In the eye of the beholder

Prompted by Berlaymonster - EU talent, the search continues - I am currently in the process of reviewing hundreds of people in view of nominating my MEP Idol. I must admit I’m not having as much fun as with the Cabinet Review but nevertheless, a couple of FAQ stroke my mind and I believe there is a valuable lesson to be learned here, a pearl of wisdom to be found.

Looking for a leading actor among 785 people from 27 different nations is not an easy task; I needed guidance concerning the best way to proceed:

MKWM: Aren’t we all united in diversity?

European Citizens: Aren’t we supposed to be?

MKWM: Then why do our countries of origin matter that much to us? EC: Why wouldn’t they?

MKWM: In the process of electing your MEP Idol, which would be the most appropriate approach?
EC: Why would we bother, is it mandatory?

Admiring the wisdom of answering a question with a question, I have come to the conclusion that, since our MEPs are not organised by nationality but by political affiliation, such a vision would be more appropriate, if only reviewing the non-attached Members was possible. Unfortunately, the latter can only be seen by country, while the seven political groups have their own web pages.

Consequently, these men and women will all have to be reviewed by country, but how exactly will my choice be made and if I had to vote, for whom would I put my cross on the ballot paper and for which reasons? Why are we inclined to instantly judge people by their appearance? What makes me think this man/woman is attractive or not? And incidentally, which is "my" country, where is my home, who are my ancestors and where do I really come from?

The least I can say is that Earth is my planet of origin. I have lived for a quarter of a century in the multicultural environment that Brussels has to offer and which I consider my home but I am a peaceful, open minded European Citizen who could fit and adjust everywhere in this world, live happily amongst all kind of people, whatever their colour, origin or even sexual orientation.

To judge a person by their image is of course wrong and it is certainly not a rule that governs my life, who am I to judge anyone anyway? I could be subjective and choose someone from my country of origin or according to my own political orientation but I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you - and my own self - by electing my MEP Idol as seen on a rather good or bad picture. Doing this, I know I will choose nothing but a person who meets the criteria of my archetype of beauty, in fact, nothing but an attractive outer shell in the eye of the beholder.

What about people’s inner self? Isn’t it worth exploring, could it have a greater impact on us than their outward show? Surprisingly enough, we realise there can be a natural attraction, liking, or feeling of kinship between persons who have never met, no matter their age, gender or good looks.

This is achieved through a telephone conversation or a script that allows individuals to communicate without meeting face to face. Writing allows us to capture our ideas, and through our blogs for instance, our thoughts and therefore a part of our soul are available to all.

There are affinities between people who have never seen each other, nor even spoken to one another, meaning they have discovered their inner beauty and its great value over physical appearance.

Yes indeed, beauty is only skin deep.