Platerism is a term used in philosophy and social theory to describe the practice of placing emphasis on surface appearances or external attributes rather than the underlying substance or deeper meaning of an issue. It often critiques superficial assessments in discussions about identity, culture, and social dynamics, highlighting how such an approach can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations. In essence, platerism underscores the importance of looking beyond the surface to grasp the complexities of a subject.