Why is our society so vain and obbsessed with looks?

Answer 1

It's built in to our genes..has to do with procreation and all that stuff

Of course the web is full of research that supports my statement..
here is but one link
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/group/langloislab/newformat/whatisattractive.html

Answer 2

I think you are generalizing. I would say the society that you are considering. There are many social groups in just one country and not all of them are equal, there are others in other countries that diffiers from each other, and they have even more differences with the ones in here.

Considering just the sub-group that you are saying, is just because of values people have created and learned.

When someone from outside gets in there doesn't understand why people are focus. Each society has their own language, people have their own language on saying who they are, how much they make, to also give a message with who they would relate.

It's kind of mentally sick, but that's the way human beings are and you can see those patterns, the same way of speaking, in what I would say almost all societies (basically big groups of people), in one group they choose their look, in others they choose other things, if they phisically can't do much they go lets say to have big or super powered boats, or an exclusive club.

Answer 3

First I think its part of our human character to choose something that looks better. We do it with everything. Material possessions, food, our pets, our mates, etc.... Second I blame the media, magazines, and the entertainment industry. Magazine covers display images of perfection. Those images are primped with make-up and enhanced with photograhic trickery. Perfection that is near impossible to achieve. Hence the increase in plastic surgery and botox injections.

Answer 4

Well, appearance is a large determinant of our ability to attract the opposite sex. I would imagine this is the case with many species on Earth. Humans are also instinctively drawn to continuously improve their living standards. They endlessly pursue elite possessions (ex. designer clothes, purses etc.) and the lifestyle of those above them. Entire industries have been built on this obsession. These same companies encourage us in our foolish pursuit because.... they will make more money! This is why we find ourselves surrounded by images of perfection and beauty everywhere we go. What are models but humans transformed into living breathing pieces of art. So in summary, our natural instincts drive us in this direction, but the rest is the skillful manipulation of the villainous corporations.

Answer 5

I really don't know why but I struggle with this issue all the time. On one hand, I hate how obsessed the media is with the "perfect" and "youthful" body. On the other hand, as a woman, as a human being, I do what I can to keep up a decent appearance. I'm not sure which came first but the "looks" issue is very pervasive and powerful in our society. I think maybe it continues because it's the most money-making obsession there is.

I suppose the best thing to do is to keep it all in perspective. We can all do our best in the appearance department, but in the end, it's our thoughts and actions that really speak volumes. When we talk to our friends and family, work together, play together, take care of each other and all that, it's who we are inside that matters most.

Answer 6

To feel comfortable with ones self.

Answer 7

It isn't just our society. It has been like that since men and women figured out how to procreate. Every society on Earth is obsessed with looks. We may find different things attractive and the "desirable" attributes may change with time, but it's just the way humans are wired.

The trick is not to get overly obsessed with appearances to the detriment of other important personal characteristics.

Answer 8

Whatever problems we have nowadays have to do with the media, magazines.... The world is about money, plus, in human nature, those who look attractive are more liked.

Answer 9

The media glamorizes it. Beauty=Power & Money

Answer 10

Because looks separate us all. Insecurities start up, and it's natural for people to become hostile in that sort of way to the point of where it becomes an obsession...Plus, it doesn't help that the media (the main source of information, what's new, important, respected,etc...) is saying that a certain "look" is acceptable. Once someone is in that circle of "acceptance" of the media, many feel they are almost godly and desired. It's selfishness and vanity, is all.

Answer 11

We have been trained that way by TV, magazines, movies, etc.
It's sad, because some of the most beautiful people aren't good-looking.