How often do we encounter a person, judge them prematurely, take the time to get to know then, and ultimately decide they are a good person? Society thrives on snap judgments, and first impressions matter, but not as much as the lasting impression and character a person holds deep within their soul. The initial judgment we place on individuals should not be the determining factor of whether or not they are a good person, nor should it be the absolute moniker they are known as. Misrepresentations happen on a daily basis. I am not sure if I have turned a blind eye to them all these years, or if the misrepresentations are more prevalent these days. No matter what the reason is for my awareness of these incidents, there is no reason you and I should fall into the trap society has set for us to distinguish between those who are different from us and seem a little off from the mold we are expected to fit in to be considered normal. This exchange Atticus has with Scout is powerful. And not powerful just in the context of the story, but powerful for everyday life. Scout’s innocent observation should be taken with a deep appreciation for her ability to see beyond the labels and accusations and understanding that it is okay to recognize someone for being nice without other pretenses. Atticus’s response matches in simple concepts, and it challenges us to break down barriers and evaluate situations for ourselves. We do not need to take society’s word or accept the preconceived notions we are often lead to believe. To Kill A Mockingbird pushes the limits with colliding worlds and classes of people. Integrated ideas and unlikely pairings provide the framework for how we should embrace humanity with acceptance and understanding. So, the next time you encounter someone who, on the surface, seems different from yourself, I challenge you to look at life through their eyes. We need to break the habit of judging only by looking, but not seeing. Stay Curious, Kayla ©Inquisitive Perspectives 2017
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