There are many categories of people we shouldn't judge but that face judgment all too often. I personally feel that our world is too full of judgment and not filled enough with understanding or the willingness to hear others' stories. Here are a few categories of people we shouldn't judge, especially if we've never walked in their shoes.
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1. Divorcees
One of the categories of people we shouldn't judge are divorcees. I have heard many people criticize those who get divorced as ruining the sanctity of marriage and family; however, people divorce for many reasons. Oftentimes divorce is a healthier alternative than is remaining in a turbulent, manipulative, or abusive relationship. Don't be so quick to judge someone who has been through a divorce!
2. Suicide Victims
Many people are quick to judge suicide victims as weak and selfish, but this is rarely the case. Many suicide victims suffer from severe depression and see themselves more as a burden to their loved ones than a blessing, and feel that by disappearing they are doing others a favor. They may also not seek help for their suicidal thoughts for many reasons including being seen as weak, not knowing what help exists or how to seek it, etc. Suicide is a terribly tragedy, (and should not be seen as an option because there is always help!), but if you do know of someone who committed suicide, do not be so quick to judge them.
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3. Sex Workers
Did you know that between 60-70% of sex workers and prostitutes were sexually abused as children? Most actually try to escape their work but fail at doing so for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, threats, violence, etc. In addition to this, Dr. Robert Brannon from the National Organization for Men Against Sexism reports that roughly 89% of prostitutes would like to escape their work immediately. So don't judge; you don't know her story.
Source: nomas.org
4. Feminists
Many people judge feminists as "man-haters" and as a threat to society. But this is, in fact, NOT what feminism stands for. Most feminists believe in the equality of the sexes for the good of society. So don't be so quick to judge a feminist!
5. Drug Addicts
Have you ever heard others look at drug addicts and say, "Why can't they just quit?" Unfortunately, many of them do try to "just quit" at some point during their addiction but don't have the tools or resources to remain drug-free. Blaming them and judging them for their problem won't make it go away.
6. The Homeless
Many people judge the homeless as being lazy for not getting a job and supporting themselves, however, much of the time this is not the case. Many of the homeless have psychological disabilities that make it harder for them to get and hold a steady job. In addition to this, I used to visit soup kitchens and found the several of the homeless there even held college degrees! So don't be so quick to judge the homeless; chances are you could never guess their stories.
7. Rape Victims
It pains me to even put this one on the list. But how many times have you heard, "She was asking for it the way she was dressed," "She shouldn't have put herself in that situation," or even, "She's lying about being raped." Victim-blaming in rape situations has almost become the norm in our society. You never truly know what happened in a situation, but no matter what poor situation a person may have been in, it NEVER gives another person the right to her body, and judging her for being raped is almost as denigrating as the act itself.
So many people are judged unfairly. Have you ever felt that you were judged unfairly? Or that if only people knew your whole story that they might see you in a different light?
Comments
Yukistarrcrossx: Why do teens even have babies in this generation? Not trying to be judgemental, but in most cases it's their personal choice, no accidents. I don't really know about teen moms but I'll just say that teens are growing up too fast. Who knows, maybe like 20-30 years later preteens having babies will be a normal thing. I'm just worried of the kids in this generation and how fast they want to grow. What happened to just having crushes or a boyfriend but NOT in a serious relationship or anything, just half-just friends and half-boyfriend, stuff like that. Light relationships at the most. :(
Mahamw: Loved this article! So on point! We should always think twice before judging anyone.
Jolee: Shouldn't judge harshly, but still... Stereotypes are there for a reason
eli: Agreed
aprettybipolargemini: for a new house immediately. With 5 of us we couldn’t all fit at my in-laws or my parents. So we basically had to split up. Everyone just assumed we got evicted, even though we explained what happened. We couldn’t find a new house until October!
K8_Sheard: Agree with all, but would like to add one; Tattooed women. I understand that not everyone likes tattoos. That's fine, as people are entitled to their opinion. However, those of us who do wish to wear tattoos are constantly judged, whether people think we're "easy," "trash," "have no class," or "criminals." It even goes the other way, with tattooed women being fetishised. I find it all truly bizarre that what I choose to do with my body impacts on so many people, when it really shouldn't.
ronny: Great article. Even I've judged others when I shouldn't have. I realised that we just need to let people be and that's it. When we start judging people, live becomes complicated. We don't know the reasons or the things people are going through.
aprettybipolargemini: The stress was making my mental health even worse & I was fighting to get disability benefits. Somehow some regulars at my husband’s work heard we were in need of a house & they had one up for sale, but offered to rent it to us & have recently offered
aprettybipolargemini: I’d like to also add to my previous comments about judging people with mental illnesses. If also been in situation #6 twice. Almost every single person I knew judged me & spread horrible rumors about me. Nobody thought to ask me what really happened.
Emily: We all judge. It's really hard not to
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