There’s a common saying that goes, “If you look good, you feel good,” but how much of “feeling good” is due to being treated better?
The idea of “pretty privilege” has been mentioned on TikTok and Instagram for a while now. The concept refers to the idea that those deemed more attractive are given more opportunities or advantages than others.
While some people debate whether such a concept truly exists, others argue that pretty privilege can lead to preferential treatment for grades, jobs, discounts, or just being treated more kindly overall.
The concept got me curious, so I decided to undertake a small experiment of sorts.
For one week, I attempted to portray a more “ugly” and disheveled look by wearing big T-shirts, baggy jeans, sweatpants, and my hair either down or in a messy bun. Then the next week, I dressed up more by wearing more tailored clothing, jewelry, make up, and styling my hair.
I was hoping to see if my own experience would enforce or dispute the concept of pretty privilege, and, I have to report that my experiment held true.
When I presented myself as more pretty by societal standards, I was shown more respect and courtesy by my fellow Dallastown students.
For example, I was pushed significantly less in the hallways between classes. I was included in and had more conversations initiated to me. I was helped by strangers when I dropped something as being ignored when I was wearing sweatpants.
While my experiment might not have been held to highly scientific methodology, my experience convinced me.
Other people have done similar social experiments.
In one study, a woman put pretty privilege to the test when asking for help carrying a suitcase down the stairs, and another by asking for donations for a charity. Both found that they were more successful when they were considered more conventionally attractive.
This issue became more popular in recent years as the “glow up” trend has taken over social media. A “glow up” is when somebody who used to be considered “ugly” changes their physical appearance in a way to more closely fit the beauty standard.
Many people began posting their experiences of being treated differently after their “glow up” online, most recounting that things playing video games or reading were previously considered “nerdy” or “weird” now were deemed “cool” or “quirky.”
Dallastown junior Alejandra Mercado completed a research project for her sophomore English class on pretty privilege. She found that pretty privilege can also have some negative implications – both for those who appear on the surface to benefit from it and for those who don’t qualify as “pretty”.
“Differential treatment based on appearance can be damaging. It is unfair to judge people based on things they can’t control. I can’t rearrange my bone structure! And even for those who are considered pretty, it can be degrading and objectifying to only hold value based on appearance,” Mercado shared.
Beauty ideals in our society are influenced by sexism, racism, and ageism and can be very subjective at times. Many others agree that pretty privilege has a toxic effect on relationships and individuals by championing prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of appearances.
Perhaps it is time to recognize and challenge our own biases, to begin to redefine beauty with a broader definition, and to question the assumptions that on the surface attract and repel us from others.
As a community, we need to do a better job of valuing ourselves and others by who we are on the inside rather than the outside.
“Everyone has their own ideas of what is and isn’t attractive. Everyone has different tastes,” Mercado said.
It is through championing these differences and taking the time to discover and value other relevant traits when evaluating others. The more diversity we see in our school hallways as well as on TV screens and catwalks, the more we can accept that “pretty” goes more than skin deep.
In the end, the realization and acceptance of one another is really the best reflection of true beauty.
