Friday 28 March 2008

Do we live in a world of superficiality?

Where beauty matters, if nothing else?

I have always been a strong believer in the importance of character. No amount of beauty, I feel, would bring a person far enough in life.

When I was young and nothing else mattered but my Enid Blyton books, I used to get pretty mad at mum for asking me to dress up when we're going out. For I don't see the point, and the easier and lazier way out is to just walk out in that comfy pair of shorts and faded tshirt I have on.

But mum always argues, there is nothing more important than to look presentable in public. People will look at you different, she says.

You might think it is shallow thinking, but you would have to admit, in this world that we're living in, like it or not, people do judge by the way we carry ourselves. The way we look.

But what pisses me off so much, is that this certain accepted 'beauty' that some people have brings them much further than their counterparts, which has 'less' in that sense, but much more, character wise.

What justifies a second chance for the 'prettier' one even though her character is disgustingly fake?

Sorry, I'm abit emofied after watching the latest episode of Malaysiandreamgirl.
HAHAHA yes. Hence reason 101 for procrastination.

6 comments:

xian said...

the answer to your question is : YES.
Unfortunately, first impression does matter. And people are attracted to beautiful things... like beautiful house, beautiful car, beautiful beach, beautiful people..

In the case of a person, its not just how you look though.. its also how you carry yourself and how you talk.. in fact, aside from an seemingly impressive resume, how you carry yourself and express yourself and of course how you happen to look.. can help convince someone to hire you.. or maybe even give you a scholarship :P

unfortunately, that's how the world works.

h.3.l.3.n said...

Looks giv u an added advantages.. imagine if every1 looks the same, hw r u gona judge 1 from another?

but once things have gone pass the surface, character stands out..

in short, beauty give u a headstart, but character takes u to the end..

meli said...

peilian, i love your post. hehe, sad to say we do live in a world of superficiality. everything (well, almost) seems to be based on nth but appearance. i support you 100% though, beauty fades but character blooms!! (rmb what happened to me in jan-feb) hehe.
Just to share my favourite verse from 1 Peter 3:3-4:

3Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] [a] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;

4But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

And, peilian, you have this beautiful spirit! =)

Windchaser said...

haih..another emotional post. i cannot believe that you would make a fuss about dressing up. totally different from what you are now. come to think of it, the only way of judging someone at first impression is through their looks, way they dress, anything on the exterior only. it takes more effort to get to know the person on the inside. maybe that's why some don't try.

huiyen said...

i know you are still pissed with that cindy girl staying in the competition..
i am too and the other girls as well..but nothing can change the fact that she is hot (guys cant distinguish between hot and bitchy u know-theyre just not programmed that way). and yes, appearance do matter, you do not have to be a bombshell to secure a job or to be noticed. if being a bombshell is all u can offer, eventually u will be shunned.it has to be a balance between being presentable and having an admirable character..
dun worry, the girl u loathe so much will eventually be voted off..:P

Dan said...

today i was on the train, covered with splotches of mud from plodding around the surrey countryside and shooting training. i was dead tired and people left me alone. it was the best feeling ever. yes, looks are useful.