Judging by Appearances
Although we know it’s wrong, many still judge books by their covers. People continue to form opinions based solely on appearances. Despite knowing better, first impressions often shape how we view others.
A Common Assumption
Luc Perreault understands this all too well. Weighing 280 pounds and dressed like a biker, he’s no stranger to being misjudged. One day, while grabbing coffee at Tim Horton’s, he encountered a woman and her young daughter. The little girl greeted him, but her mother quickly pulled her away.
Facebook/LucPerreault The Hurtful Encounter
Luc found the reaction odd at first. Moments later, it made sense when he overheard the mother say, “We don’t talk to dirty bikers.” Luc was stunned. Why would his appearance alone make him unworthy of a simple hello? Feeling hurt, he took to Facebook to share his side of the story.
Luc’s Viral Response
In his post, Luc wrote:
Yes, I’m a big 280 lb guy with motorcycles and tattoos. I’m a welder, loud, drink beer, swear, and look like I might eat your soul if you stare too long. But you don’t know me.
I’ve been happily married for 11 years. My kids call me ‘daddy.’ I’m a college graduate. My mom is proud of me, and my nieces and nephews love their ‘m’noncl Luc.’
When my daughter broke her arm, I cried more than she did. I read books, help people, thank veterans, and yes, I even cried during Armageddon .
So next time I smile at your little girl, and you grab her, saying, ‘No, we don’t talk to dirty bikers,’ remember this: I’d be the first person to run into your burning house to save her goldfish so she wouldn’t be sad!”
Spreading the Message
Luc’s post went viral after he shared it in 2013. It’s been shared over 4,000 times and covered by multiple news outlets. Seven years later, his message is still being passed around.
The Lesson
The moral is clear: don’t judge anyone until you’ve truly met them. Our mom always said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” and it couldn’t be more true.
Luc’s heartfelt message moved many to tears. If you agree that no one should be judged without being known, share this story and help spread kindness.
