Appearances

Society puts so much god damn value on looks and that really annoys me. So many people are obsessed with, fixated on looking their best, and for what? Some say it's just because they enjoy looking good, that it's just for them, and I acknowledge that there's merit to that, but I would say that for many it's arguable as to whether or not that's really their motive. Some are upfront with it and say that they want to look good for others, obviously they rarely use those exact words, but that's the general sentiment. In either sense, it's all just a big distraction in my mind. I'm not one that typically cares about his appearance, but to say that's the case all the time would be a bold faced lie and that's why I know some people are being less than honest when they say they just want to look good for themselves. When I get dressed up, when I style my hair, when I put on a more presentable appearance, I'm always considering how it will be received. I'd like to say that I don't care what others think of me, but that's simply not true. The fact of the matter is that as a human being, it's my default to care about the opinion of my peers, and there's actually nothing inherently wrong with that. Wanting to please others is a fundamental instinct that we all have as social creatures, but there comes a point when that instinct becomes overpowering and problematic. When how you look becomes the end all and be all of the value that you place on yourself is when I would say the problem begins. In actuality, I wouldn't say that's a problem for all that many people, at least not consistently, but it can be an issue for everyone at some point which is why it's worth talking about. For example, I have a friend who I would say this concept is relevant to. Putting it plainly, she's beautiful, in fact exceptionally so. She has a soft face, a charming smile, striking eyes like a deep dark amber and hair that 18th century nobility and any woman today alike would envy. Unfortunately, from what I've gathered, she's very aware of all that. I say unfortunately because it seems to have played a role in shaping the notion that she has of herself being very likable. I can't say with absolute certainty, but I have some confidence in the assertion that many people just enjoy her company because of her appearance and she may be confusing that with a genuine desire for friendship. To be fair, even if that is true, it's not even entirely her fault. We live in a society that places so much value on women's appearances that it's no wonder some may mistakenly associate their looks with their value. When you're bombarded with a lie on a daily basis, when you're told something is true even though your instincts tell you it's not, with enough repetition, it's easy to see how one might begin to question their own gut. It's not even just with women that I believe the emphasis on appearance is too prominent. I'd say it's just as much, or even more problematic when it comes to material possessions. I see pictures all the time, whether I'm just walking throughout town, or browsing the internet, of people with all of these flashy possessions, but I don't take them too seriously because I know those images are just trying to push an idea, or more accurately, a product. The idea that possessions, and particularly possessions that signify wealth, will give us happiness is one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen in my life. It's disgusting because ultimately it's a lie and it's the most brazenly pushed lie I've ever seen. My view on valuable possession is actually based on chemistry. I know that sounds odd but it will make sense. Diamonds are considered to be spectacular right? For ages they've been associated with glamour, beauty, and affluence. They've been called "a woman's best friend" and are treated as the supreme gift that any man could give his significant other. Yet they have the same chemical composition as coal. Diamonds and coal are both simply compressed carbon, the only difference between the two substances is how close to the surface they were formed. Strangely, diamonds are revered, while coal is seen as unsightly but they're chemically one and the same. That all comes down to the value that we place on appearances. Diamonds and coal are what I always think about whenever I suspect there's an attempt to push something based on its appearance.