Ever catch yourself staring at a beautiful person or the image of one? I know it sounds a little creepy, but it is like you can’t help yourself from staring at them. Don’t feel weird, as it turns out humans may be hardwired to do this.
There is something compelling about a pretty face, whether it be male or female. We prefer to be around them instead of average looking, or, heaven forbid, ugly people. We tend to chose leaders who are better looking—you have to admit that Obama is a good looking guy. Ever notice that many CEOs are tall and handsome? It is no accident.
Advertisements that include pretty people sell better than those with average people. Open any magazine and you will see products being pitched by pretty women and handsome men. Advertising agencies know this and so do modeling agencies.
As for ugly people, we like to laugh at them. Most comics have big noses or are fat or are just plain funny looking. Think Phyllis Diller, Stephen Wright, Carrot Top, or Margaret Cho. Yep, this is not a pretty group.
So, what is beauty?
It varies from for men and women. According to Professor Victor Johnstone of the University of New Mexico, “Men look for an adult female face that is different from the average face. The two key measurements are the distance from the eyes to the chin, which is shorter – in fact it is the length normally found in a girl aged eleven and a half; and the size of the lips, which are fatter — the size normally found on a fourteen-year-old girl”. Thus, men have a specific facial profile in mind.
Men are judged differently by women. For example, studies show that women are more attracted to the men who are smiled at by other women. Women rely upon the attitudes of others to shape their own determination about the attractiveness of men. Women prefer a man that is desired by other women and feared or respected by men.
Biologically, women are drawn to men that lead the tribe or clan—this is tied to the desire to procreate and make the best babies for the survival of the species. Handsome helps but power is also desired.
Of course, body type, race, height, and other factors come into to play. But, the point is that beauty counts. It counts more than maybe more than you and I like to think. Sad but true.
John Bradley Jackson
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Check out this link for more info:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3917414