Have you ever heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? It’s a common phrase that reminds us not to make assumptions based solely on what we see. However, the reality is that people often judge things by their “cover,” both literally and metaphorically. You may not like it, but it is what it is. So, how do you use it to your advantage?
Humans are visual creatures, and we often judge quickly based on what we see. Regarding people or situations, the ‘cover’ may refer to outward appearances, first impressions, or initial interactions. A well-presented ‘cover’ can pique our interest and draw us in, while a poorly presented one can turn us away. This initial judgment can influence our decision to explore or engage with something or someone.
From a psychological perspective, our brains are wired to make snap judgments to process information efficiently. We often rely on visual and experiential cues to form quick impressions. In the case of people or situations, a positive “cover” can signal to others that the person or situation is worth their time and attention, even before they know anything about them.
This tendency to judge a ‘book’ by its ‘cover’ can be used to your advantage, especially in social and professional settings. However, it’s crucial to remember that a well-crafted ‘cover’ should also be authentic. Investing in presenting yourself or your ideas in a compelling, genuine way can significantly impact how you’re perceived by others. A well-crafted ‘cover’ can attract attention, generate curiosity, and ultimately lead to more people giving you and your ideas a chance. This concept is key, especially for the Black community. Our “cover” is visible.
Broadly speaking, assumptions are made about our skin colour. Some people will not look past it. It sucks, but until we can change it, it is what it is. Be aware of it. Let me share a situation, where my “cover” had a positive impact.
In October, I was in Las Vegas. Someone looked at my bag, and I quickly noticed a change in his behaviour. No, I was not holding a crazy expensive bag. The bag itself is not that special. What is embroidered on it is special. It says “Columbia Business School” on the front. I rarely wear it, so I forgot its impact on some people. But it always provoke the same reaction from people: “which year did you go to Columbia University?”, “What did you read?”, “how did you like it?”.
This is the bag I take when I am flying a Cessna 172 – I have my Private Pilot License. It holds my books, my licenses, spare flashlight, hand radio, etc…
The instructor who spotted my bag was the person teaching and evaluating whether I could pass the theoretical and practical exams to renew my license. Straight away, he took me more seriously. I can only speculate through his mind “Surely, Claude can be accepted into one of the most competitive Universities, and he can pass this exam.” This is both true and wrong. Education, in general, shows that you have the discipline to learn specific procedures. Aviation is just that. A serie of tasks to execute according to the rule book. On the flip side, someone without a high school diploma practising relentlessly would do better than me.
I did not wear this bag on purpose, but it was a strong reminder that in some situations, if I need all the odds in my favour, I should consider how my “cover” will be perceived and whether I want to do something about it. And for anyone shouting “But I want to keep it 100% real all the time”. Good for you if you have reached that status where you control your future, and nobody’s views matter. The reality is that as humans, there are always people around us whose opinions will matter.
In conclusion, while it’s true that we shouldn’t judge things solely based on appearances, people often do judge things by their “cover.” Understanding this tendency and using it to your advantage can make a significant difference, whether navigating social situations, making professional impressions, or seeking new opportunities. So, next time you encounter someone or something new, remember the power of the “cover” and how it can influence their choices.
The Black Negotiator 