I love this, Jane.  The idea of people as texts has been popular among literary theorists for 
quite some time.  The thought is that when we encounter others, we read, interpret and 
decode them.  Even though we are barely conscious of it, we are always building theories 
and narratives about people based on their appearance, behavior, etc.  

I would venture that we are hardwired to do this and that is crucial to our survival in many 
ways.  It spurs us to help those who seem to need it, flee from those who seem to pose 
danger, etc.  

But the theories we build can be absolutely wrong if they are based on false beliefs. This 
happens when people perceive that certain individuals are dangerous or untrustworthy 
because of the color of their skin.  Similarly, new parents who have grown up in a society 
that encourages bottles, cribs, detachment, etc., are likely to need some help reading their 
babies.  Perhaps they need to be given a new set of interpretive tools, and I think many LCs 
find themselves in the perfect position to introduce these. 


Kerry Ose

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