Ugly may be Beautiful too
(– an opinion)
When we reach our teenage years, we naturally tend to be more conscious of how we look, and whether our dressing is trendy and in line with the current modes. We want to replicate what we see in advertisements. The sea of thin models in the mass media subtly creates the idea that thin is the ideal size to be, especially in our impressionable young minds. This is further etched into our minds as our friends share and emphasize this ideal.
Some of us grow out of this and, as we mature in our thinking, realize that looks are less important than we used to think. Some of us, however, may remain in that school of thought, wanting to associate only with people who are slim, dress fashionably, with accessories that match the clothes, and with a stylish hairdo.
I believe that living with this perspective makes one miss out on more meaningful relationships based on sincere care and trust, regardless of how the other person looks or dresses. Neatness and cleanliness, I feel, are the most important features in one’s appearance, as these reflect the person’s self-care. Following the trends as a top priority only reflects a lack of self-confidence and independent thinking, in my opinion. Of course, an individual with this latter approach also deserves friendship and love, but should not allow the approach to be the basis of friendship and love.
After all, we are all made in God’s image – “God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Thus, whether people have a high or low metabolic rate that keeps them thin or fat, should not be a factor in how we treat them.No matter how the other person dresses or looks, we should “love one another since love comes from God and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Anyone who fails to love can never have known God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
The thin celebrities and models are chosen by people who prefer thinness, and this ideal is perpetuated in a vicious cycle as more thin celebrities and models are displayed in the media. So instead of following what a certain group of people advocate, let’s follow what the wise advise, and place more importance on the personality as a basis of friendship. Christians are reminded by St. Paul, “Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind” (Romans 12:2). Contrary to judging by appearance, “God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but Yahweh looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)