This is a test of Honesty. Do you prejudge others or do you get to know them first?

Question

Please answer as honestly as possible. I'm writing a paper on why humans respond positively/negatively to certain situations.

Answer 1

I think we all pre-judge people to some extent. It seems to be human nature. The more important question is: Do you give people a chance and try to get to know them after the initial judgement?

Answer 2

I tend to prejudge people based on their dress and/or actions.
I think the human tendency to prejudge stems from the survival instincts of our distant ancestors on the savannas of central Africa. There and then, quick judgment was a critical survival trait. Those people could not afford the luxury of getting to know everything in their surroundings before acting.

Answer 3

I think every person judges to a certain extent based on appearence and first words exchanged. I mean think about it, if someone accidently cuts you off you don't say "Oh well, no big deal, they are probably having a bad day or just didn't see me." No, we automatically go off the handle and assume the person did it on purpose and is trying to ruin our day or run us off the road. Not every situation applies to this, but most in some form or other can be chalked up to being judgemental.

Answer 4

I try to have an open mind about people when I meet them but I am evaluating them as I speak to them. I look at:
- body language
- clothing
- sound of voice
- percieved situation (i.e. are they old or young, affluent or poor, educated or not)
All people do this. It is your first impression. I have tried to train myself not to stereotype my first impressions because you will inevitably make mistakes in your dealings with the person if you stereotype.

I also try never to pass "judgment" of anyone even after I know them. It is not my place to "judge". The only time I find this to be difficult is when children are involved.

Answer 5

honestly, i prejudge most people. why? because first impressions mean a lot MOST of the time. For example: If your a business man, and a fat sloppy joe strolls in for a job at your place, prejudgements will not allow for you to let him work there. Unless it is ofcourse WalMart.

Answer 6

I often prejudge. I have learnt that allthough stereotypes are not 100% fact they are often based on facts and are therefore partially true. I think that is human nature to prejudge.

Answer 7

Both. I make a snap decision of every person I meet. Generally it's more or less accurate, but I refine it the longer I know that person. If I've known you for years, my opinion of you is probably much different now than it was in that first moment.

Answer 8

You are judged immediately by someone when there is a first interaction. From there, you make further decisions on how you feel about the person and how that relationship will go.

Answer 9

I try very hard to take people as I find them.
However if someone I trusted told me something about someone this might affect the way I approached them - for example if I knew they were violent, a sex offender or a Tory.

Answer 10

I usually prejudge people, but I leave my mind open enough to be able to change it once I get to know them.