Moral Issues: Eye Contact and Physical Appearance
It is often argued about the connection between physical appearance and judgments and their relation to the person’s moral/intellectual character. In this case, the moral beliefs can be divided. From the one side, the recognition of character-appearance connection leads to injustice in the context of stigmatization, sexism, and racism. From the other side, this connection facilitates justice when a person judges one’s appearance and conduct. The majority confuses the individual’s physical appearance and his or her intellectual/moral character, as well as the national dresses with stereotypes. Moreover, the expression of politeness when speaking reflects a kind of respect like in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while the Europeans and Westerners consider it a kind of impoliteness and disrespect. These issues cause many controversies, and, therefore, it is important to refer to Catholicism as religious thought can shed light on them and provide relevant solutions https://top-dissertations.com/
Despite the fact that such aspects as the character and physical appearance are interrelated, the religion encourages separating the evaluation of personal qualities and reasoning from person’s manners and appearance. It is evident that physical presence provides evidence for judgment about the intellectual and moral character considering that character infers from physical appearance. Appearance can reveal significant aspects of the person and his/her traits. For example, national dresses do not only help to preserve the country’s heritage but educate the public about the national history. Despite the fact that stereotypes often emerge regarding individuals of distinct nationalities, the church urges to look beyond them. For example, black Africans are similar to West Africans, and the majority of Americans assume that all Africans look like African Americans neglecting the fact that they have a distinct culture, traditions, the way they look, dress up, and present themselves. It is often argued that racial stereotypes affect fashion choices. Various nationalities have their stereotypical modes of dress. However, in reality, human-beings are much deeper than stereotypes as they have characters and physical appearance that distinguish them from each other and help to save the individual traits.
The notion that appearance is a guide to the moral character can be questioned due to arguments provided by various schools of thought. The projectivist argument highlights the relevancy of person’s appearance to his/her character; appearance can be good or bad. However, the general appearance and standards of beauty have a cultural connection, and, therefore, they are examined from the perspective of universal norms. According to the mismatch argument, physical appearance depends on the natural endowment or circumstances beyond a person’s control. The danger argument specifies that the appearance is directly related to the moral character, and such aspects as sexual objectification, modern beauty trends, racism, and destructive social trends significantly affect it. In order to determine the specifics of one’s moral character, it is crucial to refer to philosophical and religious thoughts.
Stereotypes classify groups in a way that people may not completely understand, particularly, in the context of religion and faith. Catholicism is often regarded as traditionalist and rigid faith with its rituals. However, the word ‘Catholic’ is often identified with the word ‘universal.’ This faith is open to individuals of all ethnicities, ages, and races. Every person is encouraged to attend churches and refer to religion when seeking to get relevant answers to the pressing issues. The most reliable ones willingly share information and respond to questions concerning their faith. Some religious traditions may initially seem to be strange and unusual, but they make sense, particularly, regarding the recognition of stereotypes in case if they are clearly and understandably explained.
The meeting of human souls and minds that occurs through the eye contact is excellent mostly due to its social significance. However, not all cultures recognize it. Some people perceive an eye contact enthusiastically while others do not feel comfortable while staring directly into each other’s eyes during the conversation. Western and Asian cultures do not prefer constant eye contact unlike Asians, Africans, and Middle East residents, who associate it with respect and politeness. Despite its significance, close people do not practice eye contact considering it to be undesirable and unpleasant. That is why the significance of eye contact depends on the culture.
The face-to-face interaction is an issue that can be found in Bible and explained in it perfectly. Through meal sharing and touch, Jesus has established a direct face-to-face and eye contact with His disciples. God wanted them to recognize that He was not a ghost to be afraid of. Instead, Jesus appeared to his disciples in the crucified and tortured body. In addition, the contact of the Son with the Spirit is also evident, and every person, who makes it by faith, reaches the desirable outcome. From the religious perspective, eye contact is a primary experience of communion expressed in the personalized relationship. In reality, the use of eyes is an integral part of communication that requires direct contact. Situations that may need it include cheering, accusing, and warning. Eye contact is also an appropriate way of interaction with the priest during the liturgy as it occurs the same way as Jesus interacted with His disciples.
To conclude, the church and whole Christian faith consider people, who do not follow this practice, to be rude. Eye contact between individuals promotes honesty and confidence, and most people find it attractive. Catholics live a moral life, and the best way to convey morality and ethics in various spheres of life is through each other’s eyes. The religion does not encourage staring or acting in an uncomfortable way. Eye contact reflects the interest of interlocutors in the conversation and interaction. Concerning the general appearance, it is important to make sure that dress corresponds to the occasion. Such aspects as stereotypes, physical experience, moral issues, and personal character cause many controversies. Therefore, in most of the cases, individuals are encouraged to refer to religious thoughts, faith, and God as they can provide relevant answers and weighted arguments regarding all pressing issues.
