Perception, identity and peace

Pages: 365-367
D. P. Pawar (Department of Psychology, Bhonsala Military College, Nashik)
M. A. Bhardwaj (Department of Psychology, L.V.H. College, Nashik)

Our sense of identity has so much bearing on our individual and social behavior. How we perceive ourselves and others determine the extent we like or dislike ourselves or others. To understand identity formation and consequent discrimination we need to focus on perception. Perception is formed as a result of our experiences; the way we experience events and behavior of significant others. It is evident throughout human history that some people treat “others” with disdain and contempt. The world has witnessed great amount of violence as a result of prejudice and discrimination. Discrimination can be seen as a result of perception of narrow view of identity of others. In the present paper an attempt is made to understand the idea of perception and identity as well as their relation with peace and violence. A possibility of a peaceful society is also discussed.