the above examples, you can see the difference of opinion from the difference of perception: we believe in some concepts of life but talk about something else. We exercise our thoughts in different words while behaving something altogether differently! We are not consistent, unbiased, scientific and clear in our own opinion. We choose words that we believe we need to speak; however, we mean a totally different world of meanings. It is the controversy, but it is important for our survival and dignity. We talk about things that we think are important to us/suit our needs; those things might contradict with other person’s personal needs. So to conclude, listen carefully to your friends and family members when you need some advice; as they might not be aware of your situation at all in giving you a piece of advice politely!

There Is No Objective Reality Indeed!

“Belief is defined in Webster’s Unabridged Third New International Dictionary as a ‘conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon………………………… One must therefore take cognitive, behavioral, sensory, motivational, affective, and contextual factors into account when attempting to unravel the mysteries of belief system evolution.” (Walters, 2002, p. 21).

 We perceive as per our interpretation and understanding of the world. We are not always right in assessing people around us- rather, many times we have to face challenges, dishonesties, and cruelties of other people. We could not get the reality due to disguised faces, fake facial expressions and postures. We have to believe on our senses- eyes and ears especially. We have no other way except to believe what we are encountering with. There is no objective reality in this world – as all realities are subject to our own experiences with the environment in which we interact directly. We are for most of the time product of our own beliefs, concepts, and theories for that we solely are responsible. That is why so far, nobody could prove scientifically that he/she is right in his/her conduct.

Not only our perception of the relationship is biased, our perception with  the universe is too absurd. Some among us like all what is blessed to them, including miseries and misfortunes; some say thanks to only a few of them and complain for troubles and sufferings; and some say thanks for the misfortunes and complain for the blessings. The first two categories are well understood as we all belong to one of them. What about third one? Many of us belong to the third one, but they rarely are aware of that. For example: when a parent thinks that a baby boy is a symbol of abundance and prosperity, they say thanks to the Universe for such a blessing.  Later on, that boy brings complaints for them. Similarly a girl is usually thought as a sign of bad luck in many parts of India. When that girl brings good luck to the family, the family reconsiders their views and says thanks for her instead of saying complaint. The same is true with many things for which we should say thanks – we complain against; the things we should not complain and say thanks instead, we complain.

Being a parent, you must have observed your children’s behavior minutely. Have you ever noticed that your children are not following in the same directions you are teaching? Yes. It is true. Children follow the guidelines, but with their own interpretations. You will say not to run, and she will stop walking; you will ask her not to throw things and she will conclude that you do not like her; you will tell her to finish the plate and she will throw the food in the dust bin! Thus, since childhood we are quite prone to misinterpret or interpret in our own way to suit our goals and objectives.

Colors in all over the world are same- red is red, black is black and white is white. If I tell you to imagine red in your mind, which image you imagine – blood, follower, flag, eyes, shirt or what. The same is true for all colors. We all keep various images for various colors likewise for various concepts. We distinguish strongly in our imagination of the same concept given to us in the unique manner. We believe in the same concept while expressing differently. For example: being straight means honest to one’s feelings or being arrogant, would depend on the perceiver’s unique perception of the concept. Being romantic means being sexy (physically), intimate (with empathetic attitude) , or loving ( simply nice in communication) ; would also depend upon the perceiver’s special ability to perceive such a complex emotional trait.

Gender discrimination is very common in many parts of the world. It is worst in the countries where people derive their own meanings of well defined world rules and laws. Such persons commit crimes against women of different kinds, but use different concepts to convince and protect their survival overall. It is well noted that “Common errors of construction include arbitrary inference, dichotomous reasoning, magnification, minimization, overgeneralization, and personalization, although other possibilities exist.” (Walters, 2002, p. 45). Thus, the most wanted criminal acts can also be justified, appreciated and valued subjectively.

However, what do you think about subjective reality? Do you still feel that your opinions are based on unbiased truths, beliefs and values? Are you still convinced that your reality of life is universal and your values are appreciated internationally in the way you express them? Do you still hold a belief that your expression is the best expression indeed? If yes, you are still in the process of learning self perceptual mechanism. If No, you have already mastered the skill I am teaching myself yet.

Ref:

Glenn D.walters. (2002). Criminal Belief Systems. An integrated-Interactive Theory of Lifestyles.