Phateless Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 One of my friends got me thinking this after giving a speech on disabilities, discrimination, women's studies, etc, and how it's all related in a way. It got me to thinking... do you guys think we have social/attractiveness classism and discrimination in this country? Are we segregated socially by our differing levels of attractiveness or social "status?" High schools are very clicky, but do you think it's better in the real world? (disclaimer) - I have not yet given my opinion so please READ THE DARN POST before you flame me. I'm merely bringing this up because I think it's an interesting topic. Discuss.
Blue Eyed Brain Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 There are still many discriminations that exist in America. Things have changed in the past 50 years, but not much has changed peoples minds in 50 years.
sandflea Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 (edited) Depends. Really I think it depends on what you mean by "attractiveness". I think most guys, especially if you're older, look for a person that "fits" their lifestyle, etc. There's always something enticing about the tattooed bartender with the multiple piercings. She's exotic. She's a free spirit. It's a rush. I think most people - guys or gals - see "fit" as very important. I do. If there's a click and we have something to talk about it tends to make dinners more fun. And beers. And long runs together. Still, calling it "class" makes it sound so much more ... 'snob'. SF Edited February 22, 2008 by sandflea
crosswordfiend Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Can you clarify a bit please? Are you wondering whether people associate with others with similar self-identified attractiveness ratings and actively disassociate with those with differing ratings? Or is it more a matter of the level of association/disassociation...
carhill Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Yes (classism/discrimination) exists, but, IME, as one ages, it tends to be more socio-economic than physical. There are many permutations of "attractive"
mental_traveller Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 It does and it doesn't. Some people judge by superficial criteria, others don't. Hang out with people who don't, and you should avoid most of that BS, although some is unavoidable.
OpenBook Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Yes (classism/discrimination) exists, but, IME, as one ages, it tends to be more socio-economic than physical. There are many permutations of "attractive" I agree. I have seen some butt-ugly rich people.
HokeyReligions Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 do you guys think we have social/attractiveness classism and discrimination in this country? Yes Are we segregated socially by our differing levels of attractiveness or social "status?" Yes High schools are very clicky, but do you think it's better in the real world? No
Kittiecat Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Absolutely. We are constantly celebrating beauty and giving breaks to pretty people. The bias is evident even in children. I saw a program awhile back where children were shown pictures of two smiling women - one who was obviously beautiful, and the other was middle aged, heavy set, etc. Overwhelmingly the children said the younger, pretty woman was nice, and the older, heavier woman was mean.
Star Gazer Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Classism? No. Self-implemented segregation? Yes. People tend to flock to those who are similar and familiar, and that includes appearance.
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