Perceptions and Reality

Physical appearance has a lot to do with how we perceive others.  If people wear glasses, we determine that they have a problem with their vision.  If a person has rings on each finger, then they must be wealthy, have won ten championships, or are channeling Sammy Davis, Jr.  If their clothes are shabby, then he or she must be poor.  If they are a Cleveland Browns fan, then they obviously are insane (guilty as charged). If they walk with a limp, there must be an anatomical problem or they have an injury.  If they are always smiling, they must be incredibly happy or have gas.  If they have their hair colored in shades that are not on the color wheel, then they must be a whack job.  If they have body piercing in places that are outside of the norm, then they must be “one of those” kind, whatever the heck that means.  Don’t let the outward appearance fool you.  My God, did you get a good look at Einstein’s hair?  Or Stephen Hawkings inability to walk?  Or Dennis Rodman’s multiple piercing…okay, maybe not a good example.  Don’t be fooled by outward appearance.  It’s what is inside that counts. It’s not about the wrapping paper; it’s about the gift inside.

We have all had kids walk through our classroom doors that we think we have all figured out by the time they reach their seat.  The kid with the hair dyed blue and a purple streak must be a freak.  Geez Louise, couldn’t he use complementary colors at least? The kid with the holes in his jeans must be on free or reduced lunch. Never mind that stores sell this style at ridiculously high prices. Oh, and the kid dressed “to the nines” must live in a mansion and have servants, three Beamers, and a country club membership.  How do you know that any of these notions are reality?  Short answer – you don’t.  Not until you get to know them.  Do you want to know a secret?  The kids had pre-conceived notions about you too.  They heard about you before they stepped one foot in your classroom. They may have siblings that had you as their teacher. Perhaps your reputation preceded you.  They sized you up on the first day of school. They saw what you wore, how your combed your hair and made a determination about you.  They did. They thought they had you totally figured out before the end of that first class period.  Ridiculous, isn’t it.  But true.  It wasn’t until they got to know you that they saw the real you.  It wasn’t until you worked hard to develop a positive relationship with them that they saw the gift that could receive from you.  Keep on giving that gift.  This doesn’t mean that we are changing the professional dress code.  It means that the gifts need to be opened.  Being this close to Christmas, the time has come.

The Browns play against the San Francisco 49er’s this weekend on the shores of Lake Erie.  This game is the unofficial “Draft Bowl” since both teams are in the cellar…way down in the cellar…