Perception key component of communication

Dear Editor, 

It seems to me, the major component of communication is… perception.

We all do it. We filter information or comment through our mindsets of various colors.

When we do this, we only understand what we think we heard or read, measured against indefensible personal standard, and most often, we get it at least partially wrong and demonize the messenger to massage our ego.

The ACTUAL substance and understanding is often lost regardless of the accuracy or truthfulness of the information or fact burned into history that is conveniently ignored.

This is never more true than in an election campaign.

Information is sliced and diced with manipulative intent to convince and blind for the sake of power that the vote provides.

All that is necessary to witness this reality in action is to open up virtually any social media app and pick a political post – any political post.

The vast majority of the posts are aimed at those who are dyed-in-the-wool partisans of a certain persuasion – right, left, center, or way-the-hell-out-there – all are targeted with intent.

Of course, responsibility for our perceptions is our own. What is the point of offering accurate or challenging information, if you have already made up your mind and your knee-jerk reaction is the only leg you have to stand on?

There is no reality, no options. Just willful ignorance that is comfortable.

Wonder why our governance is so screwy? Look no further than our own closed perceptions. It’s poison partisanship that defeats good governance.

Jim Stone, Taber