Laurel vs. Yanny

Sometimes there are things on my mind besides adventure. Things like- why the “Laurel/Yanny” audio has been referred to as a “debate.” It really irks me! So I’m going to hop on a soap box but I promise I’ll make it quick!

If you haven’t heard the Laurel vs. Yanny recording, 1. where have you been? 2. go look it up so you know what I’m talking about. It’s the auditory version of the black and blue vs. white and gold dress. Anyways, because it was posted EVERYWHERE, I was curious, and I pulled it up on my phone. I played it for my husband and asked what he heard. “Yanny” “No you don’t!” I said. “Is that really what you hear?!” I wasn’t arguing, I was just surprised…because clear as day, I heard the word “Laurel.” We were listening to the same recording, in the same room, from the same device, and we heard two completely different things. I love the brain! I was so fascinated, I kept asking “You hear yanny?!” yup. and I heard “laurel.” The soap box part of this is- there was no need for debate. What difference would it make? His perception was just as real to him as my perception was to me. We perceived something in such opposite ways, that our realities weren’t the same, even though both of our realities were just that- real. My husband literally heard something different than I did, making it real for him, even though it wasn’t for me.

Obviously, this laurel/yanny thing isn’t going to have any major impacts on the world. But what about bigger issues? Politics. Religion. Events. People just perceive things differently. and if someone perceives something different than you do- their perception is just as real to them as yours is to you. See what I’m stepping in now?  I view my religion as true, I view my political stance as correct, and I recall events in the way my brain processes them. All of these things are true in my reality. However, beliefs completely opposite of mine are just as real to someone else.

I think about this with politics ALL THE TIME! Like, can we just respect the fact that we all want to live in a safe and stable country, even though we have different opinions about how to get there? Rant for another day…

I did see some articles “proving” whether laurel or yanny was correct. In many instances, there is a legitimate right and wrong answer. That doesn’t change the fact that people’s perceptions are real, whether right or wrong. Plus, in many instances we won’t ever know which is right or wrong (at least, until the next life- I believe). And when we won’t ever know for sure, trying to prove a perception or opinion doesn’t seem like a good idea. That could really only lead to frustration.

There are scenarios when people have false beliefs that are harmful or detrimental. There are times where it becomes necessary to help someone change their perception, in order to avoid danger for themselves or others.  There are plenty of examples of this, but currently on my mind are a few girls I worked with in a therapy setting, who truly believed in destructive behaviors. It breaks my heart. Again though, even though these dangerous beliefs are “obviously wrong,” they are still real to those who believe them. I’m no expert, but these situations should be handled with care and concern. Arguments and debate won’t change someone else’s truth.

Moral of the post: next time someone disagrees with you, understand that they are seeing a black and blue dress while you are seeing white and gold. They are hearing “yanny” and you are hearing “laurel.” What’s with the need to prove someone else wrong if their beliefs don’t directly affect you or their safety? Stand up for yourself. Defend your beliefs. Push the ideas that you think will create a better tomorrow. If something you know to be true could benefit someone else, share it! There’s no need to hide your opinions or downplay what you believe to be correct. Just do it while respecting the fact that your truths may not be someone else’s truth. Don’t create a debate out of it.  I think it’s pretty cool how different any two people can be.