A REAL Step Towards Equality

I've come to realize that you need to be two things in this world, in order to succeed: good-looking and/or intelligent. Having only one one these can land you a pretty comfortable life. Having one and a bit of the other can land you a really comfortable life. Having both pretty much guarantees you a really good life.

Sadly, we're not all equal. Some people are lucky enough to have one of these two. Some are blessed with both. Others don't have either - these ones are shit out of luck. And I feel sorry for them, but that's how it is.

We're not all equal. You'd be foolish to think that we are. Disparities DO exist between race, geography, location, caste, ethnicity, culture, etc. While these are all only factors, they can be worked around...but the real "luck" lies in the inheritance of good looks and intelligence.

People seem to gravitate towards others who are good-looking because of the halo effect - we tend to see them as more sociable, friendly, and warmer than less-attractive people. Although there's no truth in this bias, we all seem to have pre-wired in us that "what's beautiful is good" (although it does hold weight as an evolutionary adaptation.) This is also the reason that people with baby faces tend to seem more trustworthy, nice, etc.

Because of this, these people are often given opportunities that aren't available to others. We like to believe that everyone has equal potential...but the truth is that some simply don't. Attractiveness (for the most part) decides the variety of opportunity, and intelligence (for the most part) determines the degree of potential within opportunities.

Where am I going with this? Some of the most intelligent people aren't the best-looking. Some of the best-looking people aren't the most intelligent. And as Kanye said, "[Sometimes] the people highest up, have the lowest self-esteem. The prettiest people, do the ugliest things". My point is that we use a stupid brush for painting people. This might go against evolutionary predispositions, but I don't think that matters at this point - survival of the fittest has shifted to intellect, not beauty.

Self-serving bias only feeds this problem. We tell ourselves that everything we've accomplished is due to our blood, sweat, and tears - that we've worked hard to be where we're at. But how much of it can we truly accredit only to ourselves?

It's funny because every time someone messes up, we tend to blame it on something THEY did (fundamental attribution error). When WE mess up, we tend to blame it on external circumstances.  The same is true of success: you get a job, and it's because of your hard work. They get a job, and they were "lucky". The truth is that it's probably both. 

The reason for this self-serving bias and attribution error seems to stem from a defense mechanism. What's surprising is that it isn't for coping at the individual level...it's for coping at a collective level. The just world hypothesis posits that everyone rationalizes for negative events in order to tell themselves that the world is just - that we all get what we deserve.

The reality is that we don't...and acting according to the just world phenomenon/theory/hypothesis doesn't do anything to help. The world isn't just. It SHOULD be..but It never will be. However, it's also not as just as it COULD be. 

Prejudice, bias, and preconceived beliefs are almost always unjustified. And I'm not talking about racism...I'm talking about our gravitation towards beauty.

As a way to deal with this, I propose that you guys mess with the natural order, at the most basic level. 

My solution is to treat good-looking people like shit (lol). Just playin'. My REAL solution is to treat good-looking people as equally as you treat everyone else. It's easier said then done. Furthermore, social desirability urges people to say that they do...even though they probably don't.

To the dudes that bend over for hot chicks (in the hopes of getting in her pants)...quit doing that crap. You're most likely not gonna get in her pants, you're only feeding her feeling of self-entitlement, and worst of all, you're reinforcing the idea that looking good is a legitimate REASON to get anything that they want. To the ladies who bend over for good-looking dudes...the same applies. Stop being dumbasses and feeding a flawed system. 

Not only is this solution "good"...it's also entertaining/hilarious. For the past 2 years, it's been absolutely enthralling seeing how confused hot chicks are when you refuse to grant them a privilege that they're used to never being denied (ie. cutting in line, hooking them up, etc.) What's even more shocking, is that the reaction they give implies that it's unheard of to not get what they want. Think about what this means, and it's truly troubling to know that actions like this are so uncommon.

If you guys want to see an equal society, it doesn't start with eliminating cultural barriers, or racial discrimination, or even monetary equity (actually, never mind on this last one. Let's not get crazy now...) It starts with eliminating bias.

 Give credit where credit is actually due.

Peace,

- knowledge

Good Friday?!

What's the deal with good Friday?

It's a good Friday 'cause I'll be getting paid time and half, and it's a "good" Friday because I don't have class.

Aside from that...I don't understand ANYTHING about "good friday". Sure, there's the history, but how about the traditions?

My mom told me not to ride because it's bad luck. Apparently, it's bad to go out because Jesus is dead and he won't be able to protect me. News flash: god's probably still alive. And I also highly doubt that god/jesus/whoever cares, either. Plus, if anything...the roads are safer 'cause everyone's either: a) staying at home, afraid of anything bad that might happen outside the protective barrier of their house b) everything's closed, so families tend to stay home. 

On top of that...I don't see why everyone has to suddenly become all sad. Relax, Jesus is going to rise from the dead on Monday. He's done so for the past 2009 years...I highly doubt that he's going to break this metaphorical tradition out of nowhere. "OMG, Jesus, you're alive? I didn't see that coming."

Furthermore, how is it a good friday if Jesus was nailed to a cross and died because people basically thought he was a witch?! 

Small post, I know. I promise that my next one's going to be really good. I've just been really busy. Ironically, it's not with school or work.

Peace,

- knowledge

Everybody Gets Used For Something

"Everybody gets used for something. And if you're not being used...then that means you're useless. And well, that's not something that you want to be." - Mordeth13 

 I heard someone say this about 2 years ago...and if I could find the video, I'd post it.

 That right there, is how the world works. After seeing the world, and reason for why people do things...it makes hard to think that there's any merit in altruism (last topic on this for a while, I swear!) 

 But either way, that isn't the point. It's about the valuable life lesson that people get used. Sometimes you let them, and sometimes you don't. 

 Success in life seems to be about diversifying yourself and making yourself marketable - you need to make yourself exploitable...but limit who exploits you, and how much they exploit you.

After all, isn't that what "working" is? You provide your service, for a fee. 

The more degrees/credibilities/experience that you have...the more of an asset you become.  

 I'm not suggesting that you kiss everyone's ass, but what I AM suggesting is that you understand the give & take needed, if you ever plan on getting what you want. 

 Think about it: what are friendships? It's essentially a companionship. If you're not enjoyable to be around, you're not "useable". If you're not trustworthy...you're not "useable".

If you want to have your way, you need to make it so that others WANT you to have your way...or at least don't mind if you do. I'm not advocating that you be a sneaky, deceitful, deceptive bastard...but know your cards and when to play them. 

 This all sounds like common sense, but I've realized that not a lot of people know this. 

 In short: sell your soul to the devil, if you can buy it back for less. 

 Do what you NEED to do, in order to do what you WANT to. 

 Peace, 

- knowledge

 P.s. Would that last part about selling your soul to the devil be as bad if I just chose to say "make yourself useful"? 

The Honour In Keeping Your Word

We live in a world where "actions speak louder than words", yet the "pen is mightier than the sword". Pardon the dichotomy, but it's gotta be one or the other.

Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to live in a society where honour truly existed. A society where taking someone's word meant everything, and we didn't try to find outs of responsibility by hiring a lawyer to look for possible loopholes in a formal agreement.

When I make a promise, I sincerely intend to keep it. It's one of the actual few things that I do feel bad about. If I say that I'm going to be somewhere at a certain time, and I come ridiculously late, I actually do feel bad. If I say I'm  going to do something, I actually try to do it.

If I don't plan on doing something...why say it? If I don't plan on calling you back, I won't say "I'll call you back", because there's a reason "bye" is a word.

Also, to the people that say that "promises are meant to be broken", I honestly hope that you get hit by a bus. The fact that stupidity like this manages to pop into someone's mind as a result of synaptic connections WORKING, boggles my mind. 

I hate how social contracts have become to be concepts taken so light-heartedly by everyone. RSVPing, or making plans, only to cancel last-minute for illegitimate reasons are common occurrences and something that we've become accustomed to say "oh well!" or "whoops!" to.

Or how about cheating when you're in a relationship? This is another social contract - and one that you shouldn't be a part of if you can't commit to it. It's saddening to know that people accept "I was drunk" as an excuse.

Call me old-fashioned, but these kinds of things REALLY offend me. It's hard to have faith in humanity when the most basic and rudimentary concepts of courtesy and respect can't even be honoured. Sure, people make mistakes...but most of them are avoidable.

Or maybe I'm just expecting too much.

Peace,

- knowledge

Heidi Montag & The War Against Beauty/Perfection

For anyone who's dumb enough to be a fan of "The Hills"(oh hell naw!) show, or anyone who listens to the radio...I'm sure you've heard of everyone bashing Heidi Montag for getting like 10 procedures in one day  (click here).

I think all of you people need to fuck off. Or if you won't do that, then at least realize what you're implying by condemning plastic surgery & Heidi Montag. Plastic surgery is a step towards (subjective) perfection. Is it unrealistic? Of course it is. They're putting materials that aren't supposed to be in them, in them - but it's still striving for perfection, nonetheless.

I would say that Heidi Montag's a pretty attractive woman to begin with, and that she really didn't need the surgery. She looked fine the way that she was...but I'm not her - and that's what actually matters. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't make her look better, because it did!

For the parents who say that this sets unrealistic standards for your little daughters...maybe you should stop blaming people and work on making your daughter realize that the type of beauty gained from alterations like that aren't natural. Your value judgments don't matter, and to force your children to think about  plastic surgery as some evil thing is no more different than shoving your ideologies down your child's throat. Maybe it is evil, and maybe it isn't - but that's for your child to decide.

And how about people that say "oh, the image of 'beauty' that the media portrays is unattainable". They sure as hell are, but to blame that on the beautiful people would be to condemn beauty itself for not being a commodity. These people don't realize that what makes things beautiful is the way that everything comes together. It probably wouldn't be as appealing, or attractive if mediocre aesthetic appeal was the norm. What makes beauty so significant is the fact it's not as common as we'd all like it to be.

I never understood what made attractive people so despicable to the general public. it jealousy, envy, or legitimate hatred because of something that we don't have? After all, look at the critics: the one criticizing the sexy starlets who flaunt their curvaceous bodies are often the non-sexy starlets who are unable to flaunt their curvaceous bodies. Instead of pointing out the obvious, why not enjoy things for what they are. A beautiful woman's, a beautiful woman. 

It's a shame that people need to go to lengths of plastic surgery just to be satisfied with who they are...but then again, many of us go to great lengths, in other respects, in order to be satisfied of who WE are. After all, everyone's got their own demons to fight.

Take it beauty at its face value, and leave it at that. 

:)

Peace,

- knowledge


p.s. I checked out a debate for "Upcoming superpowers: Chinv
a vs. India" and I've been reminded on how much I've been missing out on, by neglecting debate team meetings.


p.p.s. I start writing a book this week...hopefully

Good Idea!: Man Submits Drawing Of Spider Instead Of Payment For Overdue Account

"David Thorne didn't have the $233.95 to pay an overdue account. So what did he do? What any other budding young genius would do, he submitted a picture of a spider he drew instead. Unfortunately, Jane Gilles, who is clearly a mega-bitch to the nth degree, wouldn't accept it. So what happened next? Hit the jump to find out. But I'll give you a hint: time travel! And also, David's account not getting paid"

Source: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/11/good_idea_man_submits_drawing.php

Had me LOL-ing.

Peace,

- Knowledge

We're All Selfish

All of our actions are selfish and completely self-motivated. Give me a scenario, and I'll tell you how or why it's selfish. Love, Religion/faith, Charity, these are as selfish as it gets. "That's preposterous!", you might say. But it isn't. The reason that everything is selfish is because actions depend (primarily) on two things:

- happiness/the avoidance of sadness

- reason.

No one intentionally makes themselves more sad, unless they derive a happiness from it that transcends the feeling of sadness. Furthermore, people don't do things that don't make sense, UNLESS it makes sense to them.

Religion's completely selfish. It seems ludicrous, at first...because we do it all for the big man, right? Correct. But we do it because pleasing the big man up there grants us entry into heaven/the after-life. If you don't agree with me, ask yourself whether you'd still live as god wanted you to live IF you were promised to go to hell. Of course you wouldn't - because it makes no sense to spend your whole life chasing after a punishment coupled with eternal damnation. Faith isn't any more selfless, because it revolves around self-development (which isn't a bad thing). But the keyword is "self"!

Love's selfish, too. To prove this, I'll take the example of "if you love someone, let them go." You only let it go because deep down inside, it makes YOU happy to see them happy. Knowing that the person that you think deserves absolute happiness, will be happy gives you a sense of happiness that is greater than the one derived from staying with them. If you truly cared about someone, the ultimate happiness obtained from this action. After all, love isn't a one-way street.

Surely, charity can't be selfish! Oh, but this is, too. Am I accusing Mother Teresa of being selfish? Hell yes. Anyone who does a good act, only does so because it makes them feel better, or because it makes sense (at the time). Any good act done, is done in order to appease your conscience. It seems hard to imagine how risking your life to save an unrelated little boy from a burning house could be selfish...but it's selfish. You help people because YOU feel bad if  you don't, and are in a position to help. We tell ourselves that we have an obligation to help the unfortunate, like it's some higher moral order...but it really isn't. We help because we have our own interests at stake.

Bear in mind that the whole concept of selfishness has been given negative connotations by society. We've been conditioned to be disgusted by selfishness. The reality is, that it's what drives us. If our ancestors weren't selfish, we wouldn't be alive. None of us would be alive, or would have any money, or would have a roof over our heads, or anything else, for that matter. If we were truly selfish, we should have nothing - because there's ALWAYS someone less fortunate who needs what we have.

Selfishness isn't a bad thing. It's how the world works. We've been told that selfishness is evil...but have you realized that evil is a man-made concept? Evil doesn't stem from the characteristics of man, it stems from man, itself. If you really want to bring good vs. evil into this, what makes an act evil is not whether or not it was selfish, it's how it was handled or committed.

I guess I'm just tired of the condescending"sacrificial-holier-than-thou-for-the-greater-good-of-mankind" tone that I hear from Philantrophists and "kind-hearted people."

The world ain't all sunshines and rainbows. You don't have to be selfless to do good. Alternatively, you do have to be selfish.

Peace,

- knowledge


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