While driving on Monday I had the public radio for South Florida on. The program was Topical Currents and the topic was ‘The Beauty Bias’ based on the recent book with the same name by Deborah Rhode.

That people are treated differently based on their appearance is as old as people and deeply complex. I think Deborah, approaching it from a legislative point of view unlike brouhaha for the sake of a sound bite or studies for the sake of studies, is talking about laws to protect people. She narrows the beauty biases down to potential legal ramifications and therefore some kind of real recognition and result.

But wow, is taking on this issue really possible? Innocent babies respond better to attractive people and adults respond better to cuter babies. Can a perception so ingrained in our brains be controlled?

Even in positions where intelligence is a key factor such as in high-level government, the women dye their hair and clearly undergo a few nips and tucks. I suppose the only way to really know if they do this because of societal pressure or because they like it is to ask.

‘Excuse me Nancy, did you just get ANOTHER eye job? If so, did you feel forced to keep up with America’s perceptions of what kind of person they could respect? Or worse, did your boss, The American People, take you aside and let you know your job might be on the line with those saggy lids?’

‘And Hillary, love the new highlights. Did you get them especially to impress Netanyahu in your upcoming meeting? Did you feel the highlights might make the meeting more successful?’

Some things may be more difficult for a less attractive woman or a shorter man, but same goes the other way around.  My pop wanted to be a military pilot but at 6’6” with poor vision didn’t make the cut. I have an attractive girlfriend who was asked if she had a boyfriend in a job interview. WTF? But, pops became a navigator instead and girly found a different job she loves. Rhodes recognizes the bias goes both ways, and argues justice for both sides. However, I wonder if this is really a worthy priority?

Don’t get me wrong; I totally back anyone who feels they’ve been unjustly treated in school, work, or play because of their looks. That’s just whack.  If they want, they should pursue their case legally. And I deeply sympathize with feeling like an outsider or less of a person because of something superficial.  But I say try not to let it get to you, because only you control your destiny.

Whatever the stance, it’s a very interesting topic that effects everyone. What do you think?

Here’s a link to WLRN’s Topical Currents with Deborah Rhode. I call in and comment at 35:19 to say that makeup can be fun too.