by Deborah Hardy

Created on: January 12, 2009

It's my personal opinion, that no one should be judged by how they look, dress, walk, talk or by the vehicle they drive.... But, let's face it, we all have judged people by these things and we all have been judged at one time or another. It could be argued that today's society is at fault. After all, how many times a day do you see advertisements for beauty products, clothing trends, diet pills and shiny new cars. The media is saturated with these types of ads. The marketers want us to believe that we need these things, that we must have them to be considered beautiful and successful... not only to ourselves but also by what other people think.

Just the other day, I went to the store after a day of house cleaning and yard work. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly looking my best. My hair looked as if it had not been combed. I wasn't wearing any makeup and my clothes were dirty from all the hard work I've done that day. No one really noticed me. In fact, I don't think anyone even acknowledged my presence. A few days later, I went back to the same store. But, this time my hair was in place, I was wearing makeup and clean fresh clothes. As I approached the entrance, a man reached around me so he could open the door. Inside the store people smiled at me and said hello. And as I was leaving, the cashiers said " have a nice day. " The people in the store were so nice and friendly. It seems that everyone was in a good mood. It was then that I realized I had been judged solely on my appearance. After all, wasn't I the same person that was there just a few days ago? My outward appearance may not have looked the same, but I was still the same person on the inside.

Due to my experience, I try not to judge people as I have been judged. But after all, I'm only human. And from time to time I find myself judging others by their appearance. The beautiful people get my vote of approval...and the not so beautiful...well... let's just say I tend to shy away from them. When I find myself judging others, I have to admit that I become somewhat ashamed of my thoughts. After all, I don't know these people so why should I have the right to judge them.

From now on I will try to see others, as I would want them to see me. I will put myself in their place. If someone looks tired and dirty, I will assume that they spent the day cleaning and doing yard work. I will try to see not only their outward appearance, but also their inner beauty.

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