Imitatios

Natassja Haynes
Due October 2, 2014
Imitatios

Judgment is for the repulsive

What is attractive to a community is commitment, to an individual independence, to a mind it's own meaning, to an endeavor effectiveness, to an audience acceptance. Women and men and boys and girls and the community should take responsibility where due—the antithesis of is repulsive.

It is the responsibility of an individual to not only accept those in our community but to embrace them. I say this when those who criticize others are within their full rights, in fact judgment is such a common occurrence that we often do not take notice. It is my duty to introduce to you a girl who has been often judged and expose you to her truths as well as society's.

Juliana is a person that hardly anybody knows. Yet everyone knows her story as her story reflects us all. Juliana has a family. She is a child like we have all once been. She attends school. She has a favorite stuffed animal. The factor that separates Juliana is that she has Down Syndrome.

Juliana's differences were made apparent since birth. A fact that has remained relevant to her for her life. She has educated many, and brought together people of all different backgrounds. Although these backgrounds were different, we came together because of our love for her and our willingness to accept.

The amount of times that the judgment of her character has come into account are countless. Whether overtly or secretly whispered.

For it is divine intervention that I met Juliana and I saw her struggles and was given a voice to speak them. Whether it is a life guard at a pool telling her that she cannot swim or en education system that constantly doubts her or the children that point and whisper to their mothers as their mothers shoo them away—the judgment and criticism is prominently there.

It is not Juliana's fault that she is judged. It's ours.

If it is our judgment that is Juliana's enemy; why can't we stop? Judgment is a powerful drug— one in which a person can administer and hide behind with ease. This judgment has been considered a helpful tool, it even makes people feel safer.

When making this argument I realize that it is important to acknowledge that I fully understand the other side of the issue. Who would I be if I had never judged anyone before? I will fully admit to using my judgment towards someone when I am feeling uncomfortable or unfamiliar. I still don't deny judgment being like a drug though. Something to hide behind, instead of abolishing and facing full on.

I have then by means of speech shown you the life of a little girl; I have observed and set up metaphor at the beginning of the speech and I have tried to end her injustice at the price of judgment. I wished to write a speech that would make Juliana and myself proud. Thank you.