"DON'T JUDGE ME BY MY APPEARANCE"

    I have come across this statement several times especially on social media. The question that always come to mind is" kaman how"? Have you noticed? Anyone who uses this statement as a caption to a picture is either half naked or not properly dressed . I have never seen a man dressed in suit and tie or a lady dressed properly using this statement as a caption to his/her picture. Have you? I don't think so. Why? Dressing indecently does not necessarily make you a bad person. But society especially the African and Ghanaian society has strong reservations when it comes to dressing.   The importance of appearance and it's consequences and ramifications in society should not be underestimated. In as much as you do not want to be judged by how you appear, be rest assured that this statement ain't helping.
    As uncomfortable as it may be, the truth is that our lives are under the microscope each and every day. Your appearance will always matter in society and will make impressions on whoever you come across. The saying "appearance can be deceptive" is a perfect testimony of the power of appearance. First impressions are important. Though the character of a person is not written on his/her appearance, nonetheless is it very significant in terms of the perceptions people will form. In most cases, people will not get the opportunity to know you well perhaps by talking with you, so the only information left for the mind to work with is your appearance. Human beings are instinctual. We form perceptions instinctively based on what we see. It is only the Almighty who has the power to see within us. Stop telling people not to judge you by your appearance. It is high time we stop this excuse. Let's accept the fact and deal with it. Appearance though deceptive is very important. A nun dressed like a prostitute will be addressed as such and the vice versa. No two ways about it. If you don't want to be addressed as a prostitute, don't dress as such.
   On other hand, we shouldn't be too judgmental. With the knowledge of the fact that appearance is deceptive, we should leave room in our minds for adjustment of our perceptions. Let's give people the benefit of the doubt.

    In this big data age and 21th century, where personalities are becoming brands, business and institutions, it very important and as a matter of urgency to be careful how we present ourselves to the public. Anytime we walk out minding our own businesses, we are indirectly marketing ourselves. The human being in the metaphysical sense is a "product". And as such product needs to be branded and well marketed. Your appearance is part of your brand. It is imperative to protect that brand. We will always be judged by our appearance. The importance of appearance cannot be downplayed. Why do we spend so much in trying to look presentable when going for an interview? It will be wise to take advantage of this status quo.
    So any time you hear the statement "don't judge me by my appearance" The next question on your mind should be "kaman how"???
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