Through following this order of actions, Roberts claims, real understanding can occur. One of the examples he offered in proving this point is an experience he had while doing field research incognito at a prison, while Howard Thorsheim, his partner, spent time posing as a homeless person. Roberts cites an instance in which he narrowly escaped the wrath of an older prisoner through the generosity of a younger prison that was standing in front of him in a line. After this experience, Roberts says, all of his preconceived notions about having a full understanding of a group of people such as a group of prisoners, were proven to be stereotypical. Only through getting to know the actual people who are being affected by something, Roberts says, can we truly understand their situation.
Assertions made from external appearances, therefore, have no real validity.
The aforementioned prisoner that aided Roberts in his situation, for example, was the collaborative lens for Roberts in attempting to understand the lives of prisoners. Secondly, Roberts says to proactively seek and include savvy people. It is important to remember that no two stories are the same. Each situation is different, and just because one thinks they understand one does not necessarily mean they understand the other. In conclusion, Roberts' speech made many interesting and valuable assertions about the nature of human attempts at understanding the world around them.