Reflection 05: I Feel Pretty—Attractiveness in America

As Americans, we are all told that "beauty is only skin deep," and that "real beauty lies on the inside." We are told that, but the realities of our culture tell quite a different story. Beauty, as it turns out, is not only celebrated in America, but rewarded. Good looks can land a person preferential treatment at restaurants, on airplanes, even in court. It's almost as if beautiful people are allowed to live in a bubble. What do you feel are the benefits of being attractive in American society? Are good looking people treated more favorably than the general population? Finally, what, if any, downsides are there to being beautiful in America?

Include at least two of the following pieces in your discussion:

• "Study: Attractive Men Fare Best in Gaining Venture Capital" (MIT News)
• "Calling Miss Congeniality: Do Attractive People Have Attractive Traits and Values?" (ScienceDaily)
• "How Much is Being Attractive Worth?" (Smithsonian)
• "Good Looks Will Get You that Job, Promotion, and Raise" (Psychology Today)
• "10 Pleasures and Pains of Being Beautiful" (PsyBlog)
• "You’re Not Beautiful, and There’s Nothing Wrong with That" (Daily Princetonian)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be only one full page in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: We 04.09