Much ado about lookism?
Lookism is supposed to be the 'new racism'. Society and celeb brigade speak up on this raging topic…
Of late, there have been some heated debates on the topic of 'lookism'. Termed the 'new racism', the notion had in fact originated when it was first coined within the 'Fat acceptance movement', wherein overweight people used the word to refer to discrimination based on looks.
Behavioural expert Hemant Mittal decodes the concept: "Society teaches what is beautiful and what is ugly at a very young age. It is a learned behaviour pattern. While those who are socially accepted as beautiful use it for financial, personal and professional gains, those discriminated for their 'looks' find themselves at the other end of the spectrum."
While some say being attractive helps you race ahead professionally, others argue that looks don't matter on the path to success. But first impression do matter it seems. Count the countless fairness cream ads, weight reduction programmes, cosmetic surgery, and even matrimonial ads that seek 'beautiful girls' and 'handsome boys'!
Actor Amrita Rao says, "I believe that your looks can't change your personality; it's your personality that can change your looks. Even in the film industry, the definition of conventional good looks has evolved; it's charm and persona that rules."
Actor-singer Sophie Choudry admits that it's a subconscious prejudice. "Even in fields where looks aren't a pre-requisite, it hardly comes as a surprise that an attractive person made their presence felt quicker. They perhaps exude a certain confidence that help them get noticed amongst a sea of faces. But I believe that without intelligence and focus to match, success will be short-lived."
Entrepreneur Gayatri Ruia agrees that our judgements are often based on first impressions. "A certain stereotype works; unfortunately people are obsessed with looks but it shouldn't come in the way to success." Politico Shaina NC seconds, "Indians are obsessed with fair skin. The glamour industry is such a powerful medium that people tend to typecast you. But I feel achievers are achievers, irrespective of how they look."
Mittal warns, "If not dealt properly, 'lookism' can create extreme negativity within. I have seen cases where young girls have attempted suicide because of depression resulting from constant rejection of marriage proposals. It's important to cultivate your inner beauty. Remember, being beautiful is to accept who you are."
Lookism is supposed to be the 'new racism'. Society and celeb brigade speak up on this raging topic…
Of late, there have been some heated debates on the topic of 'lookism'. Termed the 'new racism', the notion had in fact originated when it was first coined within the 'Fat acceptance movement', wherein overweight people used the word to refer to discrimination based on looks.
Behavioural expert Hemant Mittal decodes the concept: "Society teaches what is beautiful and what is ugly at a very young age. It is a learned behaviour pattern. While those who are socially accepted as beautiful use it for financial, personal and professional gains, those discriminated for their 'looks' find themselves at the other end of the spectrum."
While some say being attractive helps you race ahead professionally, others argue that looks don't matter on the path to success. But first impression do matter it seems. Count the countless fairness cream ads, weight reduction programmes, cosmetic surgery, and even matrimonial ads that seek 'beautiful girls' and 'handsome boys'!
Actor Amrita Rao says, "I believe that your looks can't change your personality; it's your personality that can change your looks. Even in the film industry, the definition of conventional good looks has evolved; it's charm and persona that rules."
Actor-singer Sophie Choudry admits that it's a subconscious prejudice. "Even in fields where looks aren't a pre-requisite, it hardly comes as a surprise that an attractive person made their presence felt quicker. They perhaps exude a certain confidence that help them get noticed amongst a sea of faces. But I believe that without intelligence and focus to match, success will be short-lived."
Entrepreneur Gayatri Ruia agrees that our judgements are often based on first impressions. "A certain stereotype works; unfortunately people are obsessed with looks but it shouldn't come in the way to success." Politico Shaina NC seconds, "Indians are obsessed with fair skin. The glamour industry is such a powerful medium that people tend to typecast you. But I feel achievers are achievers, irrespective of how they look."
Mittal warns, "If not dealt properly, 'lookism' can create extreme negativity within. I have seen cases where young girls have attempted suicide because of depression resulting from constant rejection of marriage proposals. It's important to cultivate your inner beauty. Remember, being beautiful is to accept who you are."
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