Casting Stones (Anonymously) from Glass Houses: The Temptation and Tragedy of Quick Judgement29/7/2023 The anonymous auditor and the allure of the internet In a world swarming with anonymous voices, casting stones from the safety of the Internet's glass houses has become an unsettling pastime. It is easy to pass judgement when one is hidden behind a veil of anonymity. One need not fear the repercussions of their words when they sign their statements, not with their own name, but with an untraceable pseudonym. Hypothetically speaking, the only reason trolls feel emboldened to pass judgement on people they know nothing about is due to the protective shield of anonymity. The act of pointing fingers becomes more palatable when the hand that points is invisible. The rush to judgement and the disdain for facts In the rat race of society and social media, the rush to judgement, despite glaring holes in understanding, has become a worrying trend. The facts of a situation are often ignored, sacrificed on the altar of personal bias, just to feed the false sense of superiority. While the ideal scenario would be to reserve all judgement for a supreme being, we reside in a world where actions echo, resounding consequences. Institutions of judgement: The necessity and the shortcoming This is where the crux of judgement takes a tangible form: our institutions. Modern liberal democracies, in their quest for justice, have placed checks and balances in the form of judicial systems. These systems, while flawed, are our best shot at delivering judgement, at separating the innocent from the guilty. Sometimes, they triumph in their task; sometimes, they falter. But society relies on this human-led judgement. Actions, consequences and societal norms On the flip side, while individuals and groups may find solace in their justification of actions, straying from societal norms to achieve objectives will inevitably lead to judgement and consequential repercussions. A society owes its fabric of unity to shared principles, any deviation from which is subject to scrutiny. Judgement: A matter of caution and consideration As we navigate the intricacies of judgement, a universal truth emerges: when casting judgement, own up to it, sign it with your name. If mistaken, acknowledge and atone. Be armed with all the facts, not just the convenient narratives. As I echo my father's wisdom, no matter your perceived stature, someone will always stand taller. Thus, before voicing judgement, be certain you're acquainted with the complete picture. A fragment of knowledge can, indeed, be perilous. Conclusion: Judgement as a personal entity To encapsulate, judgement, at its most basic, is personal. Declaring it publicly, more often than not, is a bid for attention, a narcissistic desire to feel superior. Casting judgement without delving into the uncomfortable truths is a mark of both narcissism and folly, a tragic combination. However, it doesn't have to be this way. The power to change lies within each of us. As a divergence from the norm, I have decided to add this video, which I think would help those who are quick to judgement to reflect on why they do so. Not an endorsement but I do happen to really think this Friar has his head screwed on. P.S: A final note on accountability
Lastly, it is vital to understand that actions come with consequences. There's a simple but powerful dictum that cuts across cultures and philosophies: If you commit the crime, you should do the time. It is a principle that underscores the importance of personal responsibility and upholds the integrity of society. It's the ultimate manifestation of a fair judgement in action. In practical terms, I implore people to have faith in the judiciary, because in the world we live in, they are the last line of defence against injustice. So, when we look inward and examine our actions, we must be prepared to face the judgement of those actions, irrespective of the outcome.
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AuthorEmmett Corcoran Archives
February 2025
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