Beauty and Ugliness

[Kressel]

I just heard a fantastic podcast that goes right to the heart of the myth that "looks don't matter." The subject is a man, not a woman. A seriously deformed man.

http://www.wnyc.org/story/robert-hoge...

[Kressel]

Stefanie wrote: "Surely it can't be a solution for us plainer versions of guys and girls to silently and meekly accept our lot as second class people."

Accepting his lot is exactly what this man did, but not as "a second class person." He accepted his deformity, and made the most of his life with whatever limitations came with it. It turned out pretty well. He's a got a family and a career, ie love and sustenance. What more do any of us need, really?

I definitely consider myself on the plain side, but as I've grown older, it has mattered less and less. I imagine it happens that way for most people. When you're young, you're more obsessed with finding a mate. Once you're out of the dating market, you can concentrate on other ways to enrich your life.

[Alyson]

I really do admire Robert. I really do like how he accepted himself, even against his rough history. He lived his life to the best of his ability. He did not let anything get in his way, even though it seemed like society, including his own family, was against him. He has is different, but aren't we all?

Beauty is not all about looks, like a lot of people think and believe. Beauty should be more about character. Robert is a strong person, probably stronger than most people.

I like how did not see himself as second class, like so many plain people do.

We all can take a lot from him. :)