Why are we consumed by appearances?

Why is it that we value appearances so much?

I have a friend who refuses to be seen in Walmart – not because he despises Walmart’s ‘monopoly’, rather that he feels only inferior poor people shop at Walmart. He works a ‘nothing’ job where he makes a mere $10.75/hour. His significant other is able and willing to provide, and they rent in a high-end apartment complex, buy expensive furnishings and clothing, and grocery shop at the more expensive grocery stores where he still buys the store brand items and manager’s discounts when available.

I have another friend who buys her bread and certain other grocery items from the dollar store because she is on a tight budget and the items are just as fresh as in the grocery stores. She rarely buys new clothes for her son because she receives hand-me downs from family and picks things up from yard sales and craigslist – reduce, reuse, recycle, and save money.

Both friends are equally important to me, and I see how both conceive things. However, neither or these friends likes the other.

I believe it is due to appearances rather than the actual person.