Illusions and Delusions of Self Image.

Half the ‘civilized’ world is raving about a “Britans got talent”contestant (similar to American idol)  named Susan Boyle, this article is not about her, or even about the TV show. I’m simply using this viral story to paint a picture of how skewed humanities self image and our perception of others has become. Here is the video if you haven’t seen it, it should give the points I will try to make a little context.

A older woman, dressed relatively normal, is immediately dismissed and laughed at by most people based on her looks or dress, until the crowd hears she can actually sing. I can’t help but wonder if some people in that crowd, if even for a moment, thought about how stupid it all was. Young women grow up idolizing pop celebrities from shows like American idol, but why? What have most of these people done that is worthy of praise? They were born with a certain facial structure and their bodies were proportioned a certain way which pleases our western culture.

Style, fashion, looks, and almost every other human attribute continue to change throughout time. Will we ever transcend these illusions? I’m not trying to say that an obese man or women should be looked at in the same manner as a healthy human, in fact you’re justified in avoiding people like that, they are unhealthy, unmotivated, and unintelligent. However, basing your perception of others off images and illusions on the TV can lead to being delusional about what beauty really is. It’s not a commercialized product, it’s life working in unison. Do not make the mistake of choosing friends or spouses based on an ever changing illusion. Health and intelligence are two measurable characteristics that nature has chosen as worthy, above all, these should be sought after.