Q: Do you find people more attractive because of their looks or their personalities upon first impression? Most people make an initial impression of someone based on their looks. Do you agree or disagree with this? Why are looks, and not other qualities such as intelligence and compassion, most highly valued in our society? -Julia Ashton


A: It is instinctual to judge someone off of their appearances on first impression. It is very hard to judge someone's personality, intelligence, sense of humor, or any other nonphysical trait for one's first encounter. However, I would not say that looks are the pinnacle of value in america (Yet. Give MTV a few more years). It is an old saying that my grandmother told my mom: It is the looks that draw the man in, but the personality that keeps him. This is why relationships that are built only on physical lust, rarely last long or get real personal unless there is some other non-physical aspect that the couple share. However, to answer the question on why looks are valued in the first place, there are many reasons. To start off, when one looks appealing, it shows one cares enough to look nice. This is why one dresses up on job interviews and dates. Also, from an evolutionary perspective, When one is physically attractive, that means that one is one is a good potential mate to help create offspring and pass down one's genetic material. Also, by one's stance, hygeine, and even sense in fashion, one can get a mild read on a persons personality, which is why people look for clothes that express themselves and their personality.


Q: Can clothing and stylish trends ever be able to reveal to an observer one's true personality? If so, is it more the clothing that conveys this personality, or is it the observer who is able to pick up on one's personality?