Should High Schoolers Be Taught to Judge People by Their Appearance?

The question of whether high schoolers should be taught to judge people based on their appearance is a complex one with multifaceted implications. On one hand, understanding and recognizing physical cues can provide a certain level of initial insight into a person's character or mood. On the other hand, allowing such assessments to serve as a primary metric for judgment can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and ignore deeper, more substantial qualities.

Using Appearance as a Tool for Initial Assessment

It's important to acknowledge that people often judge others based on appearance, a fact that is unfortunately often true. For instance, posture, grooming, and clothing can serve as means of non-verbal communication and may tell us something about a person's confidence and status. In the case of adults, these factors can be telling and can provide a limited but useful starting point for understanding a person.

The Risks of Appearance-Based Judgments

While using appearance as an initial tool can be understandable, placing too much weight on these factors can lead to erroneous and harmful conclusions. For instance, the belief that people behave how they look is a dangerous oversimplification. It ignores the complexity of human behavior and psychological factors, and it can lead to unfair and biased judgments. This can set people up for failure and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Education on Judging and Appearance

A more effective approach would be to educate high schoolers on the importance of not judging people based solely on their appearance. This education can foster a more empathetic and understanding society. Instead, it's crucial to focus on developing critical thinking skills and emphasizing the recognition and valuing of inner qualities, such as character, empathy, and integrity.

The Role of Law Enforcement

It might be beneficial for law enforcement to explain how they use appearance to identify behaviors, such as drug use, homelessness, or signs of mental health issues. However, this should not be used to encourage students to judge others based on appearances. Instead, it should be used to highlight the importance of understanding and empathy in interpreting such cues.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is understandable to use appearance as a starting point for initial assessments, it is crucial to emphasize the dangers of allowing appearance to serve as a primary basis for judgment. The focus should be on teaching high schoolers to recognize and appreciate the complexities of human behavior and to value inner qualities over superficial ones. By doing so, we can cultivate a more inclusive and understanding society.