How prejudgemental are you?

Question

I am a very tall guy with peircings and tattoos who likes to skateboard. I am also a well educated teacher. This causes a bit of grief in my life as I find people prejudge before they get to know you. Do you judge people based on apperance first and why?

Answer 1

I dont, because I used to be a biker in my youth and have experienced prejudice because of it.

For example, on my birthday, we got turned away from a pub because the landlord 'dont want your sort in here'.

I was with 3 other bikers, yes we were in jeans and leather jackets which had patches and studs etc, but Im a pharmacy dispenser, one was a teacher, one was a nurse and the other was just a normal guy who worked in an office during the day.

Ive experienced strange looks, being blanked, people pulling their kids closer to them when we walked past - most people do have a preconceived idea of people who look different from the 'norm', I think its sad, but we fear what we dont understand, so it a normal human reaction im afraid.

To be perfectly honest, the bikers were the best true friends ive ever had, they stuck together, helped each other out, one bloke lost his house and possessions in a fire and everyone chipped in to get him new clothes, sorted out money, places to stay, baby-sitting etc. They stuck by each other but welcomed anyone who wanted a part of the lifestyle.

i was a 'trendy' when I started going out with a biker, but I was welcomed as i didnt have any preconceptions about them, and I can honestly say ive never known a better bunch of people since.

Answer 2

I try not to prejudge. I definitely don't when I see piercings or tattoos, in part because I have both piercings and tattoos and I work for a very professional companies. I will admit that if I ran into someone who was unkempt and lacked in the personal hygene department, I'd probably make and asumption based on that, but I don't believe that would change how I'd treat a person. I certainly hope not anyway.

Answer 3

I think everyone judges on appearance, its human nature.

We can all say, "I won't/don't prejudge anyone", as it makes us look or sound like better people but the fact is everyone does it to some extent.

The difference is that some people are open minded enough to realise that their initial judgements are wrong and change them accordingly. Others will never give you the chance to change their mind.

Being in the profession you have chosen and having adopted the style you have will always bring you into contact and conflict with people from the both groups. You have to remember though some people are just plain narrow minded. So unless you want to change how you look its going to be something you will face on a regular basis (in my non-judgemental opinion!)

Answer 4

I do prejudge people based on their looks, but I don't mean to and I try to stop myself doing it as I know it's stupid and unkind. To be honest I think most people try to judge someone based on their appearance because you can often tell similarities and differences to yourself, for example involving music tastes, similar clothing and similar income. This isn't solid reasoning, but it may help to pick out people you probably won't become friends with compared to people you may. I do really hate it when people categorise individuals into different social groups from first glance, but again I'm probably no better myself.

Answer 5

Yes i do, prejudge, i can't help it, clothes and tattoos and piercings make a statement about who we are. They express our individuality. If it didn't manner to us we would all wear the same thing. Because of this individuality we draw judgements from what people wear, unfortunately what you have chosen to do to your body isn't termed as the 'norm' therefore people find it threatening and judge you. That's life.

Answer 6

I try not to, but probably do. When I see someone with tattoos and piercings I wonder why they have defaced their body. I wonder if they ever thought how ridiculous they look to others, or how it would effect their job, or the ability to get a job when they get older. And I wonder if they consider how those tattoos and piercings will look when they are in their 80's. Personally, if I was a single person I wouldn't date any one with tattoos or out of the ordinary piercings ... even if I got to know them and really liked them.

Answer 7

No I dont!! Ive got loads of tats n piercings and when I go out with my 2 childrens, I get loads of evils all the time and it fcuks me right off! I think u generally sound like a nice person, dont let the stupid, narrow minded twats judge you, they aint worth it! If they cant be bothered to look past all the stuff that makes you, you then they are not worth knowing, my hubby tells me that all the time and he`s right!!!

Answer 8

Yes, I do but not in a bad way I would not think you were a bad person for being tattoed and pierced because I am exposed to that type of people in my everyday life/ I would probably think hey this is a cool open minded person.

Answer 9

I have the visible tattoos...piercings. i get prejudged all the time as well. though i'm no teacher...i still have a decent honest job.
but i can't say i never prejudge. when i see a suit and tie walkin down the street...i think to myself "heh...another solider in corporate americas army! aiming to make us consume ourselves to death!"

Answer 10

First impressions are important and you run the risk of being streotyped by the way you look and behave.
Most people judge by there first impression but can change their opinion as they get to know someone. That is the way we are and I bet you are no different.