In previous posts, I have written about religious garments and laws in the modern world. People are free to dress how they want and to live by whatever moral code they see fit. Our country protects that... it is what makes our country truly different.
What I don't understand is how people expect to somehow walk down the street in religious garments without other people judging them by appearance. As humans, we cannot avoid making judgements about other people based on their togs. If I see a woman walking along the street in a burqa, I immediately identify her with a very strict religious sect that treats women as cattle. I don't have the right to tell her to do differently, since it is really none of my business, but I am allowed to respond in my mind, and I am certainly allowed to have thoughts.
It is the same if I see someone wearing a Mets hat. I quickly assume that this person is a Mets fan. Why else would he wear the hat? I can then say that he probably watches baseball games. Other than that, I know very little about him, but I still can venture a guess about the best way to strike up a conversation.
People don't seem to realize that, while it is really the individual that matters, without getting to really know someone, it is impossible not to judge based on clothing and that which is exterior. I have absolutely no right to judge who people are internally, but once they make public their beliefs through their garments, or through the way they carry themselves, it is fair game.
What I don't understand is how people expect to somehow walk down the street in religious garments without other people judging them by appearance. As humans, we cannot avoid making judgements about other people based on their togs. If I see a woman walking along the street in a burqa, I immediately identify her with a very strict religious sect that treats women as cattle. I don't have the right to tell her to do differently, since it is really none of my business, but I am allowed to respond in my mind, and I am certainly allowed to have thoughts.
It is the same if I see someone wearing a Mets hat. I quickly assume that this person is a Mets fan. Why else would he wear the hat? I can then say that he probably watches baseball games. Other than that, I know very little about him, but I still can venture a guess about the best way to strike up a conversation.
People don't seem to realize that, while it is really the individual that matters, without getting to really know someone, it is impossible not to judge based on clothing and that which is exterior. I have absolutely no right to judge who people are internally, but once they make public their beliefs through their garments, or through the way they carry themselves, it is fair game.
Yeah, alright... I'm sorry, but so what?
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