In the eye of the beholder

Airman, August, 2004 by Christine L. Kunz

One person's perception of reality isn't everyone's. But all it takes is one person with a skewed sense of the truth to spread rumors and change that reality.

During a recent trip to Colorado Springs, Colo., I came across an individual who spoke his mind about a strong topic of interest -- the alleged sexual assaults at the Air Force Academy. He knew I was heading to the academy, and that egged him on to share his thoughts.

"Heading to the academy I see," he said. "Well make sure you take a look at the sign they have hanging over the railroad tracks just after the entrance. It really is funny, considering all that's going on there. You'll know what I mean when you see it."

I thought maybe he was giving me something interesting to add to my story. But that's until I actually saw the sign the next day:

"FALCON PRIDE CHARACTER, HONOR, INTEGRITY, SERVICE & EXCELLENCE"

Perception certainly is in the eye of the beholder. I was a bit confused about what he was trying to tell me. He gave the impression that what was happening at the academy had definitely taken its toll outside its gates--external reality.

Before checking into lodging, I went to a local fast-food restaurant outside the academy and saw posters of Air Force aircraft covering the walls. The glass partitions separating the tables were etched in Air Force regalia. This was definitely a town proud of its Air Force, despite the thoughts of the one person I met.

And then, after spending a full 24 hours with the cadets, I saw for myself the reality in truth --first-hand.

Arriving on the academy grounds over a holiday gave me the opportunity to look around and get a sense of life there. I half-expected the cadets to be marching around in mandatory formations or at least begin to feel the burden of an enormous media frenzy. Instead, after the 24 hours spent with the cadets --eating in the dining hall, spending social time after classes with them, even attending classes --I walked away with an impression far different from the one I was forming the night I arrived.

These cadets were very concerned about what people were thinking. They felt they were being portrayed unfairly and that every little thing was being blown out of proportion in the press. They vowed to remain upbeat, fully intent on proving what was being reported and what was being thought by many in the public was wrong. They were proud to be students at this institution and took their roles as future officers very seriously. They still had character, honor, integrity, service and excellence, exactly as that sign read. It deserved to be there.

On the last day of my trip, a young boy cemented the perception of what really was reality for these cadets. Since part of the academy grounds is open to visitors, cadets are literally watched every day by people from around the world. Impressions are instantly formed (or sometimes reformed), and the saying I heard the cadets use, "Always on parade," took shape. This young boy was visiting the academy with his family, and as he watched a few of the cadets walking around I overheard him say to his parents, "I want to be just like them."

Everyone's entitled to opinions and everyone's entitled to express opinions. But one shouldn't do so without knowing all the facts. That's how rumors spread and negative attitudes swell. It's a good thing I waited before forming an opinion. Spending time with the cadets certainly helped set me straight. If only everyone could've seen and learned as I did. Or as that young boy innocently did.