the look

There are few things in this world worse than a condescending look, folded up neat in the tweed suit of American propriety. Reputation is a shifting world of shadows, a chess game in which pieces and powers and talents are to be won and held on to in the ocular sphincters of others. Never mind if those things are in ourselves, it only matters that they are seen in ourselves by others. But, it is a dangerous game. Lurking around every glance is the naked truth - a harsh, unforgiving light - that doesn't cut corners or smooth out the wrinkles that end up in everyone's best sunday suit after long enough wear. Reputation! Reputation! Reputation! The golden dream of being well liked.