The Prejudice of Appearance
June 7, 2010 No CommentsOver the past half-century, the United States has expanded protections against discrimination to include race, religion, sex, age, 
disability and, in a growing number of jurisdictions, sexual orientation. Yet bias based on appearance remains perfectly permissible in all but one state and six cities and counties. Across the rest of the country, looks are the last bastion of acceptable bigotry, says author and law professor of Standford University Deborah L. Rhode in The Washington Post. Her book the “Beauty Bias: The Injustice of Appearance in Life and Law” delves into our cultural orientation and mindset on attractiveness, the price and effects it pays.
Most of us realize that appearance does matter, but few of us do not realize how much price is attached to it. The price is so exorbitant not only in terms of time and money, but also to the detriment of one’s physical and psychological health. Many individuals, especially young girls and women have very low self-esteem because society defines beauty by giving so much credit on appearance or attractiveness. Many individuals are stigmatized and suffer depression. Many, out of desperation, submit to expensive and risky cosmetic procedures. What about those who cannot afford? Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia have become acceptable craze.
The “Beauty Bias” delves into the many contributing factors of appearance-related problems such as social, biological, market and media forces. We may say that beauty is only skin deep, but let us face the reality that in most cases people are judged on their appearance. It is sad to note that the influence of the misconception of beauty starts at an early age, even within the family. Some parents even play favorites based on how their children look. When people are unattractive, they are often judged as less smart, or not smart at all.
Appearance-related problems promote unfavorable stereotypes and impedes “equal opportunity principle” based on merit and performance. We can hear a lot of news stories about unequal job placement opportunities, unequal pay for equal work, or unequal treatment in the workplace, as well as stories of unequal treatment in public places, or even unequal treatment in the judiciary, and a lot more merely on the basis of the person’s appearance.
If society appreciates beauty beyond what the human eyes can behold (i.e. desirable qualities of an individual like talent, goodness, kindness, integrity, etc.), which are the most basic in life, then this world could be a fairer and a more just habitation for humankind.
More importantly, it is looked forward that legislators from across the globe pass laws to protect the citizenry from appearance-related discrimination. 
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