I agree to a certain extent. But if you control and shape public opinion you can be just fine.
When I stopped giving a **** about what people thought and started carrying myself with dignity and pride, people began respecting me for the confident, assertive person I had become.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should get 152 piercings and tattoos on your face, but care less about other peoples opinions and more about your own. Comprende?