From a recent Miriam Webster Word of the Day:
LOOKISM \LOOK-iz-um\ noun
: prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance and
especially physical appearance believed to fall short of societal notions
of beauty
Examples: As a teacher, Kim's response to recent studies showing that attractive
students receive better grades was to try to be vigilant against her own
possible lookism.
"We now so expect 'lookism' that the novelty in TV is shows specifically
designed to get around it. On the already popular 'The Voice', judges listen
to the singers with their backs turned — deliberately cutting them off from
the psychological trick that beauty does to the brain."
(From an article by Sarah MacDonald)
Did you know? There are a lot of -isms in the English language but most people overlook
"lookism." It describes the prejudice or discrimination people have toward
others because of their appearances. People first used the word in the late
1970s in reference to how people were viewing others who were heavier set.
Today the panorama of "lookism" extends from the "overly" beautiful actor or
actress to the homely child. Economists, sociologists, and psychologists alike
pay close attention to the lookism that occurs in everyday life and examine how
it affects people and society as a whole.
Have you (like I) always been a sucker for a pretty face? I have to admit that I have,
but I like to think I am beyond that now, and look for the good in people, not just their
beauty (or the lack of it.) Still, I am drawn to pretty people in the beginning, and then
hope they prove worthy of that interest.....lol. I was once friends with a woman who
told me that she was not interested in good-looking men, because they always
turned out to be lousy in some way (and egotistical), while the men who were average
looking were generally more interesting, better conversationalists and more loyal. What's
your experience?
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Wednesday, June 06, 2012
LOOKISM....Are You Guilty of It?
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9 comments:
It can work both ways.
You can be pilloried for being pretty.
I am not posting a recent picture today of me with my siblings because I am the youngest but look like the oldest, fattest, pitifullest of the group. Does that answer your question:)
As far as men go - yep! the best looking are not the best husbands! A nice, normal sort of man does fine.
Pretty is great - its how you act with it that makes or breaks.
Granny Annie - ME TOO! I am the youngest but look horrible! I plan to work on that this summer. :)
Anyway... I believe I am guilty of "Lookism". I am trying to be more aware and am getting a bit better as the years go by.
I agree with Pat . It can work both ways, but either way it is unfair.
I agree with Pat. It can work both ways, but either way is unfair.
I find that the more I get to know someone, and like them, the better looking they become. You miss so much if you let "Lookism" get in the way.
Looks are all about the heart and soul of the person.
Yep, guilty as charged
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