One Picture, Many Views – What the Kerala Tourism F-35 Ad Teaches Us About Perception

Recently, Kerala Tourism had shared a creative post on social media using an image of a Royal Navy F-35 jet that had ended up stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala,India due to a technical glitch. It was also widely reshared on social media platforms by all, including the writer. For many, this was a light-hearted and clever way to promote tourism, turning an unexpected event into an opportunity for positive attention. But not everyone saw it that way. The British media described it as India mocking the Royal Navy, showing how the same image and message can be perceived in completely different ways.

This situation reminds us how people can view the same thing from different angles, depending on their background, emotions, and beliefs. For some, the ad was simply witty and harmless. For others, especially those connected to the British military, it may have felt disrespectful or inappropriate. The difference in reactions was not about right or wrong, it was about perception.

Perception is shaped by many things like our culture, personal experiences, the media we follow, and even our mood at the time. What seems funny or smart to one person may feel offensive or serious to another. And this is common in a world as diverse and connected as ours.

So, how can we deal with such misunderstandings?

First, it helps to assume good intentions. Most people or organisations do not aim to hurt or mock, they want to share a message, often with creativity or humour. Second, we should be aware of cultural differences. What works in one part of the world may not work in another. Finally, instead of reacting with anger, it’s better to open a conversation. Asking questions and sharing perspectives can help everyone understand each other better.

In the end, Kerala Tourism’s post was more than just a fun way to promote travel, it highlighted how people from different places can view the same situation in different ways. While some saw humour and creativity, others felt it was inappropriate or insensitive. Neither side is wrong! They are just seeing things through different lenses.

This reminds us that in our connected world, messages travel fast and so do opinions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, it helps to pause, consider the context, and understand that people interpret things based on their unique experiences. By being open-minded and respectful, we can navigate differences more thoughtfully and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

At its heart, this story is not about who is right or wrong, it’s about learning to see beyond our own perspective. And that is something we can all benefit from.

News Articles: 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/07/02/india-mocks-royal-navy-over-stranded-f-35-jet/

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