A Look @ LookismFollow

Fat ugly dumb people who don't understand just how stupid a concept as "Self Help" publications really are.

Kinda interesting. I do think that there are some occasions where an employers do themselves a disservice by not considering people because they've got weird piercings, hair, or tats. Particularly so when their appearance has no effect on the company's ability to do its job. I do understand the other side of things, where a company's image might be important.

Also, I suppose there's a difference between things that we can reasonably control about ourselves (like piercings and hair, which are pretty darn easy to remove/change), and our physical form.

Is it something we really need legislation for? Dunno about that. Seems like things are loosening up fairly quickly on their own as far as workplace appearance goes, to me. Though I work in NYC, and we're apparently the Sodom to San Fran's Gomorrah, according to the varus's of the world. I'd love to see the standards for appearance loosen up more...things are so much more interesting when people are free to dress as bizarrely as they'd like.

Edited, Apr 18th 2012 10:53am by Eske

I recently heard this story on the radio.

For people who don't want to click the link: a Texas hospital has instituted a hiring ban on obese people, claiming that obese people do not fit a "representational image or specific mental projection of the job of a healthcare professional."

The hospital also claims that this is part of a personal appearance policy.

So far, the law has not been deemed illegal. It is worth noting that morbidly obese people are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I've read your post several times now, Demea, and I'm not sure what you are saying. Which I'm sure is at least partly because I was out of coffee this morning.

How is it you're able to type at all?

The link is being long in loading. Does the hospital weigh potential hires to see if they fall into the obese range?

What if you get hired when not obese then get obese, can they fire you?

Do they also not hire other people that might engage in unhealthy activities like skateboarding, suntanning, eating at mickeyD's, or playing video games?

Weight seems so random. Obesity is usually an outcome of over-eating but not always...and people who over-eat or eat badly aren't always obese.

Since when is skateboarding or playing video games unhealthy? Hell, skateboarding is a physical activity.

Yeah, I don't think I've ever seen a fat skateboarder, come to think of it. Huh.

Edited, Apr 18th 2012 11:54am by Eske

Is it about fat? Then it's lookism. The hospital claims it's about being healthy. Well you go find a group of hard-core skateboarders and I bet at least one of them will be sporting a cast, a sling, crutches or bandages.

No it doesn't.

You're right I misread bigdaddys post. The hospital admits it's all about looks. Hah. Wonder if they do lots of plastic surgery.



Edited, Apr 18th 2012 6:10pm by Elinda

I'm assuming there is a study that both defines 'better shape' and provides reliable data?

What about fat kids that skateboard, are they in better shape than fat kids that don't skateboard or are they in better shape than skinny kids that don't skateboard?

Skateboarders smoke more pot. That helps them keep the weight off.