I have been considering different ways to measure how far removed a society or culture is from its environment. One of the things that jumped out and stuck in my mind is how so many people make an effort to appear in a way that is not favorable in the society. Trying to appear like half-witted hillbilly rednecks, slick and shady dangerous gangsters, or unfettered lascivious prostitutes has no real advantage.

It is very well studied in nature how life has learned to mimic and create false images to protect itself. Such as adaptations of coloration and design that are intended to fool predators, but these adaptations are well suited to their environment. There is absolutely zero advantage to presenting ourselves like a hillbilly, then demand that everyone listens to us; or to play up as a gangster, then complain that the police are always watching and treat us unfairly; or to go out looking like a prostitute and complain of being objectified. 

Trying to appear smarter than we really are makes sense. Trying to appear more trustworthy than we really are makes sense. Trying to appear more compassionate than we really are makes sense. Well,.. it makes sense if we cannot actually be smart, trustworthy, or compassionate.

And yes,.. I am getting old.