Like so many of society's biases, lookism — the discriminatory treatment of people who are considered physically unattractive — is something we're all aware of (at least subconsciously), whether we've been directly affected by it or not. However, it's one of those difficult topics that we often steer our conversations away from. Especially if we're the ones who are benefiting from it.
So, in an attempt to reignite this age-old discussion, Redditor u/ZeuslovesHer asked other users: "Is 'pretty privilege' real and what is your experience with it?" And unfortunately, many had stories to share. Here are some of the most memorable ones.
#21
Since I used to be fat and slimmed down I know what it's like to be ugly and what it's like to be seen as somewhat handsome.
It's definitely real.
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42points
#22
Pretty privilege is real, think Mean Girls where Cady was pretty much got handed over the top seats in the Girl World Pyramid seeing that she was a 'regulation hottie'. But I feel that even if you aren't born physically attractive, having a friendly face can make up for it. And it's much easier to attain, especially as you get older. Smiling and being nice shows on your face, and it does get people some perks!
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40points
#23
So there was this girl who used to be in my school. She looks absolutely perfect. Thing is, she shares birthdays with me so on my birthday, all the attention would be on her. Thing is , according to my friend who was classmates with her, she's a total douche so ik this isn't a personality thing
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38points
#24
When I used to live in LA, people often thought I was a model/actress and I typically found it to be a super fun, friendly city. I was in LA visiting family while pregnant and got acne for the first time since I was 14. People were so much less friendly, then got more friendly again only once my bump was clear. It was like all the nice people in LA reappeared.
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37points
#25
Go on LinkedIn and look at any big companies' sales team/account managers...that's all you need to know.
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36points
#27
I mean I accidentally hit an older guy with a door at the gas station the other day as I was leaving. I immediately started profusely apologizing, and when he turned around and saw me he immediately changed his face and said it was okay and not to worry. I noticed his Bucs hat so we chatted about football, told him to enjoy his beer and avoid any more doors to the heel and I apologized again, then we went on our way.
I know for a fact had I not been a (that day presentable lmao) female, he was definitely ready to go off. So... sometimes it helps to have these big ol blue eyes hahaha.
34points
#28
I generally know that strangers will say yes to me or help me with stuff if I ask nice with a smile. I'm pretty confident in being able to 'cute' my way out of trouble, including with authority/security/cops.
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33points
#29
It's actually been proven. Attractive people are more successful in life because of it (e.i they're seen as more competent with no evidence showing that they are when compared to their less attractive counterparts and so on).
I would offer some examples but it would all be anecdotal and if we Google it there's several links to more scientific backed ones. I would link some but I'm on mobile atm.
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31points
#30
I've never seen an ugly waitress. I often have conversations with friends while eating out along the lines of "where do they find these women? Everyone in town except the waiting staff is ugly."
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30points
