We are told from a young age that we shouldn't judge others, that we should get to know the other person and get beyond first impressions. But is it really that easy to do?
We are bombarded with information, stimuli and data 24x7 and our brains have evolved to manage this by processing information at the subconscious and conscious level. By the time we are even aware of our thoughts and can articulate them, an unconscious opinion based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed has already been processed and formed.
As humans, we’ve judged situations for our entire existence to identify possible threats and danger. In earliest times, if something looked dangerous, it probably was. If a sabre toothed tiger appears you run away, you don't stop to consider the situation. When we touch a hot plate we automatically recoil to avoid being burnt. These reactions have helped to keep us safe, to keep us alive. However, if we have judged things like this for thousands of years, how can we be expected not to judge situations and other people today?
Research into how the brain works has helped to understand that it is possible for people to consciously believe they are being open-minded and not biased for or against others, while at the same time acting on subconscious prejudices they are not even aware of. I came across this short video that underpins the concepts of first impressions and the judgements we make:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/RS3iB47nQ6E
Even in watching this film my guess is that you will have made judgements - about the couples who chose not to sit down - that they chose not to do so because of the "scary biker dudes" maybe coupled with a "That couple were so narrow-minded". This may have been true but what about these other explanations:
I am sure that you can identify other explanations as to why someone may not sit down. However, our hard-wiring seems to lean towards the "worst case scenario" story, one that helps us to anticipate and avoid possible threats or danger, but may also result in unhelpful judgements about others, and as a result influence our behavior.
So what’s the answer?
Making conscious and (more critically) unconscious judgements about situations is what has kept the human race arrive for millennia. It is part of our DNA and in my mind, not something that goes away just because we wish it to. The advice is to
These tactics provide perspective and more importantly options and informed choice as to what action we choose to take moving forward.
