Go to school, learn something, obtain good grades and you will get a good job, right? If you are born beautiful and maintain that attractiveness, then you will succeed in life. Sounds simple, huh?
Who gets the most out of life: fame, fortune, and genuine relationships: those who are physically attractive or those who are less attractive yet wise? Dr. Nancy Etcoff, a brain researcher and cognitive psychologist and the author of Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty says, “Beauty is an asset in the struggle for survival and good looks are a great advantage in many areas of life.”
There is broadcast of what defines physical beauty more often than the airing of intellectual ideas. Shows like America’s Next Top Model, Extreme Makeover, and Beauty and the Geek are prime examples of the world’s idolization of beauty. Trinidad Fernandez, a 20-year-old sales associate at Victoria’s Secret, says, “Beauty beats brains because in our media, beauty bombards us more regularly and is always seen as a positive.”
Moreover, we are programmed to be attracted to beauty. The human species thrives off of physical attributes. Human beings tend to judge the quality of cars, clothes, relationships, and food solely on the way they look. If it titillates the eye, it is therefore good, correct?
Deirdre D. Johnston, author of the book, The Art and Science of Persuasion, suggest that attractive people are socialized differently from less attractive people. Attractive people usually get increased attention and positive feedback. People tend to be drawn to attractiveness- some would say a person with good looks is rewarding to be around.
Others disagree. “A smart person who is well rounded has more avenues in life because people find them credible. Do you think if I was trapped on a submerging ship and I had to choose to follow the unattractive pilot versus the sexy waitress I would place beauty over brains?” Said David Normand, a 64-year-old musician who lives on the Southside.
How often do people speak of the likeness of the opposite sex by saying “Wow, her intelligence just turns me on,” “His mind looks so sexy,” “I admire her knowledge,” or “He has the best brains I have ever seen.”? These sayings are rarely uttered because the human being is of the flesh, which implies that we have carnal minds.
“Try getting out of a parking ticket. [If] your face looks like Freddy Krueger, it will not happen”, said Jody Weely, a 21-year-old entrepreneur of the South Shore community.
We live in a world where image is everything. Our culture is highly saturated with media images and verbal rhetoric concerning beauty and less talk about what makes the brain tick. The message of our culture is simple, and to many people, image reigns over all else. You be the judge- good looks or high I.Q.