'Lookism': have you experienced it during your PhD?
I recently read this article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2033782/Didnt-job-Blame-lookism-discrimination-ugly-new-racism.html
I wonder if your looks have determined how 'successful' you are as a PhD student (getting the jobs for TA assistantship or getting the funding, being popular in conferences, your course results, etc). I have some experience on this during my PhD (unfortunately negative, since I am very average looking, older that the average PhD student and a foreigner.
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It's strange, because while I know this happens in general, I would have thought that academia operated on a slightly different system. If anything, I would have thought the bias was to native students rather than attractive ones. That said, the post-grad application in my university require you to submit a passport photograph, which really bothers me since there is no justifiable reason.
Unfortunately 'lookism' is a sad reality of our culture, but it works both ways. Last year, I was physically molested by the boss on my first day of a [professional] job. I had to walk out and was utterly devastated as I was badly in need of the money and was so pleased to have finally found work.
Several years ago I went to see my G.P. about depression, and he somehow thought it appropriate to tell me I had nothing to be depressed about since I was attractive. It was a very uncomfortable exchange and completely undermined my respect for him. I haven't been back since.
Lughna, I hope you're OK after that terrible experience and your GP was out of order.
I don't think it's deliberately done within academia but it's more a subconscious thing and people tend to favour those they find more attractive without realising it but I am a bit uptight about it.
Lughna, that is awful, obviously what happened with your job but also that your GP didn't understand depression properly and was so dismissive. I read an article in the news quite recently about a young woman (who happened to be beautiful) who was in a psychiatric hospital somewhere in the UK as she had severe depression; tragically she took her own life while in hospital. Her mother was saying that she never thought the doctors took her depression seriously as she was so pretty and successful, so that is a dangerous consequence of lookism I suppose. It is a terrible misconception that being attractive and 'having it all' should make one immune from depression.
In terms of getting jobs, I'm not so sure if it affects things in the way you suggest. I am the youngest (nearly 24, 2nd year) PhD student and tutor in my department, and I do have comments made about my age sometimes, even from students which can be a little disheartening when they don't believe that I am their tutor. I have the feeling that my age and looks go against me sometimes, even though I am not really looking for an academic post at the moment as I have only just started my 2nd year. I make an effort with my appearance and wear quite a lot of makeup, and sometimes I have a feeling that people might think I am a but superficial for that reason. I apply my makeup well and don't look like a tart, have been wearing it since I was 13 so have had plenty of practice, but I wear quite a bit more than most of the women in my department so I do think I am being judged sometimes. I'd love to have the confidence to wear less, but I really don't, and I'm used to wearing it. It's probably less of a big deal than I think, but I do feel a little insecure about my looks and my age sometimes.
Natassia
Yes, thank you both, I was angry more than anything else; that we live in a world where people think it acceptable to behave in such a way.
Natassia, not looking much older than the students seems to be a common issue young PhD candidates face. I suppose it's partially because all during their education, children/teenagers have been taught by someone who is much older than them. Then, when they are at their oldest in university, they can someone who is only a few years older! I suppose it is somewhat jarring for them. I remember developing superficial crushes on two TAs during my freshman years; based on their intelligence more than anything else.
I can empathize with your point about make-up as well. I have always been very 'feminine' and, like you, can feel self-conscious about this in the department. Of course there is no reason why you can't be an academic and take pride in your appearance, but some people give the impression that time spent on superficial things gets in the way of time spent on research. There is also the problem of people underestimating you, because you don't *look like* you are intelligent. :-s
Nope, definitely not.
I'm a fat, short, relatively ugly bloke with glasses, etc, etc, etc. I've never gotten anywhere based on my looks.
I've also never gotten anywhere based on "who I know", how much money I'm willing to pay (been pretty broke all my life) or any of the rest of it. I'm also a white, British, middle-class male with no physical or mental disabilities, so I don't win on equality quotas either.
I've gotten what I have through hard work, determination, and being good at presenting myself on paper and in person as the right man for the job.
======= Date Modified 08 Jan 2012 19:26:54 =======
It's strange, because while I know this happens in general, I would have thought that academia operated on a slightly different system. If anything, I would have thought the bias was to native students rather than attractive ones. That said, the post-grad application in my university require you to submit a passport photograph, which really bothers me since there is no justifiable reason.
In my experience the bias is towards foreign students because:
a) It helps to fill equality quotas; and
b) They pay ridiculously high fees, and universities are all about the ££££££££££££
======= Date Modified 08 Jan 2012 19:26:54 =======
It's strange, because while I know this happens in general, I would have thought that academia operated on a slightly different system. If anything, I would have thought the bias was to native students rather than attractive ones. That said, the post-grad application in my university require you to submit a passport photograph, which really bothers me since there is no justifiable reason.
In my experience the bias is towards foreign students because:
a) It helps to fill equality quotas; and
b) They pay ridiculously high fees, and universities are all about the ££££££££££££
It goes both ways. Attractive people can be quickly judged to never have to work hard, have everything easy, get the accomplishments because of the looks, nasty, snob.
They can't win. If others see an attractive and friendly person, they'll hate this person to be too nice and goodlooking at the same time anyway.
Good looking people who work hard to be achievers are simply downplayed to be people who got far because of their looks alone.
It's true that being attractive has its advantages. But employers don't hire people only because they are good looking, but because they are goodlooking and capable at the same time.
I think this is a loas of rubbish, if it were true I'd have had a job years ago...
No really. I have to say that after three interviews in all case either the least attractive or middlingly attractive person got the job - and I didn't.
Sorry to sound conceited, but my looks are commented upon - I have done some modelling quite recently, and my sense of style is superb. I blooming wish this would get me an academic job. No such luck.
Unfortunately, from my experience it looks as if an excellent research record, good teaching experience and - possibly - being friends with one of the interview panel are the only things that will do it.
The Daily Mail is not a great source of facts, come on, even my first years know this...
