By Nora Simone
I was recently asked by a publisher for a black and white photo. “My black and white icon wouldn’t do” I was told. “People want to see the real you.”
What? The real me is not black and white. In a monochromatic world there would of course be a lot of grey (or gray) – perhaps mostly so but even then – there is a lot more color to this human chameleon.
I am not restricted to a black and white view of life so…..I had few BW photos to choose from. Lucky to have had this one in my apron pocket taken just a few months ago.
The exercise got me thinking….. What does it mean to think in “black and white”?
So here is a thought…….Black and white thinking is a thought pattern that makes people think in absolutes. For instance, you may think you are either always right or the world’s biggest failure.
Psychologists consider this thought pattern to be a cognitive distortion because it keeps you from seeing life the way it really is: complex, uncertain, and constantly changing.
Repeat: “Black and white thinking keeps you from seeing life the way it really is……”
Enjoy!
Nora
Photo by Diane Crow Atlanta, GA
Thanks to Cristy Garcia, my quetzal bird inspiration.
4 Responses
Nora,
As a professional photographer for thirty years , I know the value of B/W images , they can convey drama far more than colour . As you comment colour does covey the whole truth , OK some may say it shows ” Warts and all !” . Now as an artist I love the use of colour , I tend to be a realist but others let their imagination run riot .
As full time woman I love the choices we have , we can convey and portray ourselves in so many ways.
Teresa,
Like you, I adore having a choice- In all subjects, not just color. After all, color is just a fabrication of our mind to differentiate a small section of known wavelengths. The universe is larger than that, and so are we.
Nora
Hi Nora,
I loved your article. Every trans girl/CD should have a copy in their purse and read it often. It is short, to the point and accurate. Thanks for post it.
Trish❤️
Trish,
Thanks your your generous thought. If every person had my comments in a card or portable devise, my real life presence would no longer be needed. Yikes!
Nora