Daryl Wood's Blog

Some of us just stand out in a crowd. It’s not always intentional. Sometimes we are just looking for the same thing as everyone else but our physical appearance or our “presence” speaks volumes.

If you want to be seen as “the same” or fitting in or part of something it can be very challenging to blend when you are inherently “different”. And what does that say about the rest of us who don’t see you as the “same”. Visible minorities and disabled people have battled this situation for years. I’m also aware of how aging is impacting our perception of people’s abilities. As a good friend stated, “People don’t expect a woman of my age and appearance to have anything of value to offer.” That bothered me. Probably because I’m almost the same age and have rebelled against a professional or perceived “required” appearance for years. It might even now be listed in psychology books under the “Susan Boyle syndrome”.

There is a way in this fast paced world that we look for the most expeditious route to get what we want. That might mean discounting someone who looks different in favour of someone who fits our visual image of competence. There is a lot we can learn from our assumptions.

I wonder what wisdom we are missing.