Static Evaluation, Essay Example

Static evaluation is an assumption that something is fixed in nature and doesn’t change over time. Static evaluations are often applied to people to ascribe a particular trait or quality to them (Wood). The reality is that people change over time due to new experiences, education, and several other factors. Moreover, people tend to behavior differently at different times, depending on the situation. Thus, static evaluation results in misunderstanding and wrong characterization of people.

Static evaluations can be dealt with in several ways. One solution is to realize that things do not remain constant and change is happening all the time. Similarly, one should also take into account the time factor because time durations as short as few years can significantly change people. Another strategy is to be open-minded and making the effort to understand the person in the present instead of forming impressions on past observations. One should also be aware of his/her personal bias.

An example of static evaluation in the real world may be NFL player Michael Vick’s characterization by the animal rights group. Michael Vick was sent to prison for organizing dog fighting competitions but he has been trying to rebuild his image including speaking against dog fighting. But when Vick mentioned to CNN’s Piers Morgan that he might want to own a dog again for his kids, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals criticized him and expressed concerns over Vick’s ability to be a responsible dog owner (NFL). The non-profit group engaged in static evaluation by judging Vick’s ability to being a responsible dog owner on his past behavior.

An article describes NFL player Michael Vick’s interview with Today’s host Matt Lauer in which it was obvious that Vick doesn’t want people to judge him on his past behavior and realize that he has changed. Vick complains that people have misunderstood him and claims that he has written the book to explain his side of the story so that people can understand him better. Vick explains he was exposed to dog fighting at an early age and even though he knew he could get in trouble for his activities, he severely underestimated the risks (Eugenios).

Vick mentions he has been working with The Humane Society to raise awareness against the dangers of dog fighting and is not doing for personal purposes as some has charged. The Humane Society was a strong critic of Vick but now has been working with him to raise awareness against dog fighting. The organizations claims that dog fighting is an addiction just like drugs and Vick wants to help others. Vick recalls that he still has not been able to forget the reaction of his son to the news story that his father might go to jail. Vick also wishes he had not seen the dog fighting at an early age because that was the trigger to his fascination with dog fighting (Eugenios).  This article is an example of static evaluation because Vick realizes he is still being judged on his past behavior and he wants people to accept his new self.

References

Eugenios, Jillian. Michael Vick on dogfight disgrace: ‘I have more to prove’. 17 July 2012. 20 September 2012 <http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/48210966/ns/today-today_news/t/michael-vick-dogfight-disgrace-i-have-more-prove/#.UFvnI41lToA>.

NFL. Eagles’ Michael Vick not fit to own a dog, says ASPCA. 20 July 2012. 20 September 2012 <http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82ab02cc/article/eagles-michael-vick-not-fit-to-own-a-dog-says-aspca>.

Wood, Julia T. Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters. 6. Wadsworth Publishing, January 26, 2009.