In our class discussion about surface versus depth we uncovered that James Tiptree liberalizes this idea within “The Girl Who Was Plugged In.” In her story, the remote represents the surface and the waldo represents the depth. P. Burke, the waldo, controls the mindless remote, Delphi, therefore providing her with depth. P. Burke is portrayed as a deformed, rotten, dirty, ugly girl of seventeen, whereas Delphi is beautiful. When Paul falls in love with P. Burke in the body of Delphi, he sees both beauty and depth. However, when he finds out Delphi is merely a bot, he wants to rescue P. Burke from the underground vault, but he ends up killing her because he does not understand. Tiptree’s story leaves her readers wondering whether Paul is a sincere character; if he loved Delphi for her appearance or for the depth/personality P. Burke brought to her. Our discussion of surface versus depth led us into a discussion of appearance versus personality, as to which one initially draws us into a new relationship. While for some to say that it is human nature for appearance to be the initial draw in to begin a relationship, I believe that is superficial. It is true that one must be physically attracted to the person they are involved with, but I feel that in some instances one’s personality can shine so bright so as to draw in another and the importance of appearance can be thrown out the window. Each of us has our own set of experiences which lead each of us to believe that our argument is credible. In my experience, I have not yet found an individual who is ideal in his or her appearance and who treats an individual of the opposite sex with respect. I have, however, found an individual who is not perfect in appearance, but has the kind of personality I would like to surround myself with. Therefore, I believe it is possible to live in a non-superficial society in which personality is the initial draw in to a relationship.
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