Look beyond appearances, appreciate people’s inner beauty

I refer to the article “A plus-sized beauty queen running to make a point” (Oct 10).

I was shocked to learn that Ms Fiona Tan’s father had humiliated, berated and mocked her for being overweight.

It is a travesty and a tragedy for a child to put up with such treatment while growing up, and I can only imagine how much Ms Tan went through.

In a way, her father’s dim view of overweight people epitomises the erosion of social teachings.

The exterior is revered much more than values such as a good heart and politeness.

It is not surprising that the plastic surgery trade in South Korea is flourishing and K-pop idols are treated like demigods.

This comes ahead of time, but my Christmas wish is that more if not all of us can look beyond appearances and appreciate people for their inner beauty.