THE tendency for humans to make snap judgements about others has been the subject of extensive psychological study.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Researchers have spent countless hours cataloguing the cues that lead us to draw conclusions based only on surface traits.
You can be certain, however, they have spent far, far longer investigating just how accurate these assessments actually are.
A walk through Bendigo’s Hargreaves Mall is the perfect playground for someone wishing to conduct such an experiment.
But, based on the experiences of Bendigo Police sergeant Matt Hunt and his colleagues, the results might surprise you.
If you see a youth in the mall during school hours, it is easy to assume they are wagging school and up to no good.
This hunch can then be either strengthened or weakened, depending on each individual’s own prejudices.
The length of that person’s hair, the clothes they are dressed in, the tone of their voice, the presence of tattoos or piercings – even, most sadly of all – the colour of their skin can influence our perceptions.
But what if we actually stopped to talk to that person to find out why they are in mall at that particular hour on that particular day?
Would your snap judgement be changed if you learnt that person had a mental health issue, or was escaping a volatile home life, or was regularly bullied at school?
Digging deeper into these people’s lives is precisely what Sergeant Hunt and his fellow officers have been doing over the past six weeks.
They have taken the time to engage with some of the youths who congregate in the mall to find out the circumstances that have led them there. This proactive policing program, which will be extended beyond the mall to other parts of Bendigo, has already reaped benefits.
One 18-year-old, who was a frequent mall-dweller and known troublemaker among shopkeepers, was referred to a mental health service for treatment. As a result, he is now employed and has not been seen since lurking around the mall.
This example of a success story provides a lesson to us all – including the local constabulary – that first impressions can be misleading.
Instead of making snap judgements, keep an open mind and remember: “There but for the grace of God go I.”
- Ross Tyson, deputy editor