Quote:

But mankind as a whole isn't going to be able to start learning how to break down these stereotypical barriers we always keep between ourselves until the people at the top of the chain first learn to acknowledge the fact that they too have 'problems' of their own. And, unfortunately, that won't happen until the people at the bottom stop giving them a reason to maintain their outer appearances the way they always have. Because as long as we keep treating them differently because they put on a show for us - then this movie will never end. And as long as 'the show must go on' - then all the problems that come with it will continue.

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Muppet said:

We live in a world where you are inherently judged by your outward appearance - where the facade you present to the world will, undoubtedly, determine how you are treated by those you encounter.

• employers (often times) will overlook potential applicants if their first initial impression is unsatisfactory
  
• meeting someone for the first time (generally) results inaccurate judgments based off of stereotypes
  
• and relationships come with a whole range of problems that arise from these types of issues
  

We live in a world where everything revolves around outer appearance...period.



But not everyone that's a part of our world plays these stupid little games.

There's an entire sub-culture of people out there who don't even bother with this kind of crap...and as much as I hate to admit it - it's usually because these are the very same people that are at the bottom of the proverbial food chain themselves. These are people who know they have 'problems' themselves, and don't go out of their way to cast judgment on others because of it. They are the ragging alcoholics / the obsessive drug addicts / the homeless bum types that are rejected from society anyway. They are the scourge of the earth...and they know it.

But because they are rejected by so many - they reject so few themselves.

You'll always know these people when you see them, because more often then not - their 'problems' are outwardly apparent. (whether it be by a meth addict's sunken in cheeks, or a homeless person's shabby attire) But even if it's not something quite so obvious as that - you'll still recognize them by their attitudes, and the way they respond to new people and new situations. Because when you meet somebody like this for the first time - they're not going to look down upon you for your own outward appearance the same way that other classes of individuals often times might. They're gonna treat you as an equal...and they're going to overlook whatever it is about yourself that makes you stand out.

And the *beautiful* thing about having this kind of mentality is that we also live in a world where many many people are exceptions to their stereotypes. Some of the greatest minds I've ever met came across (initially) as being exactly the sort of person that would be the least likely to be that sort of individual. And in the inverse - some of the most sophisticated people I have ever known, have also been the most close minded. (just as 'godly' images aren't always 'good' / and 'bad boys' aren't always so tough)

And it's not that people at the bottom of the chain don't jump to stereotypes themselves...only that they're much more willing to give someone a chance (and see what sort of person they are at the core) then those of us who have never *had to* condescend to others. Cause I have an entire family like that - people who go to ungodly extremes to project a certain image to the world - and I guarantee you that these are the people who are quick to cover up their own 'problems' because their image is really the only thing that they have going for them. While it's the people that don't have those sort of images in the first place who are more open about their own inner demons, and more willing to face whatever problems they *do* actually have.

And it's their acceptance of those 'problems' that makes it easier to accept others for theirs.

But mankind as a whole isn't going to be able to start learning how to break down these stereotypical barriers we always keep between ourselves until the people at the top of the chain first learn to acknowledge the fact that they too have 'problems' of their own. And, unfortunately, that won't happen until the people at the bottom stop giving them a reason to maintain their outer appearances the way they always have. Because as long as we keep treating them differently because they put on a show for us - then this movie will never end. And as long as 'the show must go on' - then all the problems that come with it will continue.



And it all starts with how YOU react to your own initial first impressions. 

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