Going for The Look But Risking Discrimination

In today's competitive job market, companies often prioritize the appearance and image of their employees as a part of their brand strategy. This practice, commonly known as "going for the look," involves hiring individuals based on their physical attractiveness and how well they fit a particular image or stereotype. While this approach may seem harmless or even beneficial to businesses, it raises significant ethical concerns regarding discrimination. This essay explores the concept of "going for the look" and the ethical dilemmas it poses, particularly in relation to discrimination and its impact on society.

The Practice of "Going for the Look"

"Going for the look" is a hiring practice that is prevalent in various industries, including retail, hospitality, and marketing. Companies seek to create a specific image or appeal to a particular target audience by employing individuals who embody the desired aesthetic. This can involve factors such as age, race, gender, body type, or even attractiveness. The rationale behind this practice is that customers are more likely to be attracted to and make purchases from employees who reflect the company's ideal image.

Ethical Dilemmas

While "going for the look" may seem like a strategic business decision, it raises several ethical dilemmas:

1. Discrimination

One of the primary ethical concerns surrounding this practice is discrimination. When companies hire employees based on their appearance, they often exclude individuals who do not fit the desired image. This can result in discrimination based on age, race, gender, or other protected characteristics, which is both unethical and illegal in many countries.

2. Reinforcing Stereotypes

"Going for the look" reinforces harmful stereotypes about beauty and attractiveness. It perpetuates the idea that only a specific type of appearance is valuable or desirable, contributing to societal pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards.

3. Impact on Self-Esteem

Individuals who do not fit the preferred image may experience negative effects on their self-esteem and mental well-being. They may feel that they are not good enough or that their worth is solely based on their appearance, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

4. Diversity and Inclusion

This practice can hinder efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace. It creates a homogenous workforce and excludes individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, limiting the perspectives and ideas within the organization.

Impact on Society

The practice of "going for the look" extends beyond individual ethical concerns; it also has broader societal implications:

1. Perpetuating Beauty Standards

By prioritizing appearance over qualifications or skills, this practice contributes to the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards. It sends a message that conforming to these standards is more important than one's abilities or character.

2. Widening Inequalities

This hiring practice can exacerbate existing inequalities and disparities, particularly when it comes to race, age, and gender. It may prevent individuals from marginalized groups from accessing employment opportunities, thereby perpetuating systemic discrimination.

3. Consumer Influence

Consumers also play a role in perpetuating this practice. When consumers respond positively to companies that employ attractive individuals, it reinforces the idea that appearance matters more than other factors, such as fair treatment of employees.

Conclusion

"Going for the look but risking discrimination" is a complex issue that raises significant ethical concerns. While companies may argue that it is a strategic business decision, it has far-reaching consequences for individuals, society, and the perpetuation of harmful beauty standards and stereotypes. It is crucial for both businesses and consumers to recognize the ethical dilemmas associated with this practice and work towards more inclusive and fair hiring practices that prioritize qualifications, skills, and character over appearance.