Are we what we are?

by Thomas Sim, 3 Feb, 2002

Scientifically know as Homo sapian. Do we behave like what we are?

The great distinction between man and animal is self-awareness and some degree of advance intelligence. To a great advantage, there may be a great disadvantage, in this case the abuse of the above gifted ability.

I have no intention to run down on human being. Similarly, neither have I got the guts to comment on intelligence, because obviously I am not the most intelligent man on earth.

The focus of this article is on self-awareness. Please don't mistaken self-awareness with image awareness. You need a certain degree of self-awareness to begin image aware.

From young, you can see children choosing their clothing to look good. During puberty this becomes an obsession. Then comes the time of courtship, who doesn't want to look good? For men, this may be the first time he puts on full tie and suit, not forgetting some male fragrances. So, what is the intention?

You can see this presentation of self-image building as a result of seeking acceptance from the opposite sex. For the others, it is seeking approval from the peers. This is where fashion turns the world around. On the other hand, have we forgotten the mother of self-image, our self-awareness!

It looks like we are more concern over self-image than self-awareness. By the way, self-image is seen in animals as the presentation of their attractive gestures to the opposite sex during mating seasons. Are we 'on heat' everyday of our life?

I believe that some form of image is required by animal to gain acceptance in the community for survival. This is especially seen in some community-based animals for hunting and protection. But, are we graded this way too?

Are we 'on heat' every day? May be for men, yes! Definitely not for every woman, biologically. And, at least not the children or old folks and the eunuchs. However, you would see image response throughout life, even at sleep. Do we necessarily need these self-image for survival?

Have you seen the recent rim-cap of Kancil? Kancil is a small cute vehicle. It is not supposed to be a racing car. What has happened is that the wheels are fixed with oversized rim cap to arrive at a false impression of a low profile tyre. This is not a sin, I know! But at least, use a real solid rim! Putting on an extra large rim-cap to build a sporty rim image is out right disgusting! Then, don't try driving a Kancil like a Ferrari!

If we claim that human is different from animal, from now on, please behave like one!