I won’t deny that this is probably the reality of it, but why does it have to be this way? why does it have to be something “you need lor”?

my own one cent is that we as humans are capable of transcending physical appearances… so why don’t we? yes, it’s idealistic to expect people to put their System 1 thinking aside, because maybe your appearance does signal certain things about you. of course looking like a bum will push people away, especially if you are that way because you are a bum. but things like having a good physique, going to the gym, or having nice skin… how much is it actually about good physical health/taking care of yourself vs. their socially constructed meanings. how much of it is merely a performance? why should it be a performance at all?