Recall the age-old adage, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes.” Often, people voice their viewpoints as if they are facts, inadvertently failing to recognize that they are, in fact, passing judgment. They do so based on their own personal experiences or the experiences of others, without pausing to empathize with a different perspective. I don’t wish to be critical, but I do want to pose a few questions.
Could it be that people overlook the possibility that others have lived different lives? Or are they merely echoing what they’ve been taught? It could also be a lack of understanding regarding how sensitive certain topics might be for others. I sincerely hope it’s not a lack of empathy. I would prefer to believe that most people make these remarks out of sheer ignorance rather than a callous disregard for the potential harm their opinions may cause. I acknowledge that we all say things we later regret, and that we’re all guilty of speaking without thinking. Furthermore, we all engage in discussions about subjects we know little about, often mistaking common sayings for factual truths.
Let me always remember to weigh my words carefully. Let me acknowledge that my life experiences diverge from those of others. Let me remind myself that not everyone needs to hear my perspective. Above all, let me never pass judgment until I’ve “walked a mile in their shoes.”