Hairstyle, clothing, make-up, speaking style.. .even different vehicles, hangouts,

and jobs. What do all of these things have in common? They are all a small part of

social interaction called apparent symbols. These symbols represent information that

tells people who we are. When we come together with someone else, these symbols are

interpreted by both parties to identify the other in the current situation.

In a process called staging, these symbols are presented by each person, and

reviewed by the other. Implications and assumptions are made based on these first few

details of an encounter. These become a basis for these relationships until real identities

are established over time.

When I first "met" Jack, it was through a phone call. Everyone always called him

stuttering Jack, but I never knew why until then. He called, and when I picked up the

phone I heard...

"He..he..hello? Is Ju.Ju.Justin there?"

I knew right away who it was, even though I hadn't ever met him. Right away I

thought, GREAT, who is this person who can't even talk right? Is he dumb or

something?

Time passed, and I went over to Jack's to hang out more and more often. After

just a few times being there, I noticed the stuttering less and less. After I could

understand a whole sentence that came out of his mouth I realized that he wasn't slow, or

retarded.. .just nervous, like Justin said.

Now when I go over to see Jack, whom I consider a good friend, we talk and talk

without interruption. There is no more stuttering or pausing in his words. It was just a

first impression that I had of him that stuck with me. This first impression was a

misinterpreted symbol. I had mistaken nervousness for unintelligence. First

impressions, although very influential on how you see someone, have nothing to do with

how you SHOULD see someone, as who they really are.