Recognition vs. Realization Response

Recognition is noticing or identifying someone or something that you have previous knowledge of. For example if you bumped into your childhood friend as an adult, you might recognize him. You still have faint memories of him, so he is not a brand new concept to your brain. Realization is about forming a clear and real concept in your own mind. In the movie, Big Fish, when Edward Bloom first sees Sandra Templeton across the circus ring, he creates a conscious belief that she is the love of his life. Though others believe Edward Bloom is insane to think that, it is Edward’s own conviction that is an important aspect of his realization. Though people come up with realizations that might be absurd, it is true in their minds and therefore reality for them. I connected realization to the word epiphany – having that sudden moment of full understanding. However, realizations can suddenly turn out to be wrong, while epiphanies are usually more withstanding.

I think recognition comes before realization. In the novel, The Grapes of Wrath, Tom Joad first recognizes the inhumane treatment towards his family and other migrant workers. He has the ability to identify this cruelty because he witnesses constant hostility and injustice towards his family. It is the repetition of his recognition that eventually leads him to his ultimate realization. He forms the idea that fighting for a better future for others is of utmost importance. Tom dedicates his life to taking action against the world’s injustices. Because of his realization, this concept is now Tom Joad’s firm belief and reality.

To recognize is using your senses to identify a situation, person, or thing. It is because of your previous knowledge, that you have the ability to recognize. To realize is more of a step above – to understand and value a new belief created from your own interpretations of your experiences (recognitions) and influences. Your realization becomes your truth.