Patterns

We see patterns everywhere. Our brain connects these patterns to objects, emotions, behavior.  A triangle is a pyramid to historians, delta to physicists and holy trinity to a Christian theologian. A moving shadow at the end of a deserted alley is a danger, a person wearing a fit bit is 'fit' and an obese person is someone who lacks will power. The pattern of objects, events, and people...

We assume that the pattern gives us predictive power. What is better than knowing the future and safeguarding us. This was the topic covered in an episode of Invisibilia, a great podcast. It covered the story of Tarra Simmons, a person with a  criminal past, who became an attorney, against all odds. The committee responsible for granting her license initially declined, because of her life pattern. There were several instances where she went off the road and they were afraid that it would repeat again. 

At the bottom line, the question is what should one do to convince society that the past is past? It is challenging because you have let several people down, lost your credibility and now it is safe to stay away from you. It is safe to keep you out of the city limits. This is one of the fundamental problems in criminal justice. Convicted people, even for small offenses, find it extremely hard to reintegrate into society and lead a normal life. They can not find a decent lively hood, emotional support, guidance and would eventually return to the shady life.

I cannot blame common man taking extra caution while dealing with people who made serious mistakes in life. Blindly believing anyone is naivete. But it is perfectly safe to have compassion for such people. Give everyone a fair chance to prove themselves. There are some patterns that are determined by laws of nature. We should be aware of that. At the same time, as a society, we should find ways to rehabilitate people with an unfortunate past and those who were not wise enough to make the right choices. If we don't, we will be aggravating the problem, not alleviating it.