How Are People Affected By Appearance

In recent years, the way people perceive others has been increasingly affected by appearance. Individuals may face future consequences because of the decision to get a tattoo or piercing. Although a tattoo may be regarded as art to one individual, it could be seen as a thoughtless mistake to someone else. The problem is that many people judge others before getting to know them on a deeper level. In this decade, appearance means everything; it can affect a person’s job security, personal treatment, and social life. First, personal appearance plays a vital role in an individual’s job security. When looking for a job, an individual must take into account his or her personal appearance. For example, a tattoo or piercing that is visible could be a cause of concern for some companies. Appearance is often used as
a gauge to determine work ethic of future employees. A tattooed body does not mean that individual may not be a hard worker. Although people may not like the way someone looks, they should not let this get in the way of getting to know a person. For example, Raymond Torres, author of “Why Judging Appearance Can be Harmful,” states “The point is that there is always more to any given situation than we care to recognize” (“Why Judging Appearance Can be Harmful”). The first thoughts of an individual that are based on appearance may not be similar to who that person really is. Therefore, when hiring employees, companies should take more time and look deeper into an individual’s character. In addition, someone’s personal treatment could vary based on his or her outward appearance. Many times when people see others covered in tattoos, their initial thought is that the person is either a criminal or a person lacking morals. Most of the time, this is not actually a valid assumption. For example, David Kirby, author of “Inked Well,” states “I used to think tattoos were for either lowlifes or those who wanted to pretend they were, but my mind now stands changed by the thoughtful, articulate people I talked to and the spectacular designs that had been inked into their bodies” (“Inked Well” 696). Although Kirby has seen many tattoos before, he now has a better understanding of the intricate art and the meaning behind it. People often form a judgement on another person because they cannot understand them or relate to them personally. This demonstrates why people are so quick to judge others. For example, Torres states “Many times, when we see or hear someone saying or doing something unusual, our first reaction is to make judgements about something we really don't understand” (“Why Judging Appearance”1). Sadly, people today are quick to judge others based on their appearance . One contributing factor to this judgement is not taking the time to see the good in the things that are not easily understood. Lastly, people’s social life can be affected by their outward appearance.
The act of inking or piercing the body could potentially ruin chances of future friendships. For example, Torres states, “This habit of prematurely rejecting something new or different because we are not accosted to it can result in someone’s behavior or belief being stigmatized, ridiculed, and unaccepted” (“Why Judging by Appearance”1). Not accepting someone simply because of his or her appearance can drastically affect this person. Judging based on appearance can make others feel as though they have gotten placed on a lower level for trying to be themselves. Also, the first assumption made about a person is typically the one that is always applied to that person. For example, Torres states, “We assume that just because we call something for what it is or what we think it is, that there is not a composite of underlying and interactive factors responsible for our observations” (“Why Judging by Appearance”2). The first assumption that is made about a person can typically be proven wrong. People need to take time to truly get to know others rather than making assumptions based on
appearance. In summary, although everyone looks different, beneath the surface everyone has something to offer. Getting to know a person takes more than looking at them and forming a judgement. One’s culture, religion, or country can influence his or her appearance. If people take time to understand these things, they can learn to appreciate these differences. By giving people equal opportunity, equal treatment, and not making assumptions based on appearance, it is possible to get to know people for who they truly are.