Project V : Perception

Prosopagnosia:

A neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize the faces of familiar people. 1 in 50 people suffer from some form of this condition, whether it be the worst case or one so minuscule you don’t even notice. People that suffer from the worst case often isolate themselves because they can’t create the emotional connection they desire with those closest to them. This condition not only causes a problem regarding the loved ones of the affected but it also deeply effects who they become. Not only can they not recognize family and friends they can’t recognize themselves. It is like going through life with a stranger, it diminishes their sense of identity and makes it hard to create one.
When I look in the mirror I can’t find myself, no matter how long I stare. Maybe if I take enough photos i’ll recognize me.
I think if I catch it off guard I can see myself just quick enough to memorize me, even for a moment.
I can’t seem to know me even when looking at myself through someone else’s eyes.

 

I know who I am on the inside, so for now I will just have to see a stranger in place of myself.

 

 

Citations:

Bradt, Steve. “’Face-Blindness’ Disorder May Not Be so Rare.” Harvard Gazette, Harvard Gazette, 10 Aug. 2016, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2006/06/face-blindness-disorder-may-not-be-so-rare/.

“Prosopagnosia Information Page.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Prosopagnosia-Information-Page.