Superficiality is toxic. Superficiality is defined as a lack of character, thoroughness, or serious thought. This seems like a simple definition, but superficiality can be manifested in a myriad of ways. How do we draw the line between what is superficial and what is cultural relativism? Many people would argue for the importance of diversity because cultural relativism highlights how different cultures can promote different, important values.
Yet some people may distinguish a different value as superficiality by means of overlooking cultural relativism. Superficiality is manifested in almost every action, behavior, and value. Superficiality is more pervasive in our stereotypes and stigmas. But the reason why it is looked down upon is because it separates people from being unified in a supportive, cohesive community, which can only be acquired through a depth of character from each member of the community.
Stereotypes and stigmas enforce power dynamics of superiority and inferiority. They reinforce one party’s superiority over another by denouncing a specific trait based on its associated stereotype or stigma. Superficiality is manifested is by utilizing stereotypes and stigmas to overlook someone else or something else’s value to promote another value. This is harmful because humans, by definition of having the same rights, should be treated with equal respect for their human dignity. Stereotypes and stigmas reinforce superficiality.
By definition, the opposite of superficiality is acquiring a thorough amount of knowledge of a subject before making a judgment of it. This implies that only acquiring firsthand knowledge of other people regardless of their status based on stereotypes and stigmas attributed to them indicates depth and therefore, lack of superficiality.
These stereotypes and stigmas are based on values of physical appearance, taste in music, fashion sense, education level, hobbies, vernacular, and other daily decisions. They can include religion, politics, social status, and gossip. Stereotypes and stigmas prevent each individual from achieving a deeper depth of character, which can only be done by seeking truth.
Since superficiality is defined as lack of thoroughness in knowledge and understanding, superficiality is almost synonymous with lack of concern for the truth. The seeking of truth is a virtue because truth promotes accuracy and precision. Thus, superficiality, in stark contrast, only leads to lack of accuracy and precision. When people engage in behavioral patterns that promote superficiality in one area of their life, they are more likely to engage in the superficial behavioral pattern in another area of their life.
Thus, it is much better to avoid superficial behavior as often as possible because one behavioral pattern of it can breed another. That is the definition of character: the behavioral patterns of a person that foster the present and future actions of that person.
But why is superficiality so harmful? It is just because it does not promote truth or accuracy? It is because truth and accuracy lead to long-lasting results and reliable relationships and knowledge. Relationships based on superficiality contain superficial bonds that wither from the most pathetic amount of antagonizing adversity.
Strong relationships are based on bonds that are long-lasting, which are the product of truth and depth of character. A supportive, cohesive community can only be created and maintained when every member has a depth to their character because a supportive, cohesive community is only built with strong bonds that can withstand harmful adversity. Deeper depth of character leads to greater appreciation of the world and greater appreciation for the character of others. This creates reliability, sustainability, and real love.
