Before judging Korra Obidi, ask yourself: Would you say the same thing if it were someone else? The problem isn’t the outfit—it’s the double standard.

Before you judge someone, ask yourself whether you apply the same standards to everyone—or only to the people you dislike.

The reactions to Korra Obidi’s carnival outfit have once again shown how quickly people are willing to judge others based on appearance. Carnival is a cultural celebration where revealing costumes are a normal part of the event. You don’t have to like the outfit, but that doesn’t automatically define a person’s character.

Around the same period, Rihanna also attended a carnival celebration wearing a similar cultural carnival outfit. Rihanna is a married woman and a mother of three, and she attended the event with her partner in celebration of the culture. Many people praised her confidence and embraced the cultural significance of the event.

Yet, when Korra Obidi wore a carnival outfit for the same type of cultural celebration, many of the same people rushed to call her irresponsible, questioned her motherhood, and attacked her character.

Why should the standard be different?

If we are going to criticize, then the standard should be applied equally to everyone. And if we choose to respect cultural traditions, then that respect should not depend on who is wearing the outfit.

The truth is, many people who present themselves as “decent” or “modest” in public often engage in behaviours far worse than the people they criticise. Covering your body does not automatically make you morally superior, just as wearing revealing clothes does not make someone immoral.

Character is not measured by clothing. It is measured by honesty, integrity, kindness, respect, and how you treat other people.

It is perfectly acceptable to disagree with someone’s lifestyle or fashion choices. What is not acceptable is using those choices to insult, shame, or condemn their entire character without knowing them personally.

We should also remember that public figures are human beings. Constant online attacks, insults, and name-calling do not educate anyone—they only spread more hatred and division.

Let’s stop judging people by appearances alone. If we want to promote good values, let’s do it through fairness, consistency, and compassion rather than hypocrisy.

Before criticising someone else’s life, take a moment to examine your own. The world needs less condemnation and more understanding.

Can we disagree with someone’s choices without attacking their dignity? That’s a question worth asking ourselves.