although I agree with that who've suggested that appearance does affect to some degree how some people perceive the characters or abilities of others. It shouldn't be that way, but it sometimes is.
Oh definitely. I wonder how this would translate in fanfic though. First, I think an author would have to constantly remind the readers of the change in appearance, be it through other's comments in the story or introspective moments. Following that necessity, I don't know how I would take it to have Clark (or others) be so caught up in how he looks within the story (presumming he's just "ordinary")--this focus on the looks of a "normal" guy seems unrealistic. If he's that ordinary, I'd argue, he'd just fade into the background (kind of like we're meant to think he does in the series, which is where the problem lies--the series wants us to think attractive is normal).
If he were unattractive by mass standards (a la RM) I agree this would begin to cross the characterization line--I always thought confidence, for example, was part of Clark's easy-going, mellow character. A Clark that knows he's extraordinary, but gets treated like dirt for being chubby or something, might have a different view of people (a lot of contempt for one).
I think that there is no middle ground in these situations because what authors write is based on an image that most people already accept as "normal" for the fandom (which is not in RL, of course). Either we go with the "normal" that the show gave us or thematize appearance in a way where (by default) Clark's attractiveness is "less-than-normal" (since it merits being commented on repeatedly--a necessity, I would argue, since without the reminders, Clark would still look like Cain for most of us).
Phew. That was convoluted. For me though, the fundamental question would be, if Clark had red hair and freckles what purpose does that serve the fic? As a reader, as long as I get a hint of the answer, I'm okay with whatever.
alcyone
