Perceptions Attitudes Beliefs

Whilst preparing to go on Erasmus exchange in Milan, I had a very positive attitude towards the upcoming experience. I was extremely excited to be living in what is said to be the “most sophisticated and admiring haute couture” fashion city. As a person, I am very fashion orientated, hence the reason I applied to be in such a location, was due to the fantastic amenities it offered.

My optimism was influenced by many factors including the media and close family and friends’ experiences. My pre-defined judgements told me that Milan was going to be a luxurious, rich and fancy Italian city, living up to its general stereotypes.

At this moment in time, I was eager and very driven. In relation to behavioural styles, i had an amiable behaviour towards the situation as opposed to an analytical one; in the sense that I was very calm with the position I was in, and not at all worried about the cultural differences that were to appear. I was relaxed, easy-going and content with my decision to go forward. Milan to me had a “Halo effect”. My deluded thoughts led me to ignore any negativity associated with the adventure.

In comparison to London (home country) I believed Milan would be very similar, with same energy and vibe. I presumed it would still be busy and booming during late hours of the night and early hours of morning, and anticipated it would have a historical yet modern feel, very sleek, stylish, and avant-garde. However, upon my arrival, my attitudes and perceptions completely transformed and as author Stroh, Linda K says “sometimes we forget that other people represent a significant feature of the perceptual process in which actions and consequences occur.”

I found it to be very deserted. The city was tiny- something that I was not used to, it was dirty, quiet and there was not much going on - nothing to do and nowhere to go. The transport was also terrible. The trams were ancient and rustic. It was all very olden and out-dated. I really didn’t understand how it was appointed one of four fashion capitals of the world! Overall I was very disappointed with the reality of the situation and eventually after overcoming the disappointment, I realised I had to face the predicament positively, and get on… with the understanding that I had to live like this for the next six months.

In relation to the perception process seen in class, we could say that the input source derived from numerous areas.

• SENSORY INPUTS: My strong ambitions and passion for the fashion industry, the swayed research read online and the experiences expressed by my family and friends could be amongst the few inputs and reliable reasons as to why I misinterpreted the Milanese lifestyle.

But why did i change my opinion so hastily?

• CONSTRUCTION: After sensing and evaluating the situation, it forced me to have a negative attitude