Is perception reality?

Over breakfast this morning, my husband and I were arguing over whether the US is appropriately celebrating the death of Bin Laden. Now, Paul and I are known for often have to agree to disagree on social issues like this (or so I say, but I still think he’s wrong!) but that brought an interesting point up that’s been on my radar quite a bit lately in the PR world: is perception reality?

I have no desire to make this a political blog, but rather I’m fascinated by the communication of information, and how the information you do, or don’t receive, can color your perception of reality.

Does a person’s perception boil down to religious upbringing, political views, or the personal effect of 9/11? Does each person’s perception depend on perceived personal safety? Or, does it hinge on how, when and where you heard the news? Who you heard it from, who you were with, and what their reaction was?

While it may be a combination, I think the way in which people receive the news may be largely overlooked. Because our country has been embroiled in the war on terror for nearly 10 years we all have an emotional investment. However, it is likely that source of information each of us have relied on for information over the past decade will, to some extent, color our beliefs. Be it a faithful NPR listener or a FOX news advocate, I believe any individual will turn to their preferred news provider first, read their columns and then explore others – perhaps with a jaded viewpoint because any new information is often compared to what they’ve already internalized about the events that have transpired.

But hey, that’s just my perception…