Preconceptions...is that a word?

I think we all have preconceived notions about things based on our culture, religion, and influence of those things and people we're exposed to from birth. While some awareness is beneficial in avoiding the negative and dangerous aspects of life, I find it detrimental in getting to know people.

I was sitting here during lunch thinking about it. Depending on what you're accustomed to and conditioned to find acceptable or unacceptable, each person's perception of another is biased in some way. Regarding such as the following scenarios......it would be interesting to get the immediate and instinctive reactions of individuals.

A young man covered from head to toe pretty much by his own artwork. He also has the ear piercings which create large holes in his earlobes and sports a mohawk. (Outrageous misfit or pretty cool dude?)

Driving down the road, you see coming towards you a line of motorcycles. Many of the people are dressed in black leather and a lot of the men sport long beards. (Hell's Angels wannabes or ordinary Joes?)

A couple walking down the sidewalk one in a turban the other in a sari. (Interlopers or jewels in a western culture?)

A scroungy, unkempt individual seen retrieving articles discarded by another. (Homeless by choice or by force of economy?)

An interracial couple pushing a baby stroller. (Unacceptable or a lovely family unit?)
An older woman with a younger man / An older man with a younger woman. (Shocking or nice to see them find happiness?)

Brittney Spears driving with her baby on her lap. (Forgivable or to be held over her head?)

Some things are a culture shock for someone raised in an unltraconservative household and yet if you put aside the preconceived notions it enables you to look beyond that immediate perception to an entirely different set of possibilities. My father always said, "Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see." There is always a story behind the story if you care to delve within the situation or the personalities of those involved. The ability to be open-minded; releasing prejudices, allows the individuals to be seen as just that....individuals. I find it preferable to approach all people on a level par with my own and then determine who they are by their interaction with me. As for the actions of others, it is necessary to look at their actions and determine how much of my own set of values is affecting my view of what they do as being right or wrong. What is right from my point of view is vastly different from someone with totally alternate life experiences.

Anyway, my thoughts are just rambling. I attempted to sleep my way to clear thought but unfortunately kept awakening during the night. Maybe it's time to go sit beneath my favorite tree and let the stillness do it's magic. Have a good day all!