Compliments

Why do we compliment people on things they have no control over? To me, that's like saying the starving children in Africa (or India, China, America) brought it on themselves. It's not their fault, and you didn't choose your lovely eyes.
Now, there's a difference in complimenting a singer on her naturally beautiful voice, and acknowledging her time and effort to learn to read music, expand her range, and pursue a career. Those are the singer's real accomplishments. I used to get in trouble when I was younger for being rude when I wouldn't thank someone for complimenting me on my hair color or eye color or height. I felt silly thanking someone for stating their opinion when I didn't ask for it, or taking credit for something I had no control over. I learned to hold my own opinion of this silently and bow to society's expectations. It still doesn't make any sense to me, but I know enough to keep my mouth shut in public.