Let’s begin with the definition straight from the dictionary:
su·per·fi·cial
1.being at, on, or near the surface:
a superficial wound. 2.of or pertaining to the surface:
superficial measurement.
3.external or outward: a
superficial resemblance.
4.concerned with or comprehending
only what is on the surface or obvious: a superficial observer.
5.shallow;
not profound or thorough: a superficial writer.
6.apparent
rather than real.
7.insubstantial or insignificant:
superficial improvements.
Ref: Dictionary.com
For further reference see this article: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090423195818AA0xtYF
I will begin by separating the term into 3 main categories.
Superficial self, superficial appearance and social superficial-ism (is that a word… I guess it is now.. I will add it to the MUSE-tionary).
So why would one want to be superficial?
Well the truth is… mainly to escape from something perhaps which by the way is… not always a bad thing!
My
favorite definition above is number 6 to appear “apparent rather than real.” Appearing to be
something we’re not perhaps. Putting up a front? Hiding the true self?
Well let’s think about that… why would someone hide within themselves? Maybe it’s
because if one showed their genuine self, they fear or may even know that they would not be accepted but rejected.
That’s one reason… and probably the main reason.
Other reasons are basic and as
simple as just wanting to appear presentable. When one is superficial, it is sometimes expressed by one's
attire, and afer all, who wants to see everyone walking around looking like they just rolled out of bed???
How about because one
wants to be liked by others? I mean, don’t we typically like… like-minded people and those
who behave such as ourselves? No appearing superficial at times… It’s not a flaw, its human
nature. So unconsciously, if one is in a situation where one does not ‘fit In’/i.e. share in
the same mentality as the rest of the group, the tendency is to ‘put up a front’ hence the term superficial.
Again, the reaction is a survival reaction. I do remember someone calling it human nature…
yes well that is exactly correct.
It is human nature to desire to be accepted, to appear
presentable, and to desire to fit in with whomever we interact with on a daily basis. The chances that
we interact with a group of people we completely click with/ think like/have the same beliefs and principles/'fit in'
with/ are close to nil! So in reality and on a daily basis, we will by default encounter several situations
where, unconsciously, our human survival instinct will kick in permitting one to behave in a superficial manner.
Yes, it is a choice, but making the correct choice at the correct time will most often result in a superficial motion
of liked-ness(note to self: add to MTM dictionary).
Which now leads us to the answer to
the question, "Why are some people anti-social and disassociate themselves from others?" Wait... was there a question? Non-the-less, let's continue....
These people are the ones who are escaping from behaving in a superficial manner. So rather than appear
superficial to fit in… they avoid socializing and interacting with others altogether which makes for difficulty in
succeeding in anything at all.
So what does this tell us? Apparently that we have to be a bit superficial
on a daily basis if we want to succeed at anything at all, or does it? Perhaps, but the choices we make with
regards to superficial-ism, and to what extent we exercise that characteristic is what makes us who we are.
Unfortunately some professions require
a great extent of superficial-ism to succeed in that arena, hence the need for it and the need to monitor its' quantatative
measure. Subsequently, guidance and reality checks are essential factors required to avoid falling into the unwanted
pitfalls of the so-called 'black-hole of superficialism'.
Here’s my two cents worth
of a solution to this epidemic. The best hindrance and balance toward superficial-ism (and there is a healthy
balance to it) is feeding the soul and mastering the act of biting one’s tongue to arrogance, criticism (unless it’s
constructive) and let’s just say, refrain from speaking the truth at any cost. Notice how I said
“speaking” not thinking or believing or recognizing. Remember the saying, “some things
are better left unsaid”? Practice that principle! Also… remember that true
sincerity… apathy... and genuine righteousness are the root results of feeding the soul and conquering
superficialism; hence the importance of it! A true character building exercise, I must say.
If you thing this is garbage… then forget the whole thing. I don’t know...
it may be… or not!~ Otherwise…
have a HAPPY SUPERFICIAL HALLOWEEN! Oh hey... who would have thought...
a holiday built for purpose. Yes... I say so!
LOVE and 'REAL'(not superficial!) Magic,
ME THE MUSE
