Added: 10/30/2005 |
Physical Appearance and StereotypingThe term physical appearance covers a lot of territory and stereotyping plays a major factor in the equation. Thanks in part to the visual media and advertising blitz's on TV, the Internet, magazines, newspapers and billboards everyone is inundated with information informing everyone of the ideal weight, sexiest muscular structure, most desirable hair color, optimal height, preferred eye color and the list of purely physical attributes goes on and on ad infinitum.
Women who are dating are most confident when their physical appearance most closely matches that of the models paraded before them, and men are most confident when their physical appearance most closely matches that of the latest idealized male form.
Physique is defined the body with reference to its physical appearance for instance muscular development. In other words the actual physical appearance of the individual's frame, musculature etc. Many, who feel themselves to be lacking in some physical sense from the perfection seen all the time, try to make up for their perceived lack by wearing certain types, design or color of clothing. Trendy styles are advertised as being capable of changing an individual's physical appearance to better conform to what society has proclaimed to be physically attractive and stereotyping the look in question, making it something all should attain.
Paying attention to how one decorates-dresses, applies scent, makeup, and/or jewelry-one's physique has been culturally important since man first appeared on this planet. Back through historical records there is evidence of just such activity.
Physical appearance or one's physique appearance is tied into the ideal of taking proper care of oneself, promoting health, longevity not to mention lowering the chances of becoming a high maintenance partner at some point in the future.
These days the media provides impetus to exercise by promoting the idea that an attractive physique is integral to proper physical appearance adding and stereotyping to that which is deemed sexy and that which is not.
One of the issues people must deal with as they age is the visual perceptions of others as well as their own personal stereotyping. Our society promotes the muscular, tauter, firm abdominal muscles and pectorals that are naturally found in younger people. Unfortunately no matter the amount of good living and exercise pursued they tend to degrade somewhat with the passage of time.
Physical appearance that's considered attractive is part of the first impression we all talk about. We form an instant judgment of that person's character and personality, whether correct or incorrect at the initial viewing of a person. Pallor, lack of muscle tone or mass, a 'weak' handshake are all looked upon with disfavor when meeting a male for the first time while a firm handshake, physically fit, well muscled, tanned, deep chested man provides a more favorable impression. And stereotyping has so much to do with the perceptions contrived from merely taking in another's physical characteristics.
Women, on the other hand, are often viewed with suspicion if they don't present a charming, feminine, delicate, well-cared picture. Being tanned, exercised, adhering to acceptable weight guidelines, presenting proper physical measurements - waist, hips and chest - are crucial variables to consider when trying to keep up with the latest criteria for evaluating another's worth and stereotyping using physical appearance as the sole criteria.
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