by Anease Lacaze

Created on: October 08, 2008

Perspective is a strange, but powerful thing. Worldviews vary from place to place, and even more from person to person. Perspective makes us special, for we each have our own. On the other hand, it can poison our thoughts with prejudices and stereotypes. Our perspective is altered and affected by each and every event throughout our lives. Perspective leads to misunderstandings because each person's perspective is absolutely unique. When we are young, our perspective is often shared with our parents. Children often become members of their parents' political party, or drive the same make of car. But as we grow our perspective is easy influenced, making it convenient to pick up outside opinions. It is here that perspective skews judgment, and causes strife. It would be unfair to blame perspective for all hardship; however, it is certainly a cause for conflict. You see, perception is completely relative; it changes from moment to moment. It's like a revolving door that just keeps spinning and spinning. Our perspective of the world is modified by people we come in contact with, stress and environmental factors. It is a bit like a mood you cannot entirely control.

As I go through life, my perspective challenges me. With each day, new opinions are added to my ever-growing inventory. Opinions, when positive, can improve perspective. We become more insightful and thoughtful. I like to think the best of people until they prove I should do otherwise. My perspective has only recently matured though; I used to judge strangers without a second thought. I have learned, however, that to judge someone is to fault them for things they may be unable to control. Or in some cases, they have total control, but disregard the status quo. I have no place in this world to pass false or misplaced judgment on anyone. And so my perspective has developed into something I feel holds great power. I have an opportunity to help others develop and tend to their perspective, help them see the positive no matter the circumstance. Positivity is contagious, and a positive outlook can change the world.

Each day, I do my best. I make valid attempts to be helpful and kind in my everyday life, although I am far from consistent. A developing perspective is much like a young child; it is to be nurtured and praised, and even punished if necessary. Be aware of your perspective. It can change your opinions and warp your views, causing irreparable damage to others. A positive outlook will encourage a more positive perspective to culminate.

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