Perception is not always reality by Anthony

Perception is not always reality by Anthony - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

The last book I read was a Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck. This book taught me that perception is not always reality. This book is about Grandma Dowdel and her numerous antics to help those she cares about yet doing it in such a way that on the surface you would think that Ms. Dowdel was uncaring, mean and a non-law abiding citizen.

I have always been taught that perception is reality. What people perceive is their reality. But after reading this book it made me realize that our objectivity can be clouded by our culture, upbringing, and our experiences in life.

There are countless story of Grandma Dowdel breaking the law, but then, the author explains the purpose for her actions. For example, Grandma Dowdel trespass onto private property, uses illegal fish traps, and steals the sheriff's boat on her escapade, all to feed the homeless in her town who were unfortunate enough to have been impacted by the economic crash of the era, The Great Depression.

The intricate weaving of details of this entire book made me feel like a detective searching for clues and wondering what Grandma Dowdel would do next to help her family, friends and community. I see Grandma Dowdel as a strong, confident, and assertive woman who can lift her head high even thought she is very aware of how everyone perceives her. I hope to be as strong and confident as the author portrays his main character. How many of us can say with absolute certainty that we can be altruistic to those who do not have an objective view of us.