WHAT’S IN A FACE?

“Ugly Betty” Tops the Charts – But, Why?

It’s amazing to me. “Ugly Betty” won the Golden Globe Award. It’s not that “Ugly Betty” won, but what is truly amazing to me is that we are all so astounded that a television show like this (1) had to be made, (2) was considered a comedy without a lesson when it was first introduced, and (3) that so many people are amazed by its appeal.

It’s unfortunate. Unfortunate that we, as a global community, need to be reminded that beauty is not just skin-deep. The media, for decades, have reinforced the issue of beauty versus brains, beauty as the bringer of all things, and youth as the magic doorway to a happy life.

Fortunately, there are a few good writers out there that wish to create a new view of what life has to offer if we could only shed the dictum of the past.

How often are we smitten by a good body or gorgeous face, yet are not even recognizing the talents of someone with a plain countenance, or repelled by someone that may have a disfigurement? Aren’t we all cut from the same cloth internally?

We have to go deeper in our assessment of neighbors and friends to truly find the pot of gold to success. Many have the talents and skills to produce great works of art, organize a coalition, govern responsibly, or provide a positive spin on the ills of society. Yet we criticize a person’s clothes, their accent, and their appearance before even giving them a chance.

I once met a woman who was known for her community work and ethic. She was nothing that I thought she would be. Simply dressed in work clothes, a bandanna on her head, and fire in her eyes, I realized when I first met her face-to-face, that this was the person that had worked so endlessly to make her eastside neighborhood better and a stand out among many. I was flabbergasted to hear someone say, “Can you believe she dresses like that?” I responded, “Why not?” Here’s a woman who works hard and is accepted by everyone in her neighborhood without a second thought. She dresses as she works, sensibly.

A long time ago, I read that the apostle Paul said to “become all things to all men.” I took that as a great way to define one’s presentation, especially in sales. How often have I seen people in distressed neighborhoods distrust “a suit.” This eastside activist became a comrade to all in her district by just being her, without frills or the uniform of success. Yet, she succeeded, not only with those living in her area, but also throughout the city in government, the courts, and other places she had to make contact with to get what her neighborhood needed. She became all things to the people that mattered most and did not present herself to others as one who cared more for how she was perceived by those in power as much as she cared for how she could get the job done. Bravo!

Another eastside activist I have come to deeply respect attends meetings to rid her area of drugs and prostitution. She created youth opportunities and developed a strong bond with kids of all ages who consider her a second mom. She’s overweight, wears jeans, a parka, and a watchcap as she sits on and chairs a Board consisting of neighbors and representatives from the city, state, and federal levels. Moreover, she gets the job done. Such a dynamo, not taking the time to “spruce up,” but rather taking every minute of every day to assure safety and security.

On the other hand, I just attended a meeting recently where a new member would only address one person eye-to-eye. That person was not a member of the group that could provide the time for leadership due to many other responsibilities, yet, he was wearing a tie, just coming in from work. He was elevated to the leadership role by this man for his appearance rather than his activity and not even he could understand why. When I mentioned later that the man addressed him due to his appearance, he was aghast and promised to never attend a meeting until he went home and changed to assure he was on a level playing field with everyone else. How unfortunate that this young man would feel he had to do that in a neighborhood that is rift with crime, to guarantee that others at the table were given the same respect as he received that night.

So, when someone comes to a meeting, or moves into the neighborhood, instead of judging them by their appearance, listen to their words and recognize what they may have to offer before passing judgment. You might be turning away a powerhouse, just like “Ugly Betty.”