Russell Brand [series_meta]
Until I was almost 40, I never recognized a face or facial expression. Could not pick out my face in my high school yearbook, etc.
It of course makes a host of stories that are funny long after and only long after.
And it led to some odd perspectives and hubris. I felt morally superior to the shallow people that judged others by looks.
I knew there were problems out there.
I learned to use the word “they” rather than “he” or “she” when explaining someone's idea or scholarly paper because it being hers would cause it to be judged differently. I didn't understand why, but I couldn't miss that it was happening.
I read a disturbing article in BuzzFeed about the unpleasant experiences of many women who are not well-matched to society's model of beauty. It makes me sad to read it.
When I was fully face-blind it took no effort at all to focus on hearts, minds, and spirits. I imagine that with decades of practice it is less difficult for me to do so than the average person. But even if it takes effort, it is a personal step I would everyone to take toward #suckagereduction.
Noble peace prize recipient Martin Luther King had a dream where people who “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” It is an important dream.
And I dream I would like to build on to include all of appearance and host of other factors that distract us from seeing a person as a person.
