There is common belief that we can judge people adequately based on the first impression of them. I disagree and believe others aspects are also involved.
On the one hand, people act differently in different circumstances. Therefore, the first impression lacks crucial information. For example, in job interviews, most of the interviewers are serious and mostly focused in order to obtain the information required. Consequently, what we gather from their behavior might significantly differ from the way they interact with others. Because the situation necessitates certain attitude toward us. Hence, as long as our judgment is originated from the first impression, we have to consider it as a false one.
On the other hand, first impressions tend to be shallow observation of what we see only on the physical side. Therefore, our judgment might be biased. Consequently, aspects such as race, ethnicity, and nationality might affect our perception of others. Moreover, body language varies from one culture to another. Thus, we might perceive a gesture as offensive in our own culture. Though it might be defined completely positive in other nations. Furthermore, even phycologists who their job is to be professional in knowing a person’s personality, cannot fully gain valuable insight until they go through several sessions with individuals.
To conclude, we should not be hasty in our judgment toward people. Circumstances, national identity, costume, and traditions contribute to how a person might behave. Therefore, if we are willing to know someone, we should consider that it is a prolonged process.