Judgment: the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion
Let me just say now, judgment isn't always a "bad" thing. Our society has come to develop this word into a negative connotation. But as the definition above explains, judgement is also a formulated opinion about someone.
As many Latinos know, our families can be the biggest judges to anything and everything we do. Especially when it comes to relationships-friendly and/or romantic.
Friendships we develop through grade school and on will always be judged in one way or form. By the way they dress, the way they talk, their families and most importantly their actions.
Growing up Latina I was always told to be careful who you bring around. Family talks, the chisme starts, and stories formulate even before they know the whole story. Not necessarily meant in a bad way, but meant to be a warning for the person I'm bringing around to know my family will make you uncomfortable. They want to know how well you will fit into the dynamics of the family. Will you fit in, or will you be scared away?
As bad as it sounds this is for more romantically based relationships than anything. If you're a friend, they welcome you with open arms. Not to say that if you're romantically involved they don't do the same, but they make things just a little bit more, warranted if you may say.
Why am I bringing up this topic? My mother has taught me to be open minded. To see the world not as it is but what it could be. To see people's actions with reason; to ask myself-why is it they act this way? I have always been intrigued with human nature, the way we think, how nature vs. nurture works in our development, and the way the human brain works. Which lead me to love the human psyche. But that's another topic entirely.
As humans, we are natural to judge those that are different from our beliefs, views on life, the way they dress, and etc.
I think growing up as Millennial, and with the development of social change and acceptance, we as a society are promoting less judgment. They are telling us to embrace our differences and our uniqueness.
For example, letting overweight or "plus size" models, such as Ashley Graham, be okay to flaunt and strut their stuff without having to feel ridiculed for their cellulite and tummy rolls. Thus becoming role models for younger woman now and for the next generation.
Still this does not mean that there aren't people judging them. There will always be those who will judge you for everything that you do. Thus, judgement is inevitable. What we can do, as I myself have been trying to do, is judge less. Stop with the snide comments, stop with the "what the f*ck is that?" and just sit back and observe without judgment.
Again, being Latino, the chisme is heavy with our generations. But, all it takes is that one person to call it out and say-why do you have to be so judgmental? Granted some may take offense but then it may lead into conversation of how much we/they actually judge.
“Those who judge will never understand, those who understand will never judge.”