Superficial

Superficial. adjective
concerned with or comprehending only what is on the surface or obvious
shallow; not profound or thorough
being at, on, or near the surface

Many political conversations have transpired this week. For me, most noteably, between my 11 year old and whoever will listen and answer his questions. Usually its me because we see a lot of each other, but he has had the valuable opportunity to inquire of others their opinions.

In this the term superficial has become a favorite. Of course, we have to define this adjective for him. He knows the gist of what it means, but because he's a 'grabber' he has to know what precisely this means in the context that we are using it.

Of course we have to seize the opportunity to utilize the self help skills. "You know where the dictionary is kept." "Yes, mom, but what does it mean in this instance."

*that means I have to think* Ummmm.... Another learning opportunity - metaphors and similes are always fun! "Beauty is only skin deep, never judge a book by its cover, still waters run deep - does this answer the question, cuz I can go on all day?"

Slightly sidetracked we start to discuss how accurate these metaphors are. But if someone is beautiful on the outside, can't they be on the inside too? Or what if their outward beauty is only a reflection of their inward self confidence. Can't people who are inwardly ugly possibly be outwardly ugly, too? And mom, don't you still pick out your books by their covers? I never see you actually read the summaries. Yet you still find some really good books.

Hmmmm.... stumped, I think he got me. "Yes, yes, well yes but not necessarily, and I do - why are you spying on me? I also end up with really rotten ones on occasion, but yeah, most of the time I'm pretty good at choosing."

Interesting conversation that we had. Of course I brought it back around and applied it to the political discussion that we were having. Simply put, sometimes you can string together words in such a way that you are speaking a lot and get a lot of positive feedback, but actually not be saying anything of substance.

But back to our rabbit trail. Looks can be deceiving. But are they always?
PSA: Sometimes superficial things (good or bad) could be an overflow of underlying issues.
Yes or no?

PS. A good book with a good cover: "The Book Thief" by Marcus Zusak Its a book that will make you laugh hard, cry harder and love life a little more and fear death a little less.