The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express. -- Francis Bacon
I have a friend who calls me every day to tell me, "Life is rough, Michael, it really is".
I usually disagree but after reading this report, well... it's bad enough to be short and unattractive but when they go and dock your pay for it! That's really depressing.
But, tall, lean and handsome versus short, stout and unappealing. That's the Rat Race in 2005 according to researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
These distinguished scientists have discovered that if you're vertically and horizontally unchallenged and have a nice face, you'll make more money.
And, scientists, I believe you. Why, I can't count the number of times a manager has told me, "Mike, there's a bonus in it for you if the candidates are good looking." Right, Anthony?
Now, what is the St Louis Fed? It's one of 12 banks that make up the U.S. Federal Reserve system. And it published this revelation in the April edition of The Regional Economist, a favourite journal of the economic elite.
But, wait, little people, before you jump,
there is some good news. Listen to this:
It is not possible to staff a company without short people.
There simply aren't enough tall people to go around.
Here's the full scoop in water-cooler format.
Pretty Premium: good looking people earn 5% more.
Plainess Penalty: unattractive people earn 9% less.
Boopsey Factor: overly-attractive women are seen as airheads.
Attractive people are more confident and communicate better.
58% of Fortune 500 CEOs are over 6 feet. 30% are over 6, 2.
We believe good looking people perform better.
College kids give good looking profs better evaluations.
Pretty people get special breaks.
White women lose more than white men for being overweight.
Women with an obese body mass index earn 17%
less than women with an average BMI.
Short People, Arise!
Now, apparently, no one sues for appearance discrimination
because only race, gender, creed, origin and age are protected.
But women and minority groups have attacked height requirements in the police force and fire department as tools of gender and ethnic bias.
So, if you've been denied a promotion and you're short, you
could claim that it's a diversity issue. It's worth a shot.
Don't let it get to you
Let's say this report leads you to believe that the odds are stacked against you through no fault of your own. What should you do?
Nothing. Because if you worry about it, that will affect your personality. And personality is a much bigger factor than appearance in making a good impression.
Source: Sharda Prashad, Toronto Star (Apr 6/05)
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