We Judge When We Don't Understand

We judge when we don’t understand. I saw that statement a while ago, and I have never forgotten it since. I know everybody has judged someone before, but for many it’s become a natural reaction or even an addicting habit. When you classify someone as a nerd, since they receive straight A’s, maybe they get severely punished if they received any less. You may notice a certain person who seems cheerful every single day, but maybe that’s their cover and they struggle with depression. Or what about the girl everyone knows because she’s not as skinny as a twig? Maybe she just defeated a year’s worth of a terrifying eating disorder.  We judge when we don’t understand. You never will know everything about a person. 

Similar to “Black Men and Public Space,” Staples is judged and mistreated, one of the reasons is because he is African American. He recalls the time when he was mistaken for a burglar at work and another occasion when the proprietor of a jewelry store brought out a Doberman pinscher to frighten him away. Though Staple’s appearance may seem fearful to us, it is not right to judge him. When I read this essay, I was very disappointed that people, without even talking to Staples, could treat him so poorly. It is never right to judge somebody based on their appearances. You never know what they are struggling with. It is our job, to be respectful and considerate towards EVERYBODY.