Originally Posted by
downtube42
I've noticed that people who actually interact with people in need are much less judgemental than people who do not. I don't know which is cause and which is effect. My personal experiences, whether I knew the cause of distress or not, lead me to think that compassion comes from getting close enough to recognize someone's humanity.
I believe you are correct. I've been volunteering at a program called Manna, a program that provides dinners to anyone 3 times a week for the last couple of years. I only wash dishes there a couple of times a month, but I get as much or more out it as the people we serve.
Their number one rule is:
do not to be judgemental! It is hard sometimes, even though we are constantly reminded. But, treating all people with respect works really well.