Prejuicios

The song 'Prejuicios' by Árbol is a striking commentary on the nature of prejudice and judgment. Through the character of Osvaldo, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is universally despised and criticized. The song lists a litany of negative traits and behaviors attributed to Osvaldo, from being disrespectful and ignorant to being a drug addict and a liar. This relentless barrage of insults serves to highlight how society often rushes to judge and condemn individuals without truly knowing them.

Interestingly, the narrator admits to never having met Osvaldo, which underscores the irrationality and baselessness of such harsh judgments. This admission reveals the core message of the song: the ease with which people can form and spread negative opinions about others without any firsthand experience or evidence. The song challenges listeners to reflect on their own tendencies to judge others and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.

The final lines of the song bring a moment of introspection, questioning whether we might all possess some of the negative traits attributed to Osvaldo without realizing it. The plea to not speak ill of others, despite our differences, emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. By repeating Osvaldo's name, the song drives home the point that everyone, regardless of their flaws, deserves to be seen as a human being rather than a collection of negative stereotypes.