Thoughts on Judgment

A discussion with a friend of mine brought up an interesting point in regards to human nature. When presented with new information, the first thing we do is compare it to old information. This applies to everything from gossip to appearance.

I've already made a post about first judgment, and this ties into that in the sense that in order to tackle what we do not understand, we quickly cycle through comparisons between what we see before us, and what we've seen before. In broad and general terms, a comparison between self and other is a good place to start, especially with obvious differences such as race.

In defining something, we immediately take note of the obvious similarities and differences, but doing so often unconsciously brings us to draw conclusions that are not necessarily accurate. This is especially the case in situations where there is third party or faulty/untested information involved that draws a partial connection to the new information(person) we face.


It's better to be openminded. It makes sense to compare the new to what we already know, but we should be careful that we do not place too much stock in what we've heard, especially in regards to absolutes, or single instances of particular behavior.

Absence

I've been away for awhile, and for that I apologize. Truth be told, I've been working on the tedious(but unfortunately important) goal of building my own life. It has been a learning experience on may levels.

Currently, I hold a position that puts me in contact with large numbers of people on a daily basis. I meet all sorts of individuals. They have their differences, but often are unified by a singular need- their current concern, whatever that may be, and it is my responsibility to provide satisfaction. Most of them are concerned only with the aforementioned need- and not with one another or myself. It's wearying to be sure.

Still, on the worst days, I still stumble across the occasional individual who honestly inquires about me before getting down to business- and even on the days where I fail to return such courtesy, it is refreshing. It is a reminder of how the little things, positive and negative, matter. Not details assigned from birth, nor the major beliefs or decisions developed during life, but the basic treasure of human interaction, a singularity on its own, separate from all of the things that would divide us.

Respecting one another on a personal level regardless of circumstance is more important than any of the boxes we've put ourselves in. Especially in today's world, when times are hard and we are encouraged to think only of ourselves, it is easy to forget. But if everyone were to consider others as well as themselves, the day to day would be a little easier- and with enough time, we'd get through all of our greater dilemmas.

The catch is, we have to do it together. It starts now, with each individual thinking about the big picture. It moves when we help one another without expecting returns, when we act in kindness and not greed. It grows with everyone contributing what they can, and in times of weakness taking no more than they need. And it continues moving when we do not allow petty differences to come between us. At the end of the day, we are all one species united by potential, by hopes and dreams and desires and will- there's no reason we should fight or step on one another.

Take a moment and think- do the best you can for those around you, and encourage others to do the same.

On Differences

People seem to forget that we're all human. 

Everyone, self included, is struggling to define themselves, but definitions simply separate us, cause factions and the notion of an "other". From there, it becomes second nature to assume a ranking, as different things somehow can't be equal. We as people sometimes take excessive pride in labeling ourselves. Yes those things define us, but ultimately such things are meaningless- minor details at best. Those things about us, things like lifestyle and religion, or things we are born with that we cannot change- These things make us neither better nor worse.

It isn't about what we are so much as how we act. And we shouldn't treat one another differently based on anything other than their intent and their actions. 

I have a dear friend who captures my concern quite well:

"I have seen a lot of people discussing things back and forth over the past few days.. and what I have seen, quite frankly bothers me.

Right now, the USA is in discussion about the very important topic of rights.
I have seen people for.. I have seen people against..
I have heard people cite their religion for their decisions, I have see people cite their loved ones and family for their decisions..

What have I taken away from all this?
We people, as a nation, as a planet.. are neglecting one very important thing.

It goes BEYOND religion...
It goes BEYOND love and family...
It goes BEYOND borders and land masses..

I sadly see that this is a plague.. on a global level... that not only condemns everyone who decides to feel one way or another.. I see a plague that is at the heart and root of our very planet's break down.

We all talk about World Peace... We all talk about how if we could all get along that the world would be a better place.. There would be no suffering... no hunger... no wars... etc etc..

World peace is very much possible.. but sadly we are SERIOUSLY over complicating it..
It is a very simple thing... really... and it only requires TWO things from each of us. Two very simple.. FREE things that are within each of us.. right this second and have been since you were born and will be until you die.

#1
DROP THE LABELS.. NO MORE Black/White/Gay/Straight/handicapped/able bodied/Christian/Pagan/Atheist/rich/poor etc etc..
No more hiding behind what you "THINK" you are, because if something was to happen tomorrow and everything you "THINK" you know/have/believe in were to be stripped away.. you would be just like everyone else...
If you STOP putting a label on it... then what are we?!
it's simple.. we are all the same thing...

HUMAN BEINGS

#2
TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU.
If everyone just STOPPED for a moment and now.. because we are all on an even playing field as HUMAN BEINGS.. treated everyone with the most simple of respect, tolerance and human decency, not only would this nation.. but this WHOLE PLANET... would become the utopia that we all dream of.

So seriously.. stop labeling everything around you... PUT DOWN YOUR RUBBER STAMP... stop labeling everyONE around you.. and see people for what they REALLY are.. and start treating EVERYONE as what they are..
HUMAN BEINGS

Just remember..
Something could happen tomorrow that would..
Make all religion turn out to be a lie and non existent..
Make all money useless and no longer needed
Give everyone 'perfect health' or globally uniform skin colour...
etc etc etc

We do not know what our planet's future holds.. BUT we DO know what it holds right this second.. a bunch of human beings so caught up in themselves that they have forgotten the most very basic meaning of life...

WE ARE ALL EQUAL.. and as such.. WE ALL DESERVE TO BE TREATED EQUAL...

IN EVERYTHING AND EVERY WAY, FOREVER

And that, my friends, is my 3 cents worth.

Should you have a problem with my words... That too is your choice.. and I offer you the unfriend button...
But just remember... You can not deny this simple truth...

YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING....
Perhaps it is time we all started acting like one."

It really is that simple. We are all human. That factor ties us closer than any difference can set us apart.