If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then perception might well be described at nine-tenths of reality.
If people are inclined to believe something to be true, regardless of various arguments put in front of them, then they will continue to hold their beliefs, making true what is subject to debate.
Such a case in point is Castlecliff, a city suburb that features in the columns of this newspaper often for very good reason; due to the events held and activities of the people who call the area home. But as with any location, there are bad eggs. People who may indulge in drug abuse or criminal activity and resort to threats and intimidation to protect their way of life or livelihood.
As disturbing as it was to read of the level and type of abuse described in a story in Saturday's Wanganui Chronicle, it is also all too easy to believe this was not an isolated incident. Indeed, feedback the paper has received, as outlined in a follow-up piece today, suggests this type of behaviour is not as uncommon as we might like to think.
Likewise, there are those who will concur with Des Warahi's assertion that this is a rarity, and that the people of the seaside suburb are on the whole, a caring, law-abiding bunch and life is mostly idyllic.
That is borne out by the bulk of stories in which Castlecliff or the many community groups based there feature.
But regardless of the scale and oft-touted merits of life in Castlecliff, the fact remains, no one is disputing incidents like this have and do take place.
What is particularly disturbing about Saturday's story is the suggestion that there is a racial component to the incidents. It is hard to believe with all the emphasis on tolerance and acceptance in modern society that the colour of a person's skin could still make them a target.
I certainly hope that is not the case.
So, to the perplexing problem of what can be done? Obviously one answer is for the victims to move, something that only victimises them again, and adds a financial penalty to their existing discomfort.
No, in the case of Castlecliff, as would be the situation in any suburb, the power lies with the people.
A strong community that has no tolerance for the type of behaviours described in Saturday's story can send a clear message, one of support and solidarity and a complete rejection of the values and behaviours of division, hate and crime.
Only then will the perception change and the door will open to a new reality.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz