Why do parents put pressure on their kids in school to get the DUX or become Head Girl or Head Boy to the extent that to not achieve it is seen as a failure? Does the fact that your child is not the DUX mean that they're academically incapable? Is fifth position, as opposed to first, really that detrimental? And why, exactly, do you want your child to be DUX of the school? So you can show off to friends and family?
Why, in terms of dating or even marriage proposals, is looks so important? Hormones aside, why on EARTH do we still hear the phrases 'oh, he's so fair' or 'does she have blue eyes'? Why do we allow physiques blind us against the important things like values or, simply, personalities? Why do we allow physical attraction crumble solid relationships that we've already built? (And why on earth is the 'prettiness' of our unborn, un-conceived babies so important?)
Why do we care about what cars we drive, the cars our friends drive, why their parents bought them such an expensive car and what our parents would've done? Is it really difficult to simply be happy for someone else's fortune? Why do we see the need to better someone else?
Why is the time spent planning an elaborate wedding longer than the duration of the actual marriage? Why has the detail on a serviette holder on the table twenty five of the reception hall become so important? A single person is not defined by their family or upbringing - so why do we place emphasis on the surname of the family our sons and daughters are marrying into, instead of looking at the qualities of the individuals they are marrying?
Why are the perceptions of others so important to us? And why do we scrutinize and criticize others?
I guess vanity and perception is something that is constantly drummed into us. Every male lead in a book or film is physically attractive, so young girls are brought up looking for their potential 'other-half' based on looks (and probably a dark, mysterious allure). Our economy has places emphasis on consumption, hence the use of marketing and upgrades to create trends. Shiny badges and braided blazers earn us pats on the head (and maybe even money).
Vanity is a veil that both covers and blinds us. It is outwardly. It is perception. And perception is not always reality.
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In other news, I started (and completed) a book that has no relation to my degree of study whatsoever for the first time a few months. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I'm a sucker for fantasy novels, so it was a wonderful 12 hours. Keen to start City of Ashes!
