Informant Info

Race/Ethnicity: White

Age: 21

Occupation: College Student

Residence: Connecticut, USA

Date of Performance: February 13, 2025

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): N/A

Relationship: Friend

Text: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Context: The informant recalls hearing this saying frequently from teachers and adults, especially in school. It was used to remind them not to make quick judgments about people or things based only on what they saw on the outside. It was often said when the informant was encouraged to get to know someone better or when there was a temptation to judge based on superficial traits.

Analysis: This saying encourages looking beyond appearances, promoting open-mindedness and fairness. It reflects values of individualism in Western culture, where people are often encouraged to be judged by their actions and character rather than superficial traits. It also touches on ideas of social justice, urging us to treat others equitably and fairly, regardless of initial impressions or stereotypes. In my eyes, the saying pushes against the fundamental attribution error, a human tendency to judge based on external factors, encouraging a deeper understanding of others.