Different Perceptions

Different perceptions are the seeds of conflict. They cause arguments between opposing sides and often when an individual is adamant that they are correct, conflict can worsen. Based on our life experiences, everyone has a different outlook on life. These differences contribute to variations in our perceptions of situations. Perception is the personal version of reality that we each experience. Perception applies to every situation, whether it be religion, identity, power, ideologies, health or actions, everyone will have their unique perception of reality which form the foundations for conflict to occur. Dissimilar perceptions about an individual’s identity can cause conflict. Conflict over identity arises when an individual feels their sense of self is being disrespected, denied authority or is being threatened. Identity is integral to a person’s self-esteem and any threat to their identity is likely to produce a formidable response. Typically this response is defensive and aggressive, and often escalates quickly into an uncontrollable conflict, as threats to an identity are not easily put aside. The different perceptions about an individual’s identity form the foundations of conflict as the individual feels their sense of self-existence and self-esteem is being jeopardized causing them to retaliate. Different opinions regarding who should rule a country also form the seeds of conflict. Many revolutions have occurred worldwide due to the different beliefs of who should rule a country. The American Revolution is an example of how different perceptions about who should rule the thirteen colonies in America caused conflict. The thirteen colonies of America were founded by Britain in 1607 and belonged to the British Empire. The colonies were autonomous and the influence of the English rule was diminishing. Local laws and political parties were formed within the colonies and the need for English rule was becoming decreasingly important. Throughout 1763 and 1776 tension between the colonies and Britain escalated. Colonies rebelled against Britain evident in the Boston Tea Party in December 1773 and the Battle of Lexington-Concord in April 1775. These conflicts demonstrated the thirteen colonies’ strive for independence against Britain who wanted to remain in power. In July 1776 the Declaration of Independence was proposed to Britain listing its justifications for independence and grievances against the King. The Declaration of Independence was signed and a formal separation from Britain was declared. This conflict against the colonies and Britain were formed by the initial different perceptions of who should rule the thirteen colonies. These different perceptions formed the seeds of conflict to occur between the opposing sides. Different perceptions of how life was formed also form the seeds of conflict. Conflict arises when two or more groups disagree about a topic, as evident in the Christian belief of who created life and Darwinian’s theory of evolution. The Christian faith believes that God created all life on earth. He created the universe and the environment we live in today. Adam and Eve were the first people on Earth and were given commandment to multiply. This Christian belief is in conflict to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. In November 1859, Charles Darwin proposed that organisms develop over time with only the most successful mutations surviving. He suggested that all organisms on earth developed from a single-celled organism billions of years ago. In his book “Origin of Species” Darwin includes extensive research to explain our existence by means of Evolution from Natural Selection, commonly known as ‘Survival of the Fittest’. Genetic variation exists in all population and due to the changing environment, those with the most suited genetic makeup survived. The offspring of the survivors flourished and the most desirable trait was passed on. Often mutations occurred, and gave rise to different species altogether. This theory of Natural Selection and Evolution challenged the belief of God and created conflicting opinions on how life was formed on earth. These different beliefs were the underlying factor for conflict and formed the seeds of conflict between scientists and Christians.
Perceptions exist in many situations and for every circumstance each individual has his/her own perception of reality. In numerous situations, different perceptions form the seeds of conflict, whether it is beliefs about religion, interpretations of identity or perceptions of power.