Whom Do You Look At? Vision + Perception = Experience

[WhistlersBrother]

Very odd thing how we have all built up such barriers and walk around like isolated zombies when in public. I almost always look at everybody I pass, and give a smile or a nod, or a "hi," and some respond and some don't, but it just isn't in my nature to not acknowledge another person who's near me. It's funny too because I know sometimes people (especially elderly folks) look at me thinking "look at this scary guy coming toward me" and I always like to buck their preconception with kindness.

[atree3]

right on

I'll be watching for you

[Badahwood]

It's an interesting topic but feminist theory and discussion has been such a rich source of growth and comfort and validation for me that when it is dismissed out of hand up front with such a sour face, I feel negated and undervalued and tend to turn away from the sour face maker. It's like being asked to speak but to please please only use a small part of your brain. OK, you want us to know you're not a feminist. That you find that "label" limiting is something I find very sad.

[atree3]

need to grow more - beyond

[garyreef]

In japanese culture your not supposed to look at them directly in the eyes but rather down towards their nose, especially the woman.

Human behavior can be so fascinating. When i lived in london and caught the tube to work everyday for an hour, it is amazing to see how everyone creates their own space with their newspaper around them, no one looking, no speaking...like being in an empty room!

[edwiwa]

I think "to look" through the eyes of peopleis an art, beyond their secrets and thoughts. Looking at faces allways fascinated me too, mimic, geste, hands and fingers, expresing the mood, character, aspect and condition of health. I can say, I am a looker, that's explain why I am here, on youtube you can look what you want.

[tommy30507]

:-)

[fromruinstudio]

I belive that you give a mood It does not have to be aggressive or flertty it can be a "breef ray of conection" It just makes me satesfide that someone was passed the mood, just with a look.

[Radicalreels]

I always say Hello! I a Texan, that's just what we do. But Downtown, not a good idea. I would definitely sat hello to you! (^_~) RAD

[13thDimension]

fascinating

[malyenkijprints]

In Russia, if you look at someone and smile, they will think you are getting too intimate. Smiles are far too intimate for someone to just smile on the street. So, rather, you do not look at anyone.

Quite sad. I find that I kind have brought that part of "my culture" here... I should work on that ;)

[wizzlewolf]

While visiting NY, my friends refused to walk with me because I would attract the homeless people or crazy people. This is because I made eye contact with them. My eyes were like magnets, they would gather around me, and we would end up talking. This is a good thing. However, my friends were too fearful. This is a sad thing.

[atree3]

thanks for your comments

[wizzlewolf]

This is so interesting. I am a looker. I look everyone in the eyes. Even while walking on the street. You mention fear. I think I have always looked as a means of survival. I am from Detroit. I would walk in scary areas often. I would look right in the eyes of every passerby. Yes. Many would turn away. It was then, I knew I was safe.

[PaintedRavensong]

It's sad that our society perpetuates the "look away" or avoidance of really looking into people's eyes. I have noticed how few people will really "look" at your eyes when you are speaking with them even needless to say how strangers react. It's sad to me. I'll have to try the look sometime...heheh That is, if anyone looks!

[grannyoh]

At whom do I look? Not many anymore, but when I do, I tend to see people who are hurting in some way. I nod my head at people to acknowledge them. Most respond.

[artsycalgal]

About invisibility...I saw a program where people in wheel chairs feel depressed about not being acknowledged or "seen". Since then I always try to make eye contact and say hi or whatever. I sometimes compliment them on the color of their wheel chair or what a lovely blouse...anything for a chance to make brief conversation. It seems appreciated. Give it a try. :-D

[artsycalgal]

I can relate to all that you said...except about traveling to India...and I sometimes add just the slightest glimmer of a smile. Part of my experience is that people aren't looking at older people...it's as tho we begin to fade and eventually become invisible. I have become a just a bit more assertive..not aggressive..in greeting people or getting their attention. Some look away but many return my greeting. One does have to pay attention to circumstances and modify behavior, tho. Thanks!

[Marigoldblu]

Quite astute. One feels sometimes as one gets older, that you can become almost invisible. I always find a smile is always responded to with another smile. Maybe its is part of living in the UK. I understood what you were saying. People are full of fear these days.

Marie.

[achampag]

it depends on my mood. sometimes i get ppl to smile, other times i avoid.

[lungwizard1]

One of the mysteries of human behavior is to recognize faces.

Nature loathes a vacuum; especially in our minds, so we fill the blanks with explanations, and see faces in most everything.