They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what is a thousand words worth? For some of us, image is everything! How we see or view ourselves, and the world, has an important impact on how we all choose to navigate this life. However, what we see with our eyes is only one part of the story.
Recently I was having a lighthearted conversation with someone about love, life and relationships, when somewhere along the way this comment was made: "Men are visual..." It wasn't until later that evening that I began to reflect upon those words, and realized this:
That statement is true not only with men, but amongst people in general. Humans often judge success by what things they can see. Much like men and women judge beauty based on what is seen outwardly. It is both natural, and helpful to look at things, as well as people, but all superficialities fade with time. Besides, using the visual as a measuring stick of sorts, can be deceiving both for the beauty and the beholder! It is not always possible to judge a "book" by its cover, no matter how wonderful or awful the cover appears to be. Even when we look at ourselves, what we see visually- is just a shell of who we really are in the essence of ourselves. Sometimes people see what they WANT to see, rather than what is TRUE. This is because the truth is not always conveniently align with our perceptions. Hollywood is just one perfect example of this. Lay folk often admire, and celebrate the rich, powerful or famous, without realizing that they too... put their pants leg on one at a time. Or in another example, think of how people see or view literacy. How many times have you spoken to someone, and believed that they could read, write, or comprehend just based off the things that they SAY out loud?
Do You Know Someone Who is Illiterate?
Yes
No
Often, we overlook these subtle signs of illiteracy when a friend constantly asks us to read something to them, or maybe repeat the details of something, that is clearly written out on paper. Basic, everyday flaws are often hidden right in plain sights. Hollywood and most politicians have already tapped into this grift of imagery. They OVERstand, that the average person is either too busy or too lazy to care about the facts, especially when it puts a damper on their tinted glasses. Maybe they do care about the facts, but it isn't conducive to their overall goals. Have you ever worn sunglasses in the rain? Not a good idea or LOOK.
This isn't to suggest that everything we see, is wrong though. Sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover. Sometimes what you SEE is exactly what you get. Fifty-four percent of ALL ADULTS in the United States, are said to have a literacy rate below the sixth-grade level. If this is true, that would mean the thinking or comprehension level of most grown people, is similar to that of a 12 year old. Can you imagine a preteen being the mayor of YOUR city, or the chief of your police department? The very suggestion by itself is absurd, yet this is who we are...becoming. Literacy, goes far beyond reading and writing; it also encompasses a thirst for KNOWledge, learning where (and how) to look for it and how to decipher it. Most of the challenges we face can be resolved using basic literacy skills. Our desire for understanding should be greater than our lust of material gains.
Most of us are too busy, stressed out, or plain tired to be bothered with that type of work. Literacy is the essential work that you don't necessarily see with your eyes; it isn't the sexy picture of success that brings us instant gratification, as we like it. These days illiteracy seems to be our preferred image of choice but then again... I guess that would depend upon WHO or WHAT you are looking at.
Don't forget to JOIN us this Wednesday, March 29 at 11:00am EST LIVE on Instagram for a meaningful discussion on: "A Child's Worth". Hosted by our FEATURE BLOG contributor for this month: IMAGIREAD
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