MIRANDA BROOKWELL/Youth Correspondent
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Isn’t that the truth? So many times we pass by people without smiling or giving them the time of day because of rumours we have heard.
So many times we are anxious about meeting or engaging in conversation with someone because of their past or because they are “different.”
Marie Curie once said, “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” I think everyone could benefit from living through this quote.
Usually I find myself writing about a school trip or event going on, so it may seem odd that I’ve become so philosophical. I guess it just struck me while out running errands the other day how judgmental many of us really are. We live in a nice small town, but that does not mean that racism, sexism, and acting toward others on preconceived notions do not run wild. It seems odd to me that these things still exist within many of us, including myself. Often my opinions of others are clouded with judgment, and stories I’ve heard about them are swirling in my brain.
Luckily enough, I have been pleasantly surprised quite often at how incorrect my first impressions of others end up being. More often than not, I end up making a friend out of someone I couldn’t have cared less about months before. Now if only I could eliminate my judgment all together.
A character flaw that many of us are plagued with is equating something different with something bad. It is not always easy to accept differences, but we can embrace them. Everyone has reasons. Reasons for how they act, speak, dress, love, or hate. If we can understand, rather than running for the hills in intimidation or fear, then maybe we stand a chance of being somewhat humane.
I have a challenge for all of you. Today, whether you’re sitting at home or out on the town, greet someone that you have never met before. Ask a cashier or clerk how their day is going. When you get stressed at a busy restaurant or in a long line at the bank, take a deep breath and have patience with those around you.
Remember that each person you cast away with judgment is another friend lost, and each person you embrace is another friend gained.