Week 6 Question 1

1). Is it possible to perceive others without, in some way, judging or categorizing them? If so, how? If not, how can we make the judgments we do make, more fair?

I believe that it is not possible to not judge or categorize someone, especially when you first meet them. I say this because it is very common for people to always try and gauge who someone is through their first impressions. By attempting to do so, you try to make yourself more comfortable around strangers you do not know.

Judging and categorizing people happens on a daily basis because you learn and see how people act. Once this happens, based on their actions or words, you begin associating people with similar groups to make you feel more comfortable on how to act towards these people.

The only way I believe to make judgments fair, especially first impressions and judgments, is to have an open mind when meeting new people. Once you meet someone and talk to them, then it will become fair based on their words and actions on how to try and classify them more accurately than if you didn't wait. Once you already have your mind made up of who someone is before meeting them, it becomes tougher for you and them to begin changing that perception, especially if it is incorrect.