Expression of the Day

Reading the news this morning, I came across the story of  little Etan Kalil Patz who disappeared from lower Manhattan in 1979.

Apparently this man, Pedro Hernandez, was interviewed by police in 2012 and confessed to killing Etan.

The courts will determine this week  if Pedro Hernandez‘s statements are admissible in this case.

Statistically speaking, 25% of confessions made by people are false, so just because someone confesses, it does not  automatically mean they are one responsible for committing the crime.

When I saw this news story and I looked at this suspect shown in the article, his facial expression stopped me dead in my tracks.  Hernandez’s expression here is extremely threatening. If I saw him on the street, I would immediately look away and take actions to get as far away from him as I could. I would try to become invisible in the shortest amount of time.

What expression is Hernandez making here?  I will share my answer in my comments below (on the blog for those of you reading this elsewhere).

32 replies
  1. Lisa Castellanos
    Lisa Castellanos says:

    Contempt? It’s weird when I glanced at the pic On FB almost thought he was smiling. Then as I look at it a second time, not a chance of a smile. So strange.

  2. Lisa Castellanos
    Lisa Castellanos says:

    Contempt? It’s weird when I glanced at the pic On FB almost thought he was smiling. Then as I look at it a second time, not a chance of a smile. So strange.

  3. Roman Tsukerman
    Roman Tsukerman says:

    Contempt and at first I wanted to say anger but I think it’s more determination or anger that has been a part of this man’s life for so long that his brows are just always in that position. I don’t see disgust though.

  4. Roman Tsukerman
    Roman Tsukerman says:

    Contempt and at first I wanted to say anger but I think it’s more determination or anger that has been a part of this man’s life for so long that his brows are just always in that position. I don’t see disgust though.

  5. Karon
    Karon says:

    I see contempt, anger, and pure hatred for authority and everyone he comes in contact with. I believe it has been many years, if ever, that he has had any goodwill or kindness toward anyone. (Dangerous man)

  6. Karon
    Karon says:

    I see contempt, anger, and pure hatred for authority and everyone he comes in contact with. I believe it has been many years, if ever, that he has had any goodwill or kindness toward anyone. (Dangerous man)

  7. Becky Miles
    Becky Miles says:

    I see shock (I can’t believe you did this) to whoever he’s looking at, and the word revenge comes to mind.

  8. Becky Miles
    Becky Miles says:

    I see shock (I can’t believe you did this) to whoever he’s looking at, and the word revenge comes to mind.

  9. Paul Flanagan
    Paul Flanagan says:

    Subtle disgust? Above the nose being wrinkled helped make my decision to a subtle lower half. (I turned the screen sideways to straighten his tilted head and I think I see a hint of contempt too (but I don’t know if I’d put money on it). The sideways look is always disconcerting especially by someone confessing to be a killer and with a look of disgust. That’s seems to be a clear sign of hostility.

  10. Paul Flanagan
    Paul Flanagan says:

    Subtle disgust? Above the nose being wrinkled helped make my decision to a subtle lower half. (I turned the screen sideways to straighten his tilted head and I think I see a hint of contempt too (but I don’t know if I’d put money on it). The sideways look is always disconcerting especially by someone confessing to be a killer and with a look of disgust. That’s seems to be a clear sign of hostility.

  11. Keith D.
    Keith D. says:

    It looks like a kind of anger/disgust blend with a hint of contempt, but none of those quite fits for me. If I were to pin any one word to this expression, it would be vengeful, although that isn’t quantified as a basic, universal expression of emotion.

  12. Keith D.
    Keith D. says:

    It looks like a kind of anger/disgust blend with a hint of contempt, but none of those quite fits for me. If I were to pin any one word to this expression, it would be vengeful, although that isn’t quantified as a basic, universal expression of emotion.

  13. Brent
    Brent says:

    Interesting scenario Eyes: If I saw him on the street, I would feel OK because he wasn’t looking at me. I would pretend to not be aware of him and wouldn’t make eye contact. But I would definitely be aware of him and his actions out of the corner of my eye and I’d be very wary. I’ve seen people with similar looks on the city streets and I think inside ‘What a lousy face!’

  14. Brent
    Brent says:

    Interesting scenario Eyes: If I saw him on the street, I would feel OK because he wasn’t looking at me. I would pretend to not be aware of him and wouldn’t make eye contact. But I would definitely be aware of him and his actions out of the corner of my eye. I’ve seen people with similar looks on the city streets and I think inside ‘What a lousy face!’

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