Although “facts” do exist, people are unique in their interpretation of any given event or idea.
This is why people disagree on an array of issues. However, the ‘realities’ of most people do overlap and there is considerable agreement and similarities between each one’s experiences. This common agreement between the vast majority of people is what we dignify as ‘reality’, but we also need to appreciate why people’s versions of “reality” also may differ. Differences occur because of our uniqueness as people and because we tend to process reality to protect our self-esteem and dignity. Also people, intuitively, have different views and values and these intersect with their interpretation of events.
Think about your big picture categories and concepts:
How others control/influence our realities
Public:
- in the public arena: governments, the media; gatekeepers of power and influence
- in a heavy-handed way (dictators) and in a subtle way (democracies; governments through fear campaigns)/ also the image of the courageous bullet-proof hero
- through images, slogans, the flow of information and through language: (comments about language creates reality)
- political and social realities change according to political and social events etc.
- the information such organisations provide and conceal can lead to a (mis)representation of reality; often with the view to manipulating public response/emotions and fear etc.
Personal/family:
- in the personal/family arena: parents; role models and peers ; through goals and expectations, views and values
Subjective variations: our control over our realities
- views, values, personalities and backgrounds; and illusions: Willy and his negative interpretation of the American Dream and Biff’s positive resistance (misrepresentation with the consequence that Willy sets himself up for failure; and a sense of being temporary
- unique “first hand” experiences : Uncle Peter, soldiers (often gives us a different perspective) (Biff and the affair) (they often realise to what extent they may have been misled)
- our memories and how we interpret them (memories can mislead and misrepresent): Stephen and Willy
- our hopes and illusions and fantasies : Willy
The way people process “reality” is subject to interpretation – depending upon
- their mindset, views, values; level of education, gender; experiences
- how people “see” ; senses; perception; their perception – how perceptive are they – what are they capable of seeing, noticing and feeling?
- self-interest – we see things to protect our integrity, sense of self and honour, pride.
- the past, memory, upbringing, – we remember things to suit ourselves – we suppress uncomfortable truths; we reinterpret or suppress trauma; positive
- memories usually determine an optimistic outlook on life; see opportunities not obstacles
- their fears and phobias
- sexual and subconscious desires
- depending upon who is relaying the story – firsthand experience, through another…
Memories : The way we remember our past has a very important bearing on our present lived realities
- process of remembering – and being selective. (Dali’s paintings): the details may differ according to our subjective reality… and a police investigation according to our powers of perception…
- self interest – … shielding us from guilt –
- good memories – help to protect our self esteem and think about a better future
- trauma and unpleasant memories; are the trigger for trauma and despair; the greater the distortion – displacement and compensation mechanisms.
We see things our way; from our own perspective
- our “realities” are a product of many personal variables such as , age, gender, background, level of education…
- personal… why? to protect our dignity… to save face.. rationalise justify events, experiences, occurrences to suit your own (personal face) needs – everyone wants to be liked..
- past memories will also influence how we see things.. .what we remember…
- our way is always a response… to another way… we are often conditioned to see things a certain way by outside influences/factors/ media/ government… we can only act upon what we know.. .and what we know.. .comes from factors often beyond our control…
A child’s world is shaped by parent’s reality
- Child is influenced by dominant/authorities/ people in positions of influence/authority / role models
- Parent’s reality (ie background, context, race, …)
- A child also brings their own unique perspective, personality, experiences, (place in the family) (otherwise all children would be just clones of their parents..)
Imagination is the best weapon in the war against reality
- Imagination can help us doctor/ shape, interpret/ our reality in such a way as to make life more pleasant, hopeful, happy, rewarding… (illusions can be good)
- Too much imagination, too many illusions, can be destructive/ illusory/ lead to failure/ downfalls and disappointment.
- Sometimes we need imagination to imagine a life that is true, and that brings happiness and that may resist the dominant narrative/ story… (biff imagines a different life story)
Success depends upon an understanding of what is and isn’t real
- Success: often people base their life stories, their hopes and expectations on factors that have little bearing on reality/ truth and so eventually lead to disappointment and downfalls
- Success – imagine a life story that is true to who we want to be; what makes us happy
When competing realities clash, the result can only be tragedy
- Yes – tragedy because … because such a clash leads to misunderstandings; criticism; judgements; cannot understand another person… doomed to failure/ disappointment : eliminate difference… personal misunderstandings … differences of opinion that cannot be solved…
- If a more dominant individual/group seeks to oppress and avoid the other’s view.. .
- No tragedy avoided because… if broadmindedly one is capable of understanding other points of view and appreciating difference…
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