Transcending Oneself
I had an interesting discussion with a friend recently about the justice system and whether it is truly just. We both disagreed, and I shared my thoughts on why that is: because the judge, jury, everyone involved is not impartial because of personal bias.
No matter who the person, as long as they are human there will be some amount of personal judgement before any fact are heard or evidence shown. It's an unfortunate byproduct of human nature and how our brains and bodies work. Scientists say that we create first impressions within the first eighteen seconds of meeting someone. Whether conscious or unconscious we've already made our mind up about them, of course only in broad strokes as it were, but we've still made a judgement based on factors that truly mean nothing. Appearance, smell, body language, all factors that are input within a matter of seconds and then fed back to us before the person even says a word.
So what about when personal prejudice comes into the mix? Wouldn't that also factor in on that first impression, but on a conscious level even? What if a judge, or members of the jury, are racist? How will that affect the outcome of the trial? In a perfect world it wouldn't. (Technically, in a perfect world those prejudices wouldn't exist in the first place.)
The problem stems from humanity's inability to look objectively at all sides of the argument and putting aside any preconceived notions that should have no bearing on the task at hand.
I may be using the example of a trial, but this would of course apply to many things. In relationships we only have words to get the point across, and if one person takes those words the wrong way than intended it could be disastrous. However, with things like interpersonal relationships it is certainly less important.
Specifically in positions of power, like a judge, specifically appointed jury, police, politician, there is a need to transcend oneself and look beyond the petty trivialities that we build our lives upon. When dealing with upholding the law, or holding another's livelihood in your hands there is a need to elevate yourself above your own personal stature.
Too bad that doesn't seem to be something you can learn so easily, if at all.
No matter who the person, as long as they are human there will be some amount of personal judgement before any fact are heard or evidence shown. It's an unfortunate byproduct of human nature and how our brains and bodies work. Scientists say that we create first impressions within the first eighteen seconds of meeting someone. Whether conscious or unconscious we've already made our mind up about them, of course only in broad strokes as it were, but we've still made a judgement based on factors that truly mean nothing. Appearance, smell, body language, all factors that are input within a matter of seconds and then fed back to us before the person even says a word.
So what about when personal prejudice comes into the mix? Wouldn't that also factor in on that first impression, but on a conscious level even? What if a judge, or members of the jury, are racist? How will that affect the outcome of the trial? In a perfect world it wouldn't. (Technically, in a perfect world those prejudices wouldn't exist in the first place.)
The problem stems from humanity's inability to look objectively at all sides of the argument and putting aside any preconceived notions that should have no bearing on the task at hand.
I may be using the example of a trial, but this would of course apply to many things. In relationships we only have words to get the point across, and if one person takes those words the wrong way than intended it could be disastrous. However, with things like interpersonal relationships it is certainly less important.
Specifically in positions of power, like a judge, specifically appointed jury, police, politician, there is a need to transcend oneself and look beyond the petty trivialities that we build our lives upon. When dealing with upholding the law, or holding another's livelihood in your hands there is a need to elevate yourself above your own personal stature.
Too bad that doesn't seem to be something you can learn so easily, if at all.
No comments have been added yet.
