This Is What Judgement Looks Like — and Why Stories Matter
- Angie Sandow
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
What Judgement Looks Like When It’s Based on Appearance
On March 9, 2021, The Globe and Mail published a story by Mark Richardson about how I ride a motorcycle with one hand.
One reader left a comment that stuck with me. Not because it was cruel — it wasn’t. Not because it was meant to discourage — I don’t believe it was. It was an honest opinion, and I don’t think the individual had any malicious intent. However, it did illustrate what judgment looks like.
And that’s exactly why it matters.
The comment questioned whether I could safely stop a motorcycle. Whether I could be insured. Whether anyone had really thought this through.
All fair concerns — if you don’t know the full story.
What the commenter couldn’t see was the preparation behind the scenes:
Professional training through Learning Curves
Careful evaluation and assessment
Clear confirmation through the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
Proper licensing and insurance
The truth is, the comment wasn’t really about motorcycles at all. It was about how quickly we judge when something looks unfamiliar.
Truth be told, this wasn’t the first time my riding a motorcycle was scrutinized. I was once asked, “How would you stop in an emergency situation?” and “What would you do if a dog crossed your path?” How would any rider?
Anyone can take a riding course, and over time, experience develops. I’ve learned that in an emergency, your instincts kick in — at least mine did and still do. The first goal is always to avoid danger, but when a vehicle runs a stop sign or a red light, you must stop quickly.
And I have.
How do I do it? Like any other rider would — just with one hand.
Judgment.
When we don’t have all the information, our brains fill in the gaps for us. Sometimes with caution. Sometimes with assumptions. Often without realizing it.
I’ve also come to realize that when someone doesn’t understand how I can accomplish a task — in this case, riding a motorcycle — they naturally look for what they believe might be an easier or safer option for me.
Maybe wear a prosthetic.
Maybe mount something on the right handlebar.
Maybe ride a Spyder or a trike (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Maybe not ride a motorcycle at all.
And honestly? I don’t take offense.
These suggestions are almost always shared out of kindness and concern for my well-being, and I appreciate that. But they also reinforce why telling our stories matters.
Because -
appearance rarely tells the whole story.
capability doesn’t always look the way we expect, and
determination often shows up quietly — until someone takes the time to look closer.
I’ve learned that judgment isn’t always a negative thing. Sometimes it’s simply incomplete and becomes motivation.
Have You Ever Been Judged Based on Appearance Alone?
Tell me about it — and how you handled it. We all have a story to tell, and yours may inspire and motivate someone else.
Want to See One-Handed Determination in Action?
If you’re attending the https://motorcyclesupershow.ca/ Friday January 9 - Sunday, January 11, come by and say hello. I’d love to meet you, share a laugh, and show you what determination looks like — one hand, one bike, and a whole lot of life experience.
📍 Booth #2282, (listed as JUSTRIDIN) located beside the Southern Cruisers Riding Club, where I’m a proud member and 2nd Officer (Chapter 680 – Oakville). See boxes highlighted in red below.
If you can’t make it, I’d still love to stay connected. Follow me for stories, humour, perspective, and proof that labels belong on wine bottles — not people.
Because the more stories we share, the fewer assumptions we make.
Born different, built strong — see you on the next turn.
ang
About the Author
Angie Sandow is an Inspirational Humourist, Comedian, Author, and Speaker who proves that age and difference don’t limit us—they give us better material.
Born with a limb difference and a breast cancer survivor, Angie rides a motorcycle with one hand, plays guitar with a prosthetic, and turns life’s curveballs into laugh-out-loud stories that inspire audiences to live boldly, try new things, and never let labels define them—at any age.
👉 Learn more or book Angie to speak at your next event: BOOKING
#Judgement #BreakingAssumptions #Resilience #Determination #BikerGirl #MotoGirl #Motorcycle #LimbDifferenceAwareness
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