The Dangers of a Judgmental Society

I recently had a discussion with one of my friends about the way society works. We both came to the conclusion that society gives only a limited range which is considered normal. Any person who is outside this defined range is condemned by the others who consider themselves normal. The question I pose is: Why don't we accept everyone for who they are?

Here in the United States, a good portion of the population considers themselves practicing Christians. One of the main ideas found in the bible is to love your neighbor as yourself. This is an idea that Jesus himself endorsed. Why, then, in a society composed mostly of the religious, is there so much hatred and open condemnation? This should not be like this! Among the most perverse examples are the sign-carrying members of the Westboro Baptist Church. Through these people, homophobia and hatred are spread like wildfire. Toting signs that include statements such as "Thank God For Dead Soldiers," and "God Hates Fags," these people spread a message of hate contradictory to the bible they supposedly follow. When I was young, I was taught the idea that "'God' is love." To me, this seems more like sadism than love. 

Although I feel religion is a major cause of this society being judgmental, it is not the only source of condemnation. In the end, the will to judge spawns from the way people are brought up in society. If people live in a closed society, they tend to question anything that is "different." This small-town mentality can lead to some harsh criticisms. I personally feel it is a fear of progress that keeps diversity out of these closed societies. 

I can remember sitting in a coffee shop one morning, reading Goethe's Die Leiden des Jungen Werther (The Sorrows of Young Werther), when I overheard an older man talking about the decline of our nation. I listened in to his conversation, and I was appalled at what I heard. He stated that the only reason our nation is suffering is because "Obama is bringin' all his brothers from Africa over here to steal our jobs. He's letting the Mexicans cross the border, to take the jobs us hardworking Americans have. We need to ship them back to the desert!" At this point I left. I could not stand being around someone so ignorant. It seems this man has forgotten that his ancestors (unless they are Native Americans) were immigrants as well. He seems to have forgotten that his ancestors took land from the Native Americans, and forced them to leave their culture behind.

These are some of the best examples I can think of to depict our judgmental society. This is only a picture of what happens when we do not use reason to promote diversity. We must learn to accept one another for who they are, no matter what race, sex, religion (or lack thereof)or sexual orientation (if I have missed any, I beg forgiveness) these people are. The lesson here, before you condemn someone, get to know them first!