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Only the Pretty People will Succeed
Do you agree that that only pretty people will succeed? Well, have you ever heard the saying, “Beauty is only skin deep?” What about the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”
Truth be told, those sayings are not accurate. Physical attractiveness is a major determinant in judging the liking of an individual. Psychological studies ( Sprecher & Duck, 1994; Collins & Zebrowitz, 1995) have found that people had a favorite opinion towards attractive individuals (e.g. Pretty People). The reality is that physical attractiveness is associated with positive affect, popularity and favorable treatment.
PROOF
Not convinced? Look at the justice system. A defendant’s likability is very important towards a favorable judgment. While common sense tells us that stereotypes and biases have no place in courthouses, the reality is that they do influence the outcome of cases (Dane, 1992). Many have supported the existence of disproportions in sentencing between attractive and non-attractive people. The business world is no different. Attractiveness has a direct relation to success in some jobs and definitely in some industries. Just look at your television shows, news anchors, and soap opera protagonists. Look at the number of pretty people employed in the media.
A good example of this bias is a study conducted by Pingitore et al. (1994). She recorded eight different simulated job interviews. There were three factors in each of the recordings: 1) nature of the job (sales or system – with a job where appearance is relevant), 2) Gender of the applicant and 3) weight of the applicant (normal weight or overweight). After watching one of the eight tapes, participants rated whether they would hire the person they just watched on the tape. What do you think the results were? Well, overweight applicants received a lower rating, especially females. What was interesting was that the nature of the job made no difference in the rating.
WHAT ABOUT US?
We all like to think that we do not experience such biases. The truth is that when you are looking for an individual that will have a direct impact in your life (e.g. partner, lover, doctor, etc) we prefer a YAVIS. The acronym YAVIS stands for Young, Attractive, Vocal, Intelligent, and Successful. This is part of our human nature. Since birth we have been exposed to this set of tendencies (that is why you’ve never seen a “Homeless Barbie” doll).
While we cannot change how people look, we can always change our views. It is important that we challenge our biases, and keep them in check.
Now, what do you think about these studies? Do you think attractive people are more successful?
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About Me
Hi! My name is Roberto Montanez. I have always been curious about the way we do things and how we react to different situations. Even the most mundane things in our lives, I find interesting.
I have a M.S. in Psychology and have worked for a few years in the field of psychology and education. Working with people in the clinical setting and in the classroom has helped me gain a unique view about our world. More >>
From my experience, yes, the pretty has easier way to success. In my opinion, it is because the pretty get the confident from people that “adore” them. The “adoring” can made them confident of anything.
Check Dana latest post…6 Best Free Android Games
Dana,
You are correct about being confident. There is a correlation between those two. Thanks for commenting.
Wow Roberto, loved this post! very true! I remember running my own bar years ago and interviewing bar staff, I am sorry to say that the YAVIS’S reigned supreme! So yes I can say that I am biased as well.
To Be honest though my industry is a public service industry so we all would like to be served a pint of beer by a young and atractive person over an old, spotty, hairy, Balding Guy with a beer belly like what I am.
I think thats why i love blogging now as an industry as people will judge you on what you put down in a post and not what you look like, saying that though everyone deserves to be loved no matter what we all look like!
great post buddy and kindest regards!
-Phillip Dews
Check Phillip Dews @ Internet Marketing 101 latest post…4 Creative Blog Post Ideas
Phillip, Great insight! I agree that unfortunately you are right. In many industries, this is a covert prerequisite for hire.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
What a great post. I enjoy articles that push us to look within – many times we are surprised at what we find.
I think people who are considered ‘pretty’ tend to be more successful because everyone is so quick to “open doors” for them – they are offered more help, shown more leniency,etc. Interesting, too, is when a person considers themself to be pretty they seem to advance at a similar pace. Perhaps, as the above comment observed, confidence is a powerful quality.
In my own life, I have been able to experience how people are affected by someone with disabilities. I used to be an active young woman with no problem engaging others in conversation, etc. Then, after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and being in a wheelchair with a tracheostomy, I have a difficult time getting some to even acknowledge my presence.
Yes, we are a society that prefer, and are more comfortable with, people that are pretty to look at … intelligence optional. Keep up the great post subjects!
Peppy
Peppy,
Your points are so valid. We tend to associate positive adjectives with pretty people. One perspective that I neglected on this article is the one you brought up about people with disabilities. I believe that will be another article topic worth exploring.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and commenting.
I see myself as a very average looking person. No barbie, but no beast either. Sad to think that this might actually be the cause of a mediocre life?
Thanks for this post – true, but sad.
Tammy
Check Tammy Matthews latest post…When You Look In The Mirror What Do You Hear
Tammy,
The sad fact is that this evaluation is always part of our decision making process. Thanks for taking the time to comment.