Do we place too much IMPORTANCE on PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS... or NO?

Question

I've always thought people (particularly Americans) place to much emphasis on physical beauty. But do we? What I mean is, if we think it's important, than clearly it is right? We didn't pick human attributes out of a hat randomly and select physical beauty as the "thing we're going to focus on most." Clearly we have a natural leaning towards physical beauty. So maybe that's just the way it's supposed to be. Thoughts?

Answer 1

If we think it is important, then that makes it important? No... I mean, of course, it becomes important to you... but it is something that should matter. Just because we have a "natural leaning" towards physical beauty does not neccesarily mean we should obey all our instincts. That is called being ruled by your passions and "natural leanings." I may insctinctively want to strangle someone annoying, that doesn't mean I should obey those moments.

I don't think people should place importance on physical beauty, because frankly, that is just shallow. I care more about what is inside, because that is where character and intelligence lies. Obviously people like other physically attractive people. That does not mean they should consider their urges so important that they ignore people who are alot more beautiful inside, and go for the shallow, but good-looking, ones. (Not that all good-looking people are shallow! No! I'm just trying to make a point. If you value attractiveness so much, you are missing all the great potential girls/guys/friends who are alot better)

Answer 2

I believe we are attracted on different levels to physical appearance. The reasoning behind this is that many people are attracted to "beautiful people" i.e models, celebrities, etc but get nearly as excited about the person they choose to be with - often nowhere nearly as "beautiful". This would seem to indicate that we recognize different beauty.

I don't think it's bad to try to be attractive, in fact it is a very natural thing, after all most species have many mechanisms dedicated to attracting a mate.

Answer 3

Yes, that is why women are having their breast enlarged, botox injections, and getting the fat sucked out of their body.

According to Hollywood, if a person is over a size 2, they are fat. This mindset has caused children to suffer from eating disorders. The pressure to live up to Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie etc. is crazy.

I will take a thick woman with curves over a rail thin woman any day.

Answer 4

Hollywood has always put emphasis on physical beauty then inner beauty. somehow that tickled into society especially fashion, where "thin is in." i think we should more emphasis on inner beauty, but sadly that will never happen

Answer 5

We are biologically set up to prefer beautiful people. There is no reason to feel guilty about it.