chapter 3/4 question 1

I don't think its possible to perceive others without judging or categorizing them. From my perspective that goes against the basic nature of man. Whenever I meet someone for the first time, I notice diction and physical characteristics. Those things help me make sense of who they might be. For example, if the person is clearly homeless, I might be a bit more guarded in what I talk about and even if the conversation went well, I wouldn't ask to meet up for coffee the following week. I think that evaluating and categorizing helps provide some context as to the type of person they might be. I think it important to realize one's biases before creating fully formed feelings one way or another about someone. And I also think a little compassion and understanding helps as well. For example, if I come across someone who doesn't speak English well it's helpful to give them the benefit of the doubt that they would like to have a better command of the English language, sense it is the official language of this country, but there may be a good reason they do not speak as well as I think they should. But more importantly, that does not make them less than as a person nor does it make them less intelligent. I've traveled a lot and no one enjoys having a poor command of the dominant language.