Good morning class!

Today I’m going to answer the following question:

Do you make judgments about other people based on their appearance, clothes, ethnicity, or
age?

I’m convinced that the answer, for most people, is "yes", including me. But wait, let me explain
myself.

To begin with, human beings are naturally visual creatures, and our brains are wired to process
and interpret visual information quickly. Consequently, we often form immediate impressions
of others based on what we can see. My point is that the first time we see someone we create
a first impression based on their clothes, appearance, on exterior characteristics. Clothes, in
particular, can serve as a powerful tool for communication, allowing individuals to express their
personality, values, and even social-economic status.

However, the downside to this natural tendency is the potential for unfair and inaccurate
judgments. When we make quick judgments about someone based on their looks or attire, we
risk overlooking the richness of their personality, experiences, and capabilities. Preconceived
notions can cloud our perception and prevent us from truly understanding the depth of an
individual.

Additionally, social norms and expectations heavily influence our judgments. Unconscious
biases may lead us to judge people based on stereotypes associated with their clothing
choices, their ethnicity, their appearance, and their age preserving harmful assumptions and
reinforcing social divisions. For example, we tend to think that people are resistant to change
and new ideas. In reality, many older individuals embrace change and are open to learning and
adapting to new situations. Other example is that all Hispanics are recent immigrants or that
they are undocumented. In reality, the Hispanic community in many places has a diverse range
of immigration histories.

Nevertheless, I try my best to fight these preconceived assumptions and get to know people
despite their visual characteristics. What I’m trying to say is that it's essential to challenge our
preconceptions and consciously strive to look beyond the surface. Recognizing our tendency to
judge others based on appearance is the first step toward fostering a more open-minded and
inclusive society. Engaging in meaningful conversations, seeking to understand diverse
perspectives, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual can help break down the
barriers created by superficial judgments.

I might add that these judgements don’t have to be necessarily bad. Sometimes I’ll look at
someone and think that they look good or that I really like their clothes. It doesn’t always have
to be bad and most of the times it isn’t!
On a final note, while it’s natural to form initial impressions based on appearance and clothing,
acknowledging this tendency allows us to actively work towards a more compassionate and
understanding world.