It’s illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of gender, age, race and sexual preferences. But there is a covert discrimination that continues to operate against women. It’s what I call ‘uglism’ — both because it is based on looks, and also because it is an ugly discrimination in itself.
‘Uglism’ is not new. Women in business have always had to deal with the unfair treatment of being hired based on their appearance. Being chosen based on the way you look is the type of legal discrimination which nobody can control. It is subjective in nature and it creates untrue stereotypes, such as the perception that good-looking female professionals are more successful than their ‘not as attractive’ co-workers.
‘Uglism’ and career growth
It is hard to explain what ‘uglism’ feels like if you have never felt discriminated by colleagues who treated you differently because of the way you look. It is hurtful, it is awkward to address and it leaves you feeling like you are not good enough, even if you are just as successful as everybody else. It is the ultimate self-esteem killer. In many cases ‘uglism’ can stall your career progression because it creates mental barriers to achieving success.
‘Uglism’ is not exclusive to male dominated industries. It can be experienced in women-only organisations where it can be even more detrimental to your confidence and career growth. Since you cannot control ‘uglism’ it can leave you feeling hopeless, helpless and even ashamed. No one deserves to feel this way in a professional environment.
To be pretty or not to be pretty – that’s the question
If you try to use your looks to get the job you want, you may not be taken seriously by your colleagues because your appearance will probably enter the room before your ideas. In addition, when ‘pretty girls’ put their point across assertively they are often depicted as ‘bossy’ and ‘too full of themselves’.
What if you didn’t want to use your looks to get a job? How can you compete with the women who are all about the Barbie Doll Syndrome?
You can never win. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If someone thinks you are not pretty enough you may not get the ‘prestigious’ sales job. If you are perceived as too pretty you may not be a good employee for someone who feels intimidated by the way you look. The important thing to remember is that what makes you a great professional are your skills, your experience and your proven record of great achievements.
‘Uglism’ in business should never be acceptable
As a woman in business myself, with a long history of ‘uglism’ work experiences, I am here to assure you that if you find an organisational culture which values you, you will find it much easier to perform well and feel appreciated as an employee. However, if you allow to be part of the modern ‘uglism’ you may not only become part of the problem, you may get lost in the challenge of trying to make it work for you. Discrimination of any kind is not right, especially when it is as vain as using appearances to create unrealistic stereotypes and justify ‘superficial’ business decisions.
