The Danger of Assumption

Are assumptions ever really reasonable? “Identities” by W.D Valgardson explores this question, as a man goes for a drive to a rough area of town.

The story follows a man who, because of his appearance, is killed by a police officer who believes him to be a threat. Valgardson’s story covers themes such as stereotypes, and the danger of making judgments based on assumption. Throughout the story, Valgardson hints at the theme of judgement and assumptions: “Their peaked caps make their heads seem flat, their foreheads nonexistent. The girl is better looking than she should be for such companions.” (Pg. 2) The main character is already making assumptions of these characters solely based on physical factors. At the climax of the story, a police officer kills the main character after believing him to have stolen a car. In this case, the police officer’s actions were not justified, his suspicion was based on little evidence and he could have easily avoided using lethal force. The initial suspicion towards the man from the police officer was based on a stereotype that had little to do with real evidence. Although the officer was inexperienced and had been trained to be cautious of the suspect’s demographic, “he has been trained to see an unshaven man as a potential thief and not a probable owner” (Pg. 3) he should have determined that a threat was present before using relying on lethal force.

Knowing he had done nothing wrong, the man was relieved to see an officer, but the policeman did not see it the same way, basing his actions on a stereotype without real proof of danger shows that his actions were not justifiable.