Oh, what is the world turning into?
So, on my way to facebook I decided to check out the stories that pop up on my MSN.com homepage and one really caught my attention. Apparantly Mr. Postman's altering of my perspective on entertainment media was more pronounced than I originally thought (and I'm not even halfway through the book yet).
The article was on beauty and how much influence it has on whether or not we get the job at an interview. According to the information derived from a poll, attractiveness is more important than an amazing education. This particular section of the article reminded me of Postman's mention of President Richard Nixon and how he was "sabotaged by make-up men"; it was also backed up by the following paragraphs that explain how the more hours you last in front of a mirror the better your carreer in show business will be.
Sad, isn't it?
Well, there's the link to the website:
htttp://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/19/poll-how-much-is-beauty-worth-at-work.html?GT1=43002
My question to all of you would be your opinion to this article and how Postman's idea that superficial beauty is what rules in this technological age. Think about the concept of "beauty is success" and how it applies to areas outside a work place, like school, the mall, heck even reality t.v. (America's Next Top Model ring a bell anybody??).
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It is sad, isn't it? Luzangela, everything you said is indeed true. I actually made a post similar to yours a while ago, and I am relieved to know that others are aware of the parallel between beauty and brains. So, which one has become more of a vitality nowadays? Beauty. Which one is more appealing? Beauty. Which one will get you further in life? Apparently, beauty will. But why?
ReplyDeleteI read the article that you posted, Luzangela. It was very interesting, but in my opinion, it was also predestined. I agree with the first four points in the article, and then I got to the "We hate Fat People-Even Though Most of Us Are Fat" point, and I was a bit flabbergasted. The reason why I was so staggered is because I have seen heavy set people who are still considered attractive(not only in my opinion). Take for instance Gabourey Sidibe, from the 2009 Oscar-winning film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire ". She was on the cover of "Vanity Fair", and was said to be one of the most beautiful women of all time. I saw the movie myself, and she was an amazing actress. She deserved to win the Oscar for "Best Actress in a Leading Role". Wouldn't you agree that she is overweight? Oh, so she must be ugly then(according to the article Luzangela posted). Everyone has different opinions on beauty, which is why I don't believe that looks should be as big of an influence in hiring employees as they do today. As Luzangela had stated, nowadays, looks are more important than having a good education when applying for most jobs.
Here's a scenario: Two girls go to apply for a job at "Hollister" as a store cashier. One is simple-looking; plain features, but still fairly pretty. She is currently in college, working for a master's degree. The other girl is absolutely gorgeous. She has astounding features, but isn't exactly the "sharpest tool in the shed". Also, she doesn't go to school. They both apply, but girl number two gets the lucky draw. Why? Because she is the better candidate when it comes to presenting the stores products to its customers. But wouldn't a 'smart' person be needed as a cashier, to handle the money? Apparently not.
Another point in the article that really dazed me was "We Also Dislike Old People". I am still trying to grasp my hands around this concept- it just doesn't make any sense(in my opinion).
---"Eighty-four percent of managers said they believe some bosses would hesitate before hiring a qualified job candidate who looked much older than his or her co-workers." - www.newsweek.com
That percentage seems WAY to high, don't you agree? This statement serves as a real shocker for me. There are plenty of beautiful people who also happen to be old.
My personal policy with looks over beauty is this: If they can get the job done, hire them. Who cares if they are 'unattractive'. Looks are becoming too dominant. Before we know it, everyone will just abandon their pavements towards their future, and get makeovers in order to become 'beautiful'.