Collective Perception Reflection

     One of the best things I was able to take away from doing this project was this sense of togetherness from working with all of you, and as an extension the people of Cortland. By creating our own piece in accordance with Simon's work we were able to experience the things that Simon himself experiences, albeit on a smaller scale.
     There's something about human nature that makes us want to be part of something, to belong. Through this project and the questions we asked, we forced people to look within themselves and do some self reflection, as well as speculate how the people in their community saw them as well. It was interesting to see how the answer to both questions was often very similar which raises the question of what makes us perceive ourselves the way we do.
     Through this project we found that due to this need to belong and be accepted we often judge ourselves based on how others tend to perceive us. The people we choose to surround ourselves with as well  those who reside in the same area become those who define us, but because we're never always around the same group of people every minute of our lives, people who see us in different roles will have different perceptions of us as a person. As the individual it's important to consolidate these various perceptions of us and create a complete self perception of who we are.
     Another thing I had to experience through the project was dealing with the vulnerability you feel when putting yourself out there. When I walked up to someone and asked them a question I felt very vulnerable, it wasn't like I was walking up to ask for the time. Our questions by nature were intimate, and by asking them I was putting myself at the participants mercy. You fear the rejection, that they'll cast you away, denying your desire to belong, to have a human connection. But when they do answer they're offering you a piece of themselves, a small window into the vast confines of their mind. You may not be able to get much from it, but they're still letting you in. They want to belong and be accepted as well so they answer.
     It was certainly a great experience to collect the data the way we did, to be a part of this project that corresponded with such a fascinating theme as Human Connectivity. For me personally participating in this and looking at Simon's work has had a profound impact on me and as I walk around campus now I'm much more thoughtful and aware of my surroundings and the people who pass by. We all have these stories to tell and are often willing to tell them to those brave enough to ask