Double standards

[Peg]

A conversation at work today got me to thinking about this. First of all, we as adults tell our children "don't judge a book by its cover". Yet, when you see a kid with orange and green spiked hair, multiple piercings and tattoos, and baggy clothes, what do you think? If you were managing a store and suspected someone of shoplifting, would you watch this kid or the one in a pair of nice jeans and preppy looking shirt? These guys were talking about kids and their baggy clothes. "Parents don't know how to raise kids these days", they said. Yet, there they sat, for hours, drinking beer and gambling. What is wrong with this picture?

[hotsauce]

Don't judge a book by its cover unless you think that book might harm you...or steal from you?? Maybe?

[canaan]

Good question. But think about it. People spend lots of time and money designed the covers of a book. Why? Because that is what will attract the customer to pick it up and find out more. If the cover is a little freaky and you aren't into freaky stuff, chances are you will walk right by and not take the time to find out what it is about. Same with people. Sure there are plenty of 'different' looking people who are very interesting. Some are just what they look like...odd. But you have to know that when you act or dress a certain way, people who don't know you will make observations by your 'cover'. If you were stranded on the highway in the middle of the night waiting for someone to pull over and help you...would you prefer a guy dressed in all black with tatoos, piercings and eyeliner to pull over? or the guy in the 3 piece suit? It's a comfort thing. Of course all your major serial killers are usually the bland guy next door. hmmm, guess it's a lose / lose.

[Peg]

Good points canaan. It just really bugged me that they were saying this stuff as they sat and drank and gambled all day. They were dressed normal but it doesn't mean it makes them any better.

[lady cop]

i spent years undercover busting shoplifters. i have a "gut" for it and am very good at it. it had nothing to do with outward appearance. i just got a feeling.and usually picked them out the minute they walked in walmart or wherever i was working. in fact, the employees used to love to watch me work and would comment "i can't believe THAT one would steal". HA. i busted rich and poor, well-dressed and freaks. and all colors.

[Der Wulf]

Using the book metaphor, and insisting that i am a strong supporter of individual expression;.. I can understand a lousy "book" being disguised with a great cover, but why put a trashy cover on a great "book" ?

[koan]

Originally Posted by Der Wulf

Using the book metaphor, and insisting that i am a strong supporter of individual expression;.. I can understand a lousy "book" being disguised with a great cover, but why put a trashy cover on a great "book" ?

It is a good question. I have to suggest there is an answer though. "Goodness" can come through tests and trials and the same tests and trials can cause a distaste for the society that they had to endure. Some people choose to look different for attention and are "posers". The good ones are usually victims and are showing the world that there are things beneath the surface that are not right.