You see a boy with medals
in front of a swimming pool,
you assume
he won those medals swimming.
You see a girl
with a spray can
in front of graffiti,
you assume
she painted that graffiti.
Be aware that
your mind makes up stories
without you even realizing it.
This is just one
of the many ways
the media can lie to you
without saying a word.
It’s not their lie.
It’s your assumption.
Newfound Lake,
9/6
Assumptions are shortcuts our minds take, often leading us down paths of judgment and conclusion without our explicit consent. And while these assumptions may serve some purpose in rapid decision-making, they also carry the weight of potential deception. Media, advertisements, and even our own social interactions become layered with these unintended narratives, silently steering our beliefs and actions. In a world saturated with information and imagery, being mindful of this intrinsic tendency to assume could serve as our first line of defense against deception, whether intended or self-imposed.