This week the reading was, Introduction: Body Alteration, Artistic Production, and the Social World of Tattooing, by C., Sanders.
I often find myself “people watching” when I go out. As I do this, I often notice myself making assumptions about people based on their appearance and their actions. Today I sat on campus and watched a few people. The first one was a girl reading a book on a bench on the corner of campus. Based solely on her looks and dress, it seemed like maybe she had an artistic style. The fact that she was reading a book alone seemed like she had an enjoyment for literature (another form of art) and was a person content of being alone or having alone time. After she had sat for a while I saw her walk over to the bike rack and head off on her vintage style bike. It was one that is a popular style around campus, so I thought she might be someone who is not only artistic, but also likes what is trendy at the time.
Another girl I saw had on a dress and was walking with a few friends all wearing black dresses. They had heels and fine jewelry on (so I assumed they were not headed off to class or to the library). I immediately thought that they might be sorority girls. Their outfits made me think that they were obviously going somewhere (so I assumed they would be social). The girl talking on the phone also gave me the impression that they were socially active. Assuming they were in a sorority, I would guess the girls came from a somewhat higher economic background (as I know sororities can be expensive). I often find myself associating groups of girls with sororities and the Greek life. Not to say that they are all the same, but this most likely meant that they were going to a mixer or some type of event.
The last person I saw was a guy lacing up his shoelaces and getting ready for a run. He had his athletic clothes on, his dog on a leash, and was getting ready to take off. He seemed like an active and fit person who must enjoy physical activity as well as the nice weather. He had his dog with him, which made me think that he may appreciate companionship and animals. He also had what seemed to be a mostly Nike attire. From the looks of it, I would guess that he is someone who takes his working out more seriously than others. While Nike is a popular brand many people like (which may be why he was wearing it), he was in the athletic gear. He also had on Asics running shoes. I am a runner, so I knew that was a popular style for a running shoe. That also gave me the indication that he was someone who must work out often.
All of these observations showed me how much you think you can tell about someone based on appearance alone. I tend to take into consideration my values, my knowledge (what is “in style”), and how I was raised when I am viewing others. This may be a good or bad thing, as I know that I cast judgment at times when I often should not. Looking at someone doesn’t tell you who he or she are as a person or what their story is, it is only a snap-shot of who they may be in our own opinion. I know that I definitely use my own experience and thoughts when assuming what other people may be like.
I too love people watching! You can learn so much about people from their style and little actions or habits they have. I don’t want to make too rash of an assumption, but your first person seems like she is from Oregon. I am making this assumption because I’ve noticed trends or little things separating Oregonians compared to people from other states. I would also say that from you description, her seeming to enjoy being alone, also shows that maybe she has confidence. I believe appreciating alone time says a lot about a person: you are comfortable with yourself. For your second girl, I can tell you that they are definitely in a sorority. I could even tell you what type of special event they were going to. You made some fair and smart assumptions about the people you observed. I overall like that you chose a variety of people to watch and talked a lot about their possible backgrounds.
People watching is definitely one of my favorite past times. It is especially fun to do at busy places like the mall. It was very interesting reading your comments and ways of describing the people you saw. You did a great job describing what the person was like but I can not tell what nationality they are or what you think their values are. I really liked how for the first girl you mentioned that she was reading alone which means she probably likes literature and alone time. I find both of those things to be true, but I am the complete opposite. The second person you said looked like a sorority girl and I must say that the way you described her I would agree. There is just something stereotypical about sorority girls that make them stand out. It is crazy to think that just because someone does one certain gesture or dresses a certain way, we can make so many different assumptions. Typically the assumptions we make tend to be true, but we are always told the saying, to never judge a book by its cover.
I really enjoyed reading the last paragraph on your post because I also believe that it is important to remember not to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes we can look at someone, make an assumption about their life and values, and come pretty close to the truth. However, other times, we can be completely wrong. Have you ever judged someone based off their looks and then became completely surprised once you actually got to know them or their story? I feel like everyone has done this before, I know I have. I can think of times where I felt overwhelmed with guilt for judging someone by their looks before getting to know them because my preconceived notions were very wrong.