Why We Judge What We Don’t Know
Have you ever felt that people are quick to judge? Are you sometimes quick to judge?
Have you ever wondered why we judge what we don't know or understand?
Even the most hardened criminal gets his day in court, where all evidence is carefully weighed before judgment is pronounced.
And yet, as humans, we struggle to extend the same courtesy to one another.
The fifth habit Steven R. Covey mentions in his best-selling book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is "Seek First To Understand, Then Be Understood".
I would argue that for most of us, this is not the habit we have cultivated.
So, what are the reasons behind our inclination to pass judgment on what we don't know or understand?
It's a fascinating phenomenon that touches on deep-seated aspects of human psychology and societal conditioning.
Let's look at five common reasons why we tend to be judgemental.
1. Fear of the Unknown
One of the primary drivers behind our tendency to judge what we don't know is fear of the unknown.
As creatures wired for survival, we naturally gravitate towards the familiar and the predictable, as these offer a sense of security and control.
Anything that falls outside of our comfort zone, whether it's a different culture, belief system, or way of life, can trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
To alleviate these uncomfortable emotions, we may resort to judgment as a way of categorizing and making sense of the unfamiliar.
2. Cognitive Bias
Another factor that contributes to our tendency to judge the unknown is cognitive bias.
Our brains are hardwired to process information quickly and efficiently, often relying on mental shortcuts or heuristics to make sense of the world.
These cognitive shortcuts can lead to oversimplified or distorted perceptions of unfamiliar people, groups, or situations, resulting in prejudice and stereotyping.
For example, suppose we hear negative stereotypes about a particular ethnic group or cultural practice. In that case, we may unconsciously apply these stereotypes to individuals we encounter from that group, even if we have no firsthand knowledge or experience.
3. Social Conditioning
From a young age, we are exposed to social norms, cultural values, and societal messages that shape our perceptions of the world.
These influences can predispose us to view specific groups or individuals in a particular light based on stereotypes, biases, or prejudices prevalent in our culture.
For example, media portrayals, educational curricula, and family beliefs can all contribute to forming biased attitudes towards people who are different from us.
4. Tribal Mentality
Humans are inherently social beings, wired to form tribes, groups, and communities for safety, belonging, and cooperation.
While this tribal instinct served our ancestors well in the harsh realities of prehistoric life, it can also lead to ingroup favouritism and outgroup hostility in modern society.
When we encounter individuals or groups perceived as different or unfamiliar, we may instinctively view them as "other" and adopt an us-versus-them mentality.
This tribal mindset can fuel prejudice, discrimination, and conflict as we prioritize the interests of our group over those of outsiders.
5. Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is another cognitive tendency contributing to our tendency to judge what we don't know.
We tend to search for information confirming our beliefs or prejudices while ignoring or discounting evidence that contradicts them.
When confronted with unfamiliar people or ideas that challenge our worldview, we may actively seek information that reinforces our preconceived notions rather than approaching the situation with an open mind.
So, our perception of the world is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including fear, cognitive biases, social conditioning, tribal instincts, and confirmation biases.
These elements create a lens through which we interpret and make sense of the world around us, often leading us to judge what we don't know based on our preconceived notions and limited understanding.
By recognizing these factors' role in shaping our worldview, we can strive to approach the unknown with greater empathy, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
The more you know, the less likely you are to judge.
And if your friend, aunty or colleague hasn’t read this article yet and is prone to judging you, here are some tips:
Remember, it's not about you, it's about them and their lack of understanding or biases.
It doesn't matter what they think. It only matters what you think, especially if they don’t matter to you.
You don't have to convince them of anything and you don't need them to know the truth. You need to remind yourself of the truth.
You don't need them to accept you or the situation. Rather, you need to come to your own acceptance of yourself and the situation.
You can't stop them judging, so focus all your energy on detaching.
Until next time, try to be less judgemental and detach from those who continously judge you.
Dion Le Roux