Images are not only skin deep, not only in passing. Let's pick on alternashit. Image is who you like and who you are supposed to talk to. If you talk to someone not 'approved', rumors will spread. I saw Sonya talking to Corey the other day.
Image does evolve.
But only internally. The clothes might change, or the snob level might ease off. Images, however, are snapshots of life that can only feed on itself, and then be regurgitated to others. Last night my kids asked me to help them bake a cake so they could invite some friends over for a little get together today. I obliged them.