By Larry Updike

A few years ago an event involving my friend and former co-worker Kim Senkiw reminded me of how our perception of things sometimes doesn’t mesh with reality.

Kim is an account executive with Corus Radio Winnipeg. At the time, she had just purchased a cool, snazzy new VW Beetle and was justifiably proud of it.

One day, the two of us had a lunch date with one of her clients at a downtown restaurant. I had to go to the bathroom, but we were running a little tight on time.

No matter, I thought. I can wait until we get there. It was very cold that day. We hopped in her new prize and sped off.

On the way, I felt a ‘warmth’ — ahem — in my lower regions.

As I felt this growing sensation of heat, I panicked: “Oh my Lord,” I thought, “I think I’ve just peed in this woman’s new car!” “Um, Kim,” I ventured tentatively, “There’s something strange about my seat”.

“Oh, this thing has a seat warmer.” she said nonchalantly “I just put it on for you.” “Thank God!” I shouted “I thought I’d had an accident!” We laughed for blocks. I may be getting older, but I’m still in control — of that anyway.

The discontinuity between perception and reality affects more than just individuals. It can also involve how one part of a community sees another.

For instance, many of us who work downtown are aware of how it is perceived despite the reality we are familiar with.

For many, the physical presence of poverty creates an unfairly negative image of the area.

As the Downtown Winnipeg Biz has said repeatedly, the downtown area is a mix of socio-economic levels and is home to people of all incomes and cultural backgrounds.

Downtown Winnipeg is so diverse. Heritage buildings co-exist with new developments. Arts, entertainment, history, culture and superb dining are all within close proximity. Whatever the season, the river walks or indoor walkways provide a great way to get around.

Even though this picture of reality also includes the visible presence of people experiencing poverty and homelessness, it shouldn’t be perceived negatively. It calls for compassion and understanding amongst all Winnipeggers. At Siloam Mission we are that connecting point between the compassionate and the less fortunate.

First impressions

Working at Siloam is an education into how perceptions of even poverty itself can often be at odds with reality. If you spend much time at Siloam Mission, a more complex picture emerges from what first impressions suggest.

People who use the services of Siloam are also very diverse. Some have lived in a perpetual state of poverty. Others were wealthy and successful but lost everything in a perfect storm of unpredictable circumstances.

Some are working poor whose wages just don’t quite meet their obligations. Others are affected by mental illness and depression.

Each life tells a unique story. In the same way that it is impossible to accurately characterize one area of a city with broad generalizations, the same is true of those who are poor and homeless.

Like my encounter with a seat warmer, sometimes our perception of things doesn’t mesh with reality.

— Larry Updike is the senior communications and advocacy officer at Siloam Mission.

06/09/10

SUN Article