In the article "Racism and Appearance in The Bluest Eye: A Template for an Ethical Emotive Criticism",[10] Jerome Bump explains how the novel suggests that physical beauty is a virtue embedded in society. Bump asserts that the novel reveals the belief that the outside of people ultimately reflects their character and personality. This belief compromises people's judgement and they act upon internal bias.[2] These biases are displayed throughout the novel, especially through the mistreatment of Pecola by family, friends and community.