30 March 2014

Superficial

We spoke about perception in many of our published articles, for various reasons pertaining to the topic of the article. Most of who are gifted with the ability to see would probably agree that visual perception is by far the most important and for good reasons too. Our sight helps us observe our environment, perceive colours and shapes. Furthermore, sight allows us to pass initial judgement about people. Whether you would like to admit it or not, it is true.

Place yourself at a social gathering, you intend to meet some new people, assuming that no one you know is around. Who would you approach? The person who is dressed in dark clothes and does not look too presentable, or the person who is dressed in a more colourful manner and seems to know exactly the type of look that would suit them. This answer would vary from person to person, but statistically, a greater number of people would approach the relatively more 'good looking' person. Human nature causes people to think that those who look good are more confident and trustworthy.

So in a way, keeping up appearances is important whether you care about it or not. Your future job might just depend on it. Moreover, if someone looks good their confidence would increase knowing that people appreciate the effort that they put in. There are methods to positively enhance how someone looks, from self grooming to make-up and even augmentation.  However, if we think about it, could enhancement be a method to just cover up insecurities? (I do not wish to offend anyone by saying this).
If it was not made obvious enough by the world around you, how you dress and carry yourself reflects your personality and sometimes amplifies it. Except those who use their physical appearance to mask their actual character, even though they are uncomfortable with it. Then it makes you wonder, why is it that people are so insecure why are people so fake? Yet again, whether you like it or not, to many people make-up, clothes and behaviour is just a cover. One should not blame them nor should they blame anybody else for it. They are afraid of that which society or their culture would think of them.

In a way we are all afraid aren't we? The way you behave and present yourself in any way, will lead to comments and judgements from others, others who may have their own insecurities and problems. That is just how they are. Our perception of being beautiful has led to so many problems among males and females alike, just like many other things, beauty is also very very subjective and this makes people uncomfortable to be themselves around others. Though, this may not always be the case, there are also those who are a little more flashy by nature, and this makes people either love them or hate them. Social networking provides an outlet to flaunt. This gathers attention, if that person is lucky enough, positive attention, otherwise more hate and definitely some type of jealousy. To some people, this may make them feel worse about themselves and they would start to wonder as to why they are not appreciated as much.
Here's the clichéd part, we are all different, you don't have to change your appearances to seem acceptable, someone or the other will accept you but firstly, you have to learn to accept who you are and prepare yourself to show that character to the world. Be fearless when it comes to yourself, it takes time, but it is worth it.


15 March 2014

Morality - Two Train Tracks

Being able to differentiate the good and evil behind the intentions or decisions made is what we have come to define as morality. Morality however as we have seen throughout the course of history is in fact subjective and varies from person to person. So what is morality? Can we choose what's right and what's wrong? Then would that not lead to chaos due to the difference in the opinions of individuals - each fighting for what he/she believes is right? The classic question based on a hypothetical story comes to mind; you are in control of a mechanism that allows you to switch the tracks on the railroad. You look up to see a train that clearly shows signs that it has lost its breaks. Down the line you see the tracks diverge into two; one where a few kids are playing and the other with workers trying to fix the track. Which track are you going to choose for the train to run into?

You're probably thinking 'use the damn horn on the train to warn them' but consider the fact that you do not know whether somebody is in control of the train or whether the horn still works. Now think about it again. 
There is really no right answer to the question so whichever track you have chosen is a clear indication of your morality. Who deserves to live? Killing either group would be immoral but your mind has chosen its moral ground. Now your choice is unique to you meaning your morality is subjective despite the fact that there are only two choices and so some of you will have the same choices. We also note that there are many factors that influence our stand on what is right and wrong.

This is why laws exist; to sort of bring about a unanimity among individuals - not necessarily in opinion but in actions and behaviour. Laws and rules reduce the difference in opinion and thus lessen the chaos that would otherwise exist if each were given the freedom to choose their own morality. Religion also goes a long way as to where we draw the line. We are told and shown what is right and wrong during our childhood and thus it sticks with us throughout life. So if drugs are illegal because they are bad, we will choose to believe so. But what about countries like the Netherlands where it is legal? Where do we draw the line? It is really up to the people to decide. Now what that means is not that individuals are allowed to decide, no. It is a collective group of individuals who share the same interests that decide what is right and wrong. Thus, governments come about and authorities are elected to run the country etc. The term majority wins fits perfectly well in recognizing what morality really is. Morality is a principle that distinguishes the good and bad based on the opinion of a collection of individuals who share the same thoughts and ideals.