Judgment

Anonymous Judgment, while arguably a constant reality in human history, is not a static concept. In many of the texts we are reading, the idea of a coming judgment is a promise, rather than a threat. It is a thought that offers comfort and hope to people who wish for justice, but can see none. At some point along the line, judgment morphed into something scary. Maybe it was our opinion of ourselves that changed. If you are one of the "righteous," then judgment of your enemies is vindicating. But if you are worried about being among the "wicked," or at least the "less-than-righteous," then judgment might seem very scary indeed.
As humans, "judgments" are part and parcel of how we understand and operate in the world. They can be helpful, and they can also be harmful. Who are we to sit in judgment over each other? And yet we do, and, in a certain sense, we have to. The word "judgment," usually conjures up only negative connotations, unless paired with the word "good" and referring to drinking or something. In that case, it comes with "party-pooper" connotations. Either way, it seems as though, rather than embracing the idea that all will be judged for their actions, we shy away from it. We "analyze," but try not to judge. And not without any good reason. The problem isn't really judgment, but that we are unfit judges.
More than once on this trip I have been accused (perhaps rightly, ok... rightly) of having a "judgy" look. This is a look, frequently captured in photos, in which my face sends the message that I am "judging" someone, usually negatively. Now, to be fair, I cannot say that I am never "judgmental," but, as I said, judgment has many faces. I would like to take this opportunity to point out two things about my "judgy" look, before I am unjustly judged as an excessively judgmental person. First, sometimes I'm just listening. Yes, that listening may or may not  entail judgment, but that is beside the point. The point is, I am paying attention to you! ... naturally, that will eventually result in some sort of judgment (or at least analysis), but the real point is, that I am taking the time to make it.
Ok, point two: I will freely admit that I am an unfit judge. That doesn't mean I can stop making judgments. I have to evaluate the world in its diversity somehow. But humility goes a long way towards taking away the negative effects associated with judgment, and it's something I'm working on (obviously, I could stand to work a little harder, at least on my facial expressions). I can think of many times I have been wrong about situations or people in both small and large ways. I admit it.
So, next time Ted takes a sniper photo, and I look "judgy," don't be offended! And I will try not to be either. It's a learning opportunity. The subject of said look can learn that they are not invisible. That people listen and evaluate their actions... which could be scary, but ought to be refreshing too. And I can learn that my judgment doesn't always come across as humble, because maybe it isn't always,  though it ought to be, because I, more than anyone else, know how wrong I can be.

Of course, the look might also mean I don't really know why you are taking my picture...