Personal pictures as avatars should be disallowed on debate.org.

"But it's a little difficult for me to believe you believe all that as an absolute." Every rule has an exception, except this one. *head explodes* We live in a paradoxical dynamic universe so no, no absolutes. I am absolutely a moral relativist. *smirk* "…is able to think outside of social norms and to think fairly scientifically." I try so very hard. We as a species seem trapped by our habits, not just of action and thought but of perception, and there are forces in play that would very much like to keep us this way. I am not of them. Or at least I strongly dislike the idea of being one of them. "The world, and the ideas that you're describing aren't as cut and dry as you've presented them." I grant that, my intention was to provide an overview. The data is very much interconnected and every statement I've made needs qualifiers and further definition, and those qualifiers and definitions in turn would need the same until I'd have to include ALL DATA. (caps because I can't bold or italicize) "Can you honestly say the reason everyone(or women) smile for the purpose of selling oneself?" No, they aren't doing it intentionally in most settings, it's a kind of habit. Smiling is as natural as applause. Make of that what you will. It is one of those blends of instinct and social training. What I said was that all staged smiles are a sale effort, from the used car guy, to the realtor lady. "…make your fellow man feel at ease and seem friendly?" In person is does these things, but when its staged, and then showcased, it becomes different. If a photo makes you feel at ease you are being tricked, your brain does not realize it's just a photo. Mine does, photos don't do anything for me except convey data. (This is not to say I can't be tricked in this way, for example I love my dwarf hamster Gustov as if he were a tiny human, because he's small, like a child, furry, like we once were, and has huge eyes, also like a child.) "I actually make it a point to smile at everyone, maybe it's because I have always worked around the elderly." I smile at people as much as I can but for the reason smiling was intended, to convey that I'm not a threat, which I find radically changes things. I'm 6'5, bald and look like I'm frowning all the time, if I relax people they are happier. You do not need to smile to convey your non threatening status. But again in any case a smile in person is a totally different thing then a staged smile. I worked in a rest/care facility, and visit one every Thursday health permitting. The woman I visit, her roommate and the other I've gotten to know after having left the job have taught me that honest conversation and time spent is more valuable than any fake smile. (not to say that yours are fake, but some peoples' are. "My intent was never to sell myself…" And as before in the other comment ‘debate', I'm not disputing what you intended originally, I'm talking about what is being done every time you consider the concept of changing your photo and turn the idea down for reasons other than laziness. "Let's just say I don't feel the need to prove anything…" Whew! Good. Really, that would have sucked. "…people who get to know me will learn these things…" "…"I really don't need it. Trust me. I think very highly of myself in terms of achievement and integrity…" Then is it really so wrong of me to ask that those of you blessed with good looks AND character showcase the latter instead of the former? "…and I am not in any way submissive." I hope that wasn't knee jerk, based on an assumption of submission being bad. For the record, I find honestly submissive people extremely respectable since the desire for control is the product of fear, they by definition are very brave. Further, submission to a grand idea can yield truly astonishing people. Gandhi and Einstein being quick examples. Submission goes hand in hand with compassion, you will not see me speak ill of it, my only beef is with the illusion of submission for power. Or ‘topping from the bottom' as they say in the lifestyle. "But you are making assumptions about me which I don't much appreciate." Then correct them if they are pertinent and are my business. My assumptions are mostly based on evidence, I would love to say all, but I'm human and thus I'm sure have prejudices. "Appearance has a bad rep because of how people react to it, not because of what it is." The same could be said of all words and much art. But yet we place limits on the expressions because of the reactions. While I wish we lived in a world where that argument was practical, we don't, therefore the responsibility is yours, just as its yours not to scream fire when there is none. "So am I really the one feeding into cultural downfalls by showing my picture?" When you know the reaction, yes. So now you get a choice, openly admit that you're a part of the system I'm attacking which objectifies women among countless other horrors, or admit to previous ignorance and find a more candid photo of yourself or something meaningful to you. That may be a false dichotomy but I really personally can see no third option, feel free to point one out. "The internet strives to be like the real world in almost every way. If you are presented with someone's face when speaking with them, then why not when communicating online?" That would be grand, but that's more webcam then photo, and still someone of a technological hurdle. For the record I'm partially satisfied you're not exploiting people intentionally, but the fact remains that you are exploiting them none the less. There will always be people who give you a little more attention, a little more courtesy, a little more leeway, than you would otherwise strictly deserve, and I refuse to believe that you're refusing to give that up out of ignorance. In fact we are both spoiled. Beyond the fact that we are rich Americans compared to the rest of the planet's population. My brain has always made things easy for me, I've never studied and I was on the academic team and have a 3.1, I don't have to read manuals, or assembly instructions. Ideas fit seamlessly together for me. I did not earn this, I was born with it, and I do accentuate, build on it, and showcase it. I think your beauty has had a similar easing effect on your life, and you engage in the same sorts of activities related to it. The difference is, I'm aware of what I am and what I have, and I'm not willfully exploiting anyone, if I possibly have another option. Can you truly say the same? P.S. I'm very pleased with this debate so far.