The second page of supplementary material on theme fifteen shows a lot of bias of how we see other people. They are assumptions, first impressions, mutual influences, projection, selective, transfer, “frozen” image, categorization, present role, halo effect. As you can see, so many prejudices when we are looking at other that I start to wonder whether have I judge a person in objective way. But then I realize that do we need to judge all the others objectively? The answer is no. Actually in my opinion, there is a few people need our comprehensive and objective judgement.
Firstly, a comprehensive judgement requires a long time but the fact is you do not have that much time to spend with everyone you meet. In that case, those ‘bias’ take a large part of your judgement. For instance, when you meet a stranger, the first impression and assumptions dominate your judgement. It is not your fault of bias, but it simply because you do not have any further information about that guy. And usually you do not have time or do not willing to get the information. As for acquaintances, “frozen” image take larger part. After the image of a person was set, it is hard to change, and it is human nature to see an acquaintance in the old way, or else how could they are called ‘acquaintance’.
We usually do not need comprehensive judgements for everyone around us and sometimes trying to know one comprehensively is offensive. You do not need to make such judgement on the waitress who served your meal because that is none of your business and you only need to know your tutor’s present role instead of his private life or he will be very angry.
As we can see, we shouldn’t bother if we do not judge a person objectively. There is always bias when we see others because you will never understand another person completely, even if he is your parent or life partner.
i quite agree that the first impression may cause a big effect on people's relationship. but it is quite interesting that you think someone is this type and later find out that he is something else. no worry about whether we are objective or not.
ReplyDeleteI used to have this prejudice too but now I have changed better. When meeting a person, I will first judge his behaviours and the way he speaks. Usually after two or three lines, I will understand his personality and his educational background. Most of the time my first impression is correct , which makes me decide whether to have deeper communication
ReplyDeleteI show my agreement to you. With the influence of culture , I think it is really difficult for us to do a completely objective judgment. Another important reason is that when we become older, we will gain so many experiences that could also lead us away from objective judgement. so if we can try our best to do a relatively objective judgement, i think it will quite fine.
ReplyDeleteyoou said you are not bothered to know the personality of the waitress that serves you a meal.yeah, that is really none of our business, but for me, i enjoy trying to understand the strangers' personality by observing their behaviors. it's quite interesting to imagine what is in their mind, but i just think of it in my mind, and will not speak it out.
ReplyDeleteWe should judge a person from every side. If not, it is very likely we will have bias on them. So we should see a person comprehensively and avoid bias. Be openminded and accept everyone.
ReplyDeleteFirst impresssion is important - try asking Human Resource people. It is undeniable that we are bias. But we also generally agree that people with certain physical features and behaviour are looked upon negatively. Yes, we should judge others objectively - if we have the luxury of time. I suppose if we can't judge someone objectively, then it is better not to pass any judgement on that person. But is this pratical?
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