Beautiful Soul

Fuck.

What do you think about that?

You'd probably think I'm some boorish, uncouth and downright vulgar Neanderthal that can't refrain myself from spilling profanities out of my mouth. But that's exactly how first impressions work. They plant an impression into your mind subconsciously so that a rough image of someone, or something, formulates in your mind and the rest is all up to your imagination. Kinda like inception, if you ask me; and trust me, you are more susceptible to it than you think you are.

We are all partners-in-crime in making stereotypical first impressions. We can't always be blamed though, because it's a matter of self-responsibility to make impressions, and we will accept what our minds tell us, based on what we see, hear, or feel. Of course, all these are subjected to crafty manipulation. Confused?

First impressions are always stereotypical. It's a fact. I'm sure we all try, but it's hard to resist the urge to judge. We have this intrinsic ability to take in what's before our eyes and twist it into a version of ours before making us believe that that mirage is indeed a true depiction. Think talent shows - shows like The X Factor. When we watch the auditions, do we not have preconceived ideas that the young and attractive people are more likely to succeed than the occasional Susan Boyle? Even the judges themselves almost always admit that "when you come on stage, I wasn't expecting that" when a seemingly less groomed individual takes the stage - a testimony to how first impressions are so quickly formed.

Then comes the portion employing the use of "crafty manipulation". It's the act of capitalising on the fact that first impressions are rapidly formed, to create a false impression of yourself, or anything, actually. You might not notice it, but it usually works two ways - overselling and underselling. Some people try very hard to impress, and it's pretty evident, while some just want to blend into the wallpaper, although for what reason, I'll never understand. Either way, I believe they usually have vested interests in the intended portrayal of character, hence, the manipulation of our way of thinking.

Well, the whole point of this is, I'm getting somewhat tired of shallow people, and they're just so many of them. "He/She's so hot", they would say, and it's as if that's everything that ever matters. If you don't spell it out explicitly, I might even think that today's society condones impropriety if you have the looks. Apparently, it's a prerogative. Attractive people often thrive anywhere they go, and naturally so, given their endowment. I respect the fact that people groom themselves to feel better about themselves, but the advantage becomes so unfair. Unattractive people like me almost have to work harder to get certain things. I guess that's just the way it works.