Response to this Discussion :When growing up in the formative middle school and high school years we have this need to fit in and conform.
When we are viewed as different from others, oftentimes that causes emotions of depression and can result in isolation. We have this innate need to want to be part of the “pack” anything that diverges from the norm is weird and punished via taunting bullying etc.
In mid to latency adulthood, we are more grounded in our identity as adults and have found our true purpose. At which point, we do not allow others to question or change our identity because of the trials we had to go through to find it.
When we belong, we are building relationships based on like mindedness and shared interests. We build friendships on this concept.
We may be connected due to beliefs, geographical location, culture, hobbies and so forth.
These similarities help to build bonds with others.
I am a member of the Habitat for Humanity Homeowner’s Selection Committee, and anyone can join. The goal is to help get those in need into a safe and affordable home for them and their family.
We identify others outside the group as potential members and try to be kind to them and convince them to volunteer their time and extra resources if able.
The benefits of being on this committee are helping other single mothers get ahead financially and to assist in showing them how to provide for their families.
Owning your own home is expensive, if I can show someone how to do that, that things me joy. The benefits of not being in the group are in no way comparable to being able to contribute back to others in need.
Psychologists have proven,” Our preconceptions guide how we perceive and interpret information. We construe the world through belief-tinted glasses.
“Sure, preconceptions matter,” people agree; yet they fail to fully appreciate the impact of their own predispositions” (Myers & Twenge, 2021).
However, it is pertinent to cease making assumptions of others based on how and what they look like, we are all individuals that deserve to be given the benefit of the doubt.
Unless we know first-hand another’s personal circumstances, we should not pass judgment so swiftly.
I referenced the availability heuristic concept to explain my statement. Going forward, I am sure to take time to allow my opinions to be backed by facts rather than immediate assumptions.
For example, I have a client that comes into the bank. He often is un-bathed, has a strong scent of urine and his clothes are ragged with holes.
From the outside, you may see a man that has fallen on challenging times, but when I assist him financially, he is quite well off. We allow our perceptions to rob us of genuine interactions with others that have stories that need to be told.
References
Myers, David G., & Twenge, Jean M. (2021). EXPLORING SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, NINTH EDITION (9th ed.). McGraw Hill LLC.
