Body size that is...especially for women. The way we look can play a major role in what other people think of us...whether right or wrong. "Dress to Impress" is a true statement. But since we are flawed beings, I think we are taking this "judging" business to far. I read this article from Glamour magazine & found it very interesting. They did an intensive study about stereotyping based on a woman's weight: if you're overweight people think of you as lazy, sloppy, etc. If you're thin, people think that you are stuck up, snobby, bitchy. In reality, we really don't know about the other person unless we actually put forth the effort to get to know them. You can't truly believe you have figured someone out just by what they look like.
Take retail for instance. If a grubby, old, shabby man walks into a place like Neimans or Barney's, what do you think the initial reaction/thought would be among the sales reps? Oh he won't buy anything; Where's the commission? Why waste time helping them? Or, OMG they are a shoplifter or someone who is dangerous. I'm not bashing either one of these stores, they were just the first 2 higher end places I thought of. I worked retail for many years...hell, I worked for A&F before all the law suits - you want to talk about stereotyping & everything based off your appearance? Point being, I'm not above being judgemental, stereotyping etc. just like everyone else. So back to the shabby man - he gets frustrated no one helps him & leaves...turns out he was a VERY wealthy man (true story). Best example is Pretty Woman. Enough said.
I think every being "judges" - it's just humans who have the ability to take it to a more complex level & become malicious. This article revealed that overweight women were more likely to get less pay than a thinner woman...ok really? Women - we already have the battle of being "equal" to men in the workforce & being paid accordingly - why are we going against each other? It's really sad when numbers are put in writing & being able to "see" the prejudice going on amongst ourselves.
I don't think very highly of the human race at times because of all the bad & damage we can do & still do to each other & everything around us. Why can't we just all get along? Yes, that was a little cliche. But it's absolutely ridiculous how women percieve other women or even percieve ourselves. Beauty comes from the inside, not out. And who is the one who gets to "decide" what attributes make a woman beautiful/hot/sexy? It's only been in the last 100 years that the shift towards super thin became ideal. This image that we blast everywhere in our society is unrealistic & a lot of times, not healthy. Why are you considered good looking/conceited etc. just because you are thin? Every body is different.
Just thought it was interesting to see just how much our appearance effects us.
*Unicorns & Glitter*
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