Whether you like it or not, we are being surveyed, sized-up, segregated, sorted, type-cast, analyzed, classified, appraised, assessed, and quantified every time we are in a social or public situation. It begins with what we wear, how we look, how we act, and how we behave. It’s not a bad thing mind you, it just “is.” It’s the way society is structured and probably goes back to the earliest man sizing up his cave-mate based on the smell or sounds that accompanied the grunting Neanderthal.

Today, it’s a bit more complicated, although it can be summed up as follows.

For example, Are you into…

Coke or Pepsi? Classic, Diet, or Cherry?
Coffee or Tea? Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Chai or herbal?
Meat or Vegetables? Beef, Chicken, or Salad?
Prada, Gucci, or Coach? Handbags, shoes or both?
Macys or Wal-Mart? Target or Sears?
Chili’s or Cheesecake Factory? McDonalds or Wendys?
RV’s or Motels? Camping or Cruising?
Rap or Country-Western music? Oldies or top 40?
Plasma screen or standard? Widescreen or 32 inch?
Cable connection or dial-up? Mac or PC?
Self-Employed or not? White collar or blue collar?
College or High School? Masters or PhD?
Read the “DaVinci Code”or saw the movie or both?
Like Jessica Simpson for her acting ability? Ditto Brad Pitt?
Tired of reading these choices? So am I.

By now you get the picture. We are a result of the choices we make. It defines us in the eyes of our peers. But it also says a lot about our nature and what we deem important. So grab that Big Mac, book that next trip to Disneyland and pop in the DVD of the Dukes of Hazard. I won’t judge you if you don’t judge me. I would love to write more, but I have to catch the latest Monk marathon and dive into a pile of Mounds dark chocolate. Yum.

Jeffrey Hauser
http://www.poweradbook.com