The idea that ‘good-looking people do better in their respective careers’ is increasing at a rapid pace, making people, especially women, progressively more concerned about their looks and figure, according to IANS.
The stereotypes are present in western society as well. A survey in London found that many women could actually be compromising their career prospects by being constantly worried about their weight. Conducted by Dove, the survey of 445 women found almost a sixth of women saying their lack of confidence, due to their body shape, impacts their working life. Some 15 per cent said insecurities about their appearance had hindered their career progress, and they worried about what others would see when they looked at them.
Additionally, advertisements which boast slender (and fair) women as the ones who are successful, play on the insecurities of women in Pakistan. Moreover, by increasing the general attractiveness level of models who endorse perfume, clothes and other everyday products, the media has made women more conscious of their looks than their skill-set.
Hina, an account manager in a local bank confesses, “It’s not just the advertising world that demands good-looking work staff. The corporate sector is no better. All the attractive looking girls are sent to the main branch because it has the highest level of client interaction”.
However, a little word of advice comes from Natasha, who works for an FMCG company says, “You can’t please everyone at the same time. The key is to be happy with yourself and remember that ‘beauty is as beauty does’.” WITH ADDITIONAL FROM IANS
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ