A lesson in a sunflower field
In my social psychology class this evening, we had a guest professor who gave a wonderful and dynamic lecture on the attitudes of prejudice and how it is manifested in behaviors of discrimination. He offered up four ways that behaviors can be changed to impact the attitude:
- Awareness of the attitudes and behaviors toward other groups
- Contact and proximity between groups
- Engaging in the above contact based on an equal footing
- Shared goals between the groups
He gave a wonderful illustration of #2 that I would like to share. He asked us to imagine a sunflower field. We’ve all seen the photo; thousands of flowers in a field, as far as the eye can see. I posted one to help you. What is it that you really see, though?
If we look at the first row of flowers,we can see how beautiful they are. Tall, golden, full of petals reaching to the sun, strong leaves, perhaps we can even the seeds in the center of the regal bloom. Each one may be more beautiful then the next. As we really focus on the details, we learn to appreciate them even more.
Now, look in the distance. What do you see? Can you see the magnificent details? Or, do you just see a sea of yellow? Can you see what makes each look special? Or, have they lost their uniqueness? You may not even be able to see individual stalks and blooms anymore.
It works the same way with people. When we each take the time to put aside our view of the masses, and look at each person as a unique individual, we are much more likely to see how special that individual is. And, when we recognize how special each person is, we are more motivated to respect them, honor them, help them, and care for them.
Imagine the possibilities if we viewed each person we come in contact with in the same manner we view one of the sunflowers in the first row of that beautiful field!
Tags: Attitude, Community, Compassion, Fully Present, Integrity, Life, Nature, Peace, Possibilities
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February 25, 2009 at 9:49 am
Hi El. I’d like to add that we need to take that same attitude and apply it to how we view ourselves.
I just posted this on my blog yesterday:
“Consider for a moment that there are 6 billion people on the planet today. Further, try to comprehend the total number of lives that have lived on earth since the genesis of humanity. Each and every one of those souls was a different, unique individual, similar to you in some ways and completely unlike you in so many more. Without question, you are a unique person with a unique gift to offer the world.”
Too many of us are conditioned to view ourselves as one of the masses. But when we acknowledge our own unique make-up, special qualities, and individuality, we are better able to see the unique beauty in others.
February 25, 2009 at 10:42 am
Great comment, Joe. You are absolutely correct. We need to see ourselves as unique and special; worthy of the same care, love, and respect. Not moreso than others, but as much as others. Thanks for the return visit!