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Seeing is Believing

Image & Priorities

One hour, during peak flight times in a major airport, will provide any spectator with more than an eyeful to comprehend. Within a brief moment of observation, your exposure will span across age groups, genders, nationalities, religions, professions and more. You will develop, be it intentional or otherwise, a perception of any person, with whom you come in contact. The basis of your resolve: appearance.

Whether doing so is rational, fair or justified is subject to opinion; yet, regardless of who enters the debate, the fact remains that you “interpret” others based upon how they look, act and interact. Their “style” (or lack thereof) initiates your idea of who they are, their likes and dislikes, where they’re going and possibly even, where they’ve been. As barter for your complimentary analysis, the observed unselfishly bequeaths you with similar examination.

Perhaps the initial interpretation later proves inaccurate and is appropriately adjusted. This occurrence does not negate that such faulty conclusions were originally comprised as a result of the individual’s presentation of themselves and vice versa.

This being understood, it becomes increasingly apparent why the fashion industry continues to excel as one of the most lucrative amongst its counterparts, such as sports and entertainment. Tragically, and conceivably to the demise of all, this intoxicating focus on image has largely consumed the lives and livelihoods of a growing section of our population. Societal priorities have shifted from fundamental principles of education, religion, social awareness and maintenance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Instead of infusing knowledge regarding the aforementioned ideals, we infiltrate irresponsible mentalities, which suggest that looking good trumps every other facet of life.

For clarity, please note: I am in no way, shape or form suggesting that you shouldn’t take pride in your appearance or patronize designer labels and other items of luxury. I am simply highlighting the dysfunction of doing so at the risk of everything else. Most logically, unless considering a home or automobile, the value of what you purchase should never exceed the value of that, which you are left with after the purchase is complete. Doing otherwise, simply to maintain a façade of wealth and prestige, all for the sake of acceptance, approval or validation, often from a vast majority of persons, with whom you will never come in contact again, is quite frankly, an unacceptable measure of exercised wisdom.

As an adolescent, your focus should be on learning how to become an asset to the society, within which, you are being reared. As an adult, your priorities should be largely contingent upon being that asset, fulfilling your purpose and embedding such responsibilities into those God has graciously placed within your care, to one day do the same. Anything less, is a disappointment to your Creator and a nullification of your very existence…

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