The childhood-career-plans for this gentleman was to become either an "Indian" or a bookseller, but frankly, I don't think that's what he became when he grew up. No, he looks more like a bookkeeper, i.e. a clerk, working in an office. It made me think of appearances, and how they form our immediate understanding of other people. That was much easier in the past, when poor was poor, and rich was rich, and most likely always flaunting that fact in their dress and manners. Now it's a bit different, to put it that way, as the former status-givers in clothes and looks are not at easy to discern as earlier on.
When it comes to personality and character it may get tricky to find out how and what people are. As we most often classify others we may be a bit too hasty.
If she didn't have that gun, nobody would have wondered at her life situation, her social status or anything. Most people wouldn't even try to guess at whom she is, because to them she would just be a poor illiterate woman from some obscure country they don't even know of. They would be very surprised to learn that she is an Albanian woman of 106 years, who is all set to defend herself and her property at all costs, even if it takes shooting someone out to rob or kill her.
Melina Salazar was rewarded for not going by looks and attitude, as well as being able to give that extra that often makes a real difference to people who are not very popular with others. This man's grumpiness may have closed doors for him, but so may his looks as a poor Veteran. Had he looked rich many people would have overlooked his less pleasant behavior. However, some give-away-symbols may have changed over time as indications of wealth may look like the opposite of what they are.
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