Judge And Jury | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Judge And Jury

When we judge someone, we become the jury; are we judging them the way we should judge them?

16
Judge And Jury
powerofpositivity.com

I don't like being judged. I never have and I've always found it hard to not judge others myself. I try, but that doesn't always happen, because we are human. We judge. I judge. I try not to, but sometimes I stand around in a line and judge the person in front of me. Then I think to myself, "What situation could they be in that I know nothing about?" I stop judging. Because their situation isn't much better than mine; it could be worse for all I know.

Those old, taught habits...

It's not easy to not judge someone. Because our natural instinct is to judge, because for centuries that is what humans did. We judged each other based on wealth and property. There were nobles and there were the commoners. There was a clear line between them and no one thought to cross it because of what waited for them on the other side. There was always judgement cast around. The nobles thought the commoners were closer to dirt than humans, and the commoners thought the nobles were, at best, cruel but held all the power.

In those days, wealth decided where you stood and you were judged by others according to your wealth. The less you had, the more you were ignored and the more you had the more people flocked to you. This way of thinking became part of society; judging others based on first glance became a part of society. Children that grew up in noble houses were taught to never associate with those that looked to be from the common streets. Commoners' children grew up taught that the nobles were not like them and would never be.

...that eventually became our new instincts.

Thanks to these old ways, humans now judge each other based on if someone is better off than the person standing next to them. It's become a natural thing for us to walk through a store, glance at a person, and judge them even slightly. Perhaps we judge them in kind ways, or perhaps we judge them in ways that would make kindhearted people cringe and even roll in their graves. But that is what we do as humans; we try to make ourselves feel better by putting others in places that our lower than our own.

I have done this and I regret it now; I still do it sometimes, when I'm not thinking or I'm frustrated. There are times when I wish I didn't, but I know it's just what is now labeled as human nature. But it's not natural, it's just the way we were taught centuries ago that became a part of the way society runs today.

What should you do then, to change this old habit now an instinct?

I'm not saying you are a horrible person for judging the person next to you. It's now natural to us and we can only help it if we remind ourselves constantly that it's not supposed to be. We can't always do that. So, the best advice I can give is that when you next judge someone near you, think of these questions: "What could they be going through right now? Could it be something like what I am? Could it be worse than anything I've ever experienced?"

Then, stop judging them. Respect them. Even if they are the richest people in the world, respect them because you don't know what they are going through. What they've gone through. Even if they are the cruelest person you've ever met, remember that something had to have made them that way.

I'm working on it too, so don't feel bad when you judge them. Just stop yourself when you realize you are.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1224
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27139
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11419
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments