Each of us was taught that appearance is not the main thing since childhood. And at the same time, we are accustomed to meeting a person “by clothes”. How not to overstep the bounds and not fall into such an extreme as lookism?
After all, this not only provokes people to be complex about their appearance or wardrobe. It also leads to serious problems with relationships between colleagues, in particular conflicts, prejudice, some kind of misunderstandings, and judgments. Let's figure out what lookism is and how to deal with it.
So, the word “lookism” comes from the “look” word, that is, “appearance”. Accordingly, this is discrimination because of appearance: a set of stereotypes, prejudices, and behaviors in relation to physically attractive and “unattractive” people.
It is also a kinda “praise of external attractiveness” and something like a reproach to people who don't meet the standards of beauty.
The problem is as old as the world, but at the same time, it is relevant to all ages. The thing is that people have always paid attention to external attractiveness and their attitude and even position in society depended on this. Thus, attractive people were treated better: it was always easier for them to find friends, they looked at their flaws more condescendingly, and they could achieve success much faster in society. At the same time, they tried to fight against lookism of all ages.
Philosophers of various schools and trends started this fight many centuries ago: from the ancient Greek Stoics to medieval scholastics. Now the goal of combating lookism has been taken up by various activists, people with body-positive views, and, in the end, corporate ethics that prohibit discrimination on any grounds.
Simply put, lookism is discrimination based on appearance. And this problem has spoiled, if not their career, then the quality of work and life for sure for many people. A classic example is when an attractive employee is more likely to be promoted than her less pretty co-worker just because she is beautiful.
Or, for example, one sociological study from Dan Ariely showed that tall men are much more in demand among ladies. At the same time, shorter men have to make up for it with higher earnings to be attractive to women.
Whatever one may say, people are increasingly realizing: lookism that this is more of an atavism. Psychology, the moral and ethical development of society, and the fight against stereotypes made society understand one simple and pretty old truth: appearance is not the main thing.
Confidence and belief in your goals is the key to success. So confidence will help to achieve respect and career victories in life. Compliance with certain standards of beauty is not a guarantee of success. It doesn't even always help to be self-confident.
In the end, you need to understand that many stereotypes are imposed on us by society. And these standards were always set: either women had to have large hips and breasts, or a tan was considered a sign of ruralism, or the parameters 90-60-60 became almost the standard of beauty. Now society is gradually abandoning the imposed standards and prejudices.
Based on the fact that lookism in simple terms when somebody someone is humiliated because of appearance, the confrontation with such a problem begins with a culture of body positivity. The essence of this movement is to make people feel comfortable in society, regardless of external data, be it overweight, a non-standard figure, scars, or some other features that are different from “beauty standards”.
Mass media contributes quite well to the promotion of this culture. More and more cartoons and films are promoting the idea that it doesn't matter what you look like. Not your appearance defines you, but your actions and personality. For inspiration, we advise you to watch:
Besides, there are many movements, communities, and flash mobs aimed at popularizing body positivity and fighting body shaming, which is one of the facets of lookism (because, in essence, this is the oppression of a person because of his body).
One of the most prominent psychologists at the University of Massachusetts, Nancy Atkoff, has this to say about lookism:
“Today we live in a world where lookism is one of the most prevalent prejudices.”
It is so well rooted in society that it manifested itself everywhere, in culture, art, and even in politics. For example, in the 1960s, when there was a political race between Nixon and Kennedy, many argued that Kennedy won because of his looks. And it's not so bad if lookism is limited only to nitpicking about appearance, whether it's a couple of extra pounds or a tan.
The trouble is also that it leads to a whole range of new stereotypes and prejudices, from sexism to racism. All people understand, what is lookism in essence. And any discrimination inevitably leads to intolerance, infringement, and also to the desire to dominate.
It is characteristic that any form of discrimination lives when they are tolerated. That is, when lookism, for example, is not condemned. Therefore, the golden rule for any discrimination, aggression, or harassment is not to be silent. Especially, in any civilized country, or at least striving for this, this can be fought at the legislative level. You can sue if you were not hired, fired, or refused to be served in a cafe because of your appearance.
You can also contribute to the fight against lookism every day:
Lookism will disappear or at least lose its power when it is no longer accepted as the norm. And it will become something marginal and abnormal. Appreciate each other and remember that each person is beautiful in their uniqueness and worthy of respect.