Should we judge people based on the people with whom they associate?

[Joseph41]

So,

I was watching Q&A the other night. Christine Forster was on the panel. For those who don't know, Forster is the sister of ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

I've never had much interest in nor knowledge of Forster; I haven't needed to. But when she was on the panel last night, my prejudices toward Abbott pretty much immediately had an impact on my perception of her.

It's weird, because one of the things I dislike about Abbott most by no means applies to Forster; the latter is a strong advocate for same sex marriage.

It seems logical to me that in this case, my dislike of Abbott should have no impact whatsoever on my view of Forster; they're related, but that surely means diddly squat.

It made me wonder, though, how much weight we should place on the people with whom others associate. For example, consider you're hiring for a job. There's an absolutely amazing candidate - they fit the bill in every way. But you know that they associate with some sinister characters. It's never had an impact on the applicant's personality or performance; should we still take that into account?

There's one person in my mind who I really don't like, for whatever reason. But I've come to realise that I also don't seem to like those with whom they associate - for no other reason than their association with this person. That seems unfair, but also sort of natural?

Anyway - what are your thoughts?

[Calebark]

I think it's fair to an extent. I'm not going to judge someone for associating for a person I just don't click with, as I don't expect everybody to have the same taste in friends as I do. However, I think in certain circumstances, judgement is necessary.

If somebody is best mates with a person I know to be horrible, or a person involved in things I cannot condone (organised crime being one example), then I think it's fair to question the character of the first person. I mean, what would make them be so close to somebody I consider to be a horrible person?

Likewise, if I meet a friend of my best mate, I'm going to automatically assume they're pretty cool, because I trust my mate's judgement.

I do judge people on whom they associate with, but only in extreme cases. I try to avoid it.

Edit: Need to add that I never judge people if they come from a disreputable family. That's not their choice, unlike their friends.