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looks-gordon-patzerGordon Patzer, PhD. is a researcher, writer and speaker that has been internationally recognized for his efforts in understanding the influence that physical attractiveness (PA) has on our daily lives. This area of research has brought so many other researchers to conclusions about physical attractiveness that it has been called the ‘Physical Attractiveness Phenomenon' (PAP). According to Dateline NBC, Dr. Patzer is known to have spent three decades researching these things.

Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined

[is-gateway name=”HicksNewMedia” id=”INFOtainmentNews”]His book, “Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined,” delves extensively into this issue. In this 2008 book, he intends to show how good looks, or the lack of them, affects people in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Not just personally, as in love, romance and friendships, but in broader happenings of society.

Dr. Patzer does not just describe how your looks might affect others, but more importantly, how they are perceived by others. While one group of people might view a person's looks as attractive, another might not. He asserts that it is the cultural and social environment we live in that defines what is considered attractive or not. He explains that these are judged on conscious and also subconscious levels that can differ depending on where you live in this world and also what race you happen to belong to.

Dr. Patzer addresses the obsession with looks in the United States and the rest of the western world. He discusses how many Americans are so obsessed with their looks that it takes a toll on their physical and psychological well-being. He addresses how individuals are influenced to a far greater extent by television shows, movies and literature.

He also cites issues such as once unknown diseases like bulimia and anorexia that are common in western society as proof of this dysfunction. He describes how these obsessions can have an economical impact, especially for females. Dr. Patzer states that this can be seen in how much money is spent on plastic surgery, breast augmentation and cosmetics each year. It's also obvious that some can afford these things and others cannot, which adds to the competitive nature of physical attractiveness.

He gives numerous examples to show how we make decisions based on physical attractiveness without ever thinking about it. How many times is a beautiful woman's or attractive male's death covered in the news when deaths of ordinary people occur everyday that could have been covered as well? What decides who we accept as role models, and those we reject?

Dr. Patzer's book also delves into ancient history to prove its point. How many people know that Abraham, a figure in the Bible, received most of his wealth because of how beautiful his wife was? She was considered so beautiful, under the definitions of the time and place, that she was admitted into the Pharaoh’s Royal Court. The fact that Abraham was a stranger to Egypt and became wealthy virtually overnight because of his wife's beauty underscores the power that comes from being physically attractive. Dr. Patzer provides numerous examples of this to prove his valid point.

While the book can be shocking, if it is read with the correct perspective, it can be beneficial and even helpful. It is useful in understanding human nature and values that govern society.

This article was composed by Paul Putnam, a freelance writer based in the greater metropolitan region of Houston, Texas. Paul has an abiding interest in beauty, physical fitness and overall wellbeing; those concerned about looking their best may benefit from a visit with Houston Plastic Surgeons.

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JR Olson

J. Rex Olson is a freelance writer based in the greater metropolitan area of Seattle. He enjoys writing for the sake of writing, and likes to contribute material on a wide range of topics and issues. When not writing he loves playing basketball and taking in a symphony.

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JR Olson

J. Rex Olson is a freelance writer based in the greater metropolitan area of Seattle. He enjoys writing for the sake of writing, and likes to contribute material on a wide range of topics and issues. When not writing he loves playing basketball and taking in a symphony.

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