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Yes, scars are just superficial marks. I know my scars sometimes serve as reminders that I am fortunate I have limbs to be scarred. Other times, however, the scars somewhat bother me. This is particularly true when someone comments. More often than not, the comments are motivated by curiousity and are not intended to be hurtful. Other times, although much less frequently, the comments seem to be rooted in less-than-honorable purposes. When this is the situation, I try to turn away. When I was younger, I allowed this kind of cruelty to really affect me.

In short? Do not let others define your strength: try to rise above blatant ignorance.

In the whole scheme of things, scars are superficial; they certainly do not define class, credibility, or worth (although I think they sometimes add to character). Nonetheless, I empathize with what you are saying, Alex, because it is difficult to hide some facial scars. [br][br]My significant scar extends vertically from just below my neck to just above my upper stomach. Through the years, I have received many comments about this mark. When I was younger it used to bother me, but now I apply makeup to the area to blend the color. Otherwise, I often forget it is there.

My "mask" comes from acne scarring on my face and the torso area. While the ones on the body are easily covered up by clothes, the ones on my face took their toll on my psych. Unconsciously, I began keeping my head down in most situations. I suppose it was a defensive reaction when I started being really self-aware about how I looked. It also didn't do much for my self confidence and at times I was almost hating my skin.
Now that the acne started to fade away (on its own, I might add) it took a conscious and voluntary effort to start walking normally down the street and keep my head back up, without having to observe closely the sidewalk.