Perception versus reality

I was thinking about what color car gets the most tickets, so I decided to do a little research on it.  The first color that jumps off of people’s lips when I have asked this question is usually red. 

Red has that flare to draw attention. Red stands out in the crowd. Some have even suggested that it is a color that projects power, and everyone knows a powerful car is fast. 

Everyone believes red is the answer it seems, but the facts.  According to American Auto Insurance the color that gets the most tickets is white.

The reason for this is relatively simple: volume. There are more white cars sold than any other color.  It is reasonable that white cars will be ticketed more. White cars will be pulled over more.  There will be more accidents involving white cars. White cars will need servicing more. 

No matter what the measurable is, white cars will be at the highest amount because there are just more of them.  

Perception and reality have a very interesting relationship.  Perception is how we understand things, while reality is how things actually are.  This can create the most interesting conversations in the public sphere.  

Arguments will be raged over which one is true. Our community, country, world and future will hinge upon which one of these is used as decision making tools by leaders on every level.

We are challenged to figure out if our decision making is lead by reality or perception.

Perception: Minorities receive more welfare benefits.

Reality: Whites receive more welfare benefits.

Perception: Corporations operate without government help.

Reality:  Over $181 BILLION is spent on the top corporations subsidized by the government.

Reality: Over $28 BILLION is spent on farm subsidies.

Perception: Only illegal immigrants with criminal records will be targeted by ICE agents.

Reality: 65% of those detained have had no convictions or record of criminal activity.

The idea of a united state will only be realized when our perception and reality are the same.  Ignoring a problem will not make it go away.  Denying a problem will not make it go away.  Changing the subject will not make a problem go away. The growing discontent that is being fanned, or talked about, on one hand, does not address the real discontent that people have.  Perception will cause us to have a false sense of self as a nation or community. Reality is waiting upon us to address its needs.