judgement

Don't lie. As much as we all claim to be free from judgement, we have all criticized someone based on their outfit, grades, diction, etc.; it's human nature. So in all of our defenses, being judgemental is a necessary trait of being human, as we must be able to evaluate situations and make important decisions. However, just because it's natural for us all, does not mean it's morally right.

Nick, the protagonist in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald states that, "whenever you feel like criticizing any one... just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." (1). For all you know, that boy who wore that are too big for him has to wear his older brother's clothing because his mother could only work a total of 10 hours this week. The girl with the thick accent spends all her free time trying to improve her English. The kid who got a D on his history test had to work the entire weekend, instead of studying, in order to help support his family.

There are many people who surely aren't as well-off as you are. Even if all of your friends wear designer clothing, maintain good grades, etc., does not mean that it's acceptable to criticize others for not being the same. Those who aren't as privileged would most likely be capable of achieving your goals, but merely don't have the resources to do so. Everyone has his or her own story, and though it's automatic for us to assume it ourselves, we should refrain from doing so and let people live their lives.