Impressions

       Impressions


    Impressions are something you develop constantly of people, surroundings, objects, and more. I'm sure you all have heard about first impressions. What they didn't tell you is your impressions may change regarding that person, object, or side at any moment. Impressions are not judgements: they are more of a signal that is interpreted by your brain. Impressions are vital to linking the person, object, or idea to our liking or disgust. Impressions vary from person to person, but they all fit together in some sort of a grand scheme.

    A common example of building an initial impression is picking up a book and reading the first ten pages or so. For most people they have already committed to reading that entire book based on their impression of the book's first ten pages or so and vice versa.  People form an impression of a person quickly after meeting them. Does this make the person shallow or superficial? I honestly can't say. I believe if a person has decided if a person is savory based on their first moments together then the person is not making a wise choice. Appearances can be deceiving.


     What Happens when we have Impressions

          Impressions have an universal way of effecting our world. We cast impressions upon news events, new television programs, and the like. People find themselves constantly in the crossfire of today's media. Opinions are formed, and our impressions breathe life into the issue or device. We war against each other with our views, and give the object we are so "into" a spirit. It's not far fetched to believe spirits are created by our mind or a collaboration of many. These spirits are similar to what some cultures call "anima" or a lifeless object that gains a spirit of it's own.

   So is that it?  We just readily accept our impressions have consequences? We can't just believe that we have no control of our actions.  We have to break free of our condemning and biased thinking. If we are all against one issue or all for another, what does this say of our free thinking society? Instead of merely agreeing with one side or the other, why don't we listen to each other's thoughts and treat them all as valid (which they are) and find a way to come up with new ideas based on what everyone agrees upon? Do we really need to treat them things as taboo or to not accept someone or something merely because they are "different"?  This is not an issue involving semantics: this has to do with a revolutionary new age where one another is equal to each other and are treated fairly. This society is involved in an intellectual war where if anyone or either side disagree with one another then there is no grey area or no middle ground. It is scary to think how bigoted we have really became. Maybe not in our eyes, but in our mind.



Concluding Thoughts

  We must make a change, and not let our impressions guide us. We have so much potential to become a truly free-thinking society. Your impressions are important, but never let that take away from having loving and positive thoughts and actions. I cannot tell you that there is any one cure to our society's popular opinion. We all should be equal, but at the same time we are all unique and should be allowed to revel in our own splendidness. Being unique is wonderful, and st the same time we also have to accept others. If we do find that one person who is like us, who we can truly love, I hope with all my heart that you can call that one your own.