Filters in their simplest form stop large particles from passing though while allowing desired smaller particulates to pass. What happens though, when the product is an idea, or spoken words? Every person has a filter by which they view the world and it is because of said filter that people take the positions they do. We have to recognize the “filter” by which they view the world in order to change their position or convince them that their filter is not the only one.
A prominent example that has recently come under scrutiny for statement made, Paula Dean is a a perfect example. Raised in South Georgia in the 1960’s her sense of experience was one of segregation wherein it was cultural norm to keep color separate from whites. When speaking of culinary delights, one might expect to keep the conversation lighthearted and joke while entertaining viewers. Separation of egg whites from yolk could and has prompted a joke regarding this separation and reflects her filter. She does not mean harm or malice with her statement because it came from a place of innocence due to the filter by which she views the world.
Every person has a filter and it’s understanding the filter that poses the biggest challenge for people. Instead of recoiling in horror at a statement like “you gotta keep the whites and colors separate” understand that it was a normal for her growing up and not meant as a dig at any person, race or creed. Once a person understands the use and application of personal filters one can get around it to achieve a goal or arrive at the truth of the matter.
Another example that I recently was educated on was given to me by a friend in an addiction/HIV clinic. A patient who was willingly complying with the drug treatment for addiction was not being complaint with their HIV treatment… why?
Time and time again they refused their HIV medication and any treatment having to do with the disease. When finally approached by the director, treatment wasn’t mandated or encouraged. In fact, the director asked directly about their feelings regarding the HIV treatment. Immediately the filter (family disapproval) was discovered. The patient’s shame or possibility of family disapproval hindered the facility from adequately treating the patient. In response, another facility was selected that didn’t highlight the HIV facet of the treatment and the patient happily underwent the needed treatment.
Filters protect us and filters harm us. Understanding their application is paramount to changing hearts and changing minds.
