What effect does appearance have on how you react to a person?

Question

If someone was to offer to do you a favor for free, anything you needed, and was in appearance of one of theese three:
1. a wealthy bussiness man
2. a Preist or another religious figure
3. someone who is down on there luck, for example a homeless man
not saying that they are what they appear to be, just that they appear to be that. how would you react?

Why would you do that?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuAsmXMUcjR_E1u6EtM5PCzsy6IX?qid=20060710114817AANHWXZ

Perhaps this could help clarify my question.

Answer 1

To be truthfull, 99% of us are biased. I believe it is firmly rooted in natural evolution. People, like animals, like fish, are most comfortable around others of similar creed. They have similar backgrounds, similar interests, and similar objectives. This is at very least, self preservation.

So as much as I would love for humanity to evaluate each person on their own merits, I do think that this kind of bias is inevitable. .. And adjustable per situation... as the person who's appearance might encourage you to cross the street on a dark night somehwere, may be your closest ally in a foreign battlefield the next day, as a result of greatest common interest.

My most optimistic hope would be that all people. The oppressors and the oppressed (who themselves would be oppressors were the tables turned... i know, i have been on both sides) see their own biases, and weaknesses and address them and keep them in the back of their mind... so when their subconcious makes a rash decision, their concious can be there to check up on it... and also, they can understand how fathomable it is that someone also may have a bias against them based on their appearances... with a little patience and understanding, this world can be a beautiful place.

Answer 2

LOL - a favor for free, nowadays??? I would sooner believe in the existence of Red Yeti than an insidious intent and/or interest free offer like that! I know this sounds like a SAD commentary on our modern society - but that's Reality. However, if you are simply interested in the effects of appearance on my reaction, then the ones whose good intentions I would question the most (given the choices on your list, that is) are in the following order:

1- The priest or any religious figure (The most interested characters/creatures I know, period.)

2- The wealthy business man (why would a wealthy person wanna help anyone, if there is nothing in it for him/her? They have amassed wealth and are in an eternal battle to maintain that wealth, what's more, they know that time is money. So when a wealthy person stops to help someone you should always try to get at the bottom of his or her intentions. Who knows, perhaps in the process you'll end up wealthy too! lol )

3- The Homeless person (they know what pain and suffering is all about, so they may actually be more attuned to their sense of compassion in an emergency situation. Otherwise they would need something from you also, like food, money, etc.)

In all, and for your own sake (even spiritual sake) remember this: All human activity and experience is Interest-based (in one form or another and you can truly be free only when you understand the interest base in each situation, especially the interest that is generated within your own being). Based on that analysis, likewise, it is sometimes worth it for you to get involved and sometimes NOT (In other words, as your interest dictates - and do NOT you be fooling yourself; you are just as interested as the rest of us). Good Luck to you, kind but as yet Green Grasshopper!

Answer 3

1- A wealthy bussiness man

He probably be a cheater, not for shure but might be

2- a Priest or another religious figure

Political liar or ignorant for me... shure do me the favor -_-!

3- Homeless man

Maybe i can give im the favor back if he wants ? =S

- - - - I wouldnt acept a favor from any, maybe i'd acept the favor from a kid or a young guy girl with no corrupted mind... a natural person who probably has no personal intention of benefits.. :) ... Due to my conditions none of the 3 could get benefits from me so probably they wont do me the favor but puting it that anymay they would to the business man i would react surprised and doubt of the intentions, it really depends ! i think ur question is to general for me to answer it im really trying but cant =S ...

Answer 4

I will not answer that question because everyone is judgemental in some way. I would feel bad if I accepted anything from 1 because than I would automatically think they know what to do. So all in all I feel bad about being judgemental, but thats the way we are.

Answer 5

What I imagine you are getting at is "How does the outward appearance of people color our perception of their motivations?"

I suggest you ask this in the Psychology section, because this is properly a question about behaviour rather than philosophy.

Answer 6

your example isn't the best. if i needed my tire changed, i would allow anyone to take me off the road.

offer to do me a favour?....bugger off!

to your question, ppl are not judgmental creatures...haha

Answer 7

I'd decline and ask them to leave me alone.