As They See Things

‘Perception” is an in-word and an in-concept in current discussions of international affairs. It reminds me of an old English gentleman I knew who listened uncomprehendingly while a highbrow young artist talked about “space relationships.” Then a beam of comprehension replaced his frown of puzzlement. “Ah,” he said, “you mean ‘where things are.’ ”

Let me just say, then, that instead of talking about different people’s “perceptions” of, say, El Salvador, I shall talk about how people see the problem.

BC

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Brian Crozier

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‘Perception” is an in-word and an in-concept in current discussions of international affairs. It reminds me of an old English gentleman I knew who listened uncomprehendingly while a highbrow young artist talked about “space relationships.” Then a beam of comprehension replaced his frown of puzzlement. “Ah,” he said, “you mean ‘where things are.’ ”

Let me just say, then, that instead of talking about different people’s “perceptions” of, say, El Salvador, I shall talk about how people see the problem.