Hurt by body shaming
A student's recent post on the forum attracted more than 1,300 emotional interactions and more than 500 comments: "Has anyone ever been looked down upon by friends just because of their appearance? I usually wear simple clothes and shop according to the criteria of enough, but now, I notice that some classmates show contempt for me because of my dressing style.
I believe that a person’s worth lies not in external things, such as clothes and accessories, but mainly in their soul. However, I have noticed that in today’s society, many people highly value dressing fashionably and taking care of their appearance.
Sometimes people judge each other based on appearance and style. I feel tired of this kind of pressure. I want to live comfortably in my own style, but sometimes I can't avoid being looked at, commented negatively and feeling hurt...".
In the interactive comments of the online community, most people think that the student needs to be fair and objective in re-evaluating his or her own way of dressing, because according to the current fashion aesthetic criteria, his or her style may be too out of sync, to the point of becoming strange and eccentric. The student can ask for more opinions from people who have goodwill towards him or her to make appropriate adjustments.
"Being too casual is also a form of disrespecting yourself and those around you," a netizen commented and received more than 100 supportive interactions. The student's post raises a number of questions: So are style and appearance important? Should students pay much attention to their own fashion and style?
Sociologist's perspective
On this issue, Nevada Today - the student news newspaper of the University of Nevada, Reno (USA) - published an analysis with the title: "Does appearance affect our level of success?".
Ms. Kjerstin Gruys - author of the article, professor teaching in the sociology department of the University of Nevada, Reno - said that there have been many studies in the field of social science showing that appearance affects people's experiences and opportunities in work and life.
Should students pay much attention to fashion and personal style? (Illustration: iStock).
First of all, people with impressive appearances often have many advantages. In the field of psychology, there is a concept called the "halo effect". In general, people often have good impressions associated with physical beauty. When we first meet someone, if that person has an impressive appearance, we often assume that this person will have many positive, impressive, and remarkable things.
In the workplace, people with good looks are often more popular with their colleagues. In dating, people with good looks have more opportunities.
American economist David Hamermesh also believes that people with good looks will have a higher chance of being hired, getting paid better, and can marry a partner with good looks and a more ideal social status...
However, economist David Hamermesh said that people who decide to change themselves should not expect too much when improving their appearance. Improving their appearance and personal style should be a wise and long-term investment. Spending too much money or spending too much time and energy on taking care of their appearance is not something that students should do.
In a survey of nearly 2,800 people, economist David Hamermesh found that at the end of the day, 95% of the survey participants were rated as average in appearance. Thus, at the end of the day, after finishing a day of studying and working, the differences in appearance between us are greatly reduced.
Basically, at the beginning of the day, a person's overall style, charisma, energy, and demeanor have a huge impact on an individual's perception of beauty.
Appearance issues and feelings of happiness
People with impressive appearances often have many advantages (Illustration: iStock).
Many sociological studies have concluded that people with good looks are more likely to achieve success. This success is often linked to criteria such as money and status. However, physical beauty does not predict an individual's level of happiness and satisfaction in life.
People with good looks are not necessarily happier than people with average looks.
Social psychology research shows that the only factor that predicts an individual’s level of happiness is the quality of his or her social relationships. If a person wants to feel happier and more satisfied in life, they should work to improve the quality of their relationships.
Is appearance discrimination worth worrying about?
In several studies conducted, professor Kjerstin Gruys has investigated appearance-based discrimination in the workplace.
According to Professor Kjerstin Gruys, unequal treatment due to appearance is a problem that cannot be taken lightly and needs to be addressed. Civilized social life is when each individual's appearance and style are accepted and respected.
Lecturer Kjerstin Gruys also advised students not to spend too much time, energy and money on appearance. Instead, they should spend resources on self-development activities, because university is the right time for each student to prioritize studying and training.
So how much should students care about their appearance?
Many sociological studies conclude that people with good looks are more likely to achieve success (Illustration: iStock).
As a sociologist and feminist, lecturer Kjerstin Gruys values the ability for individuals to express their own personal style in creative ways.
Taking care of your appearance and style is also a way to express self-love, helping you gain more confidence and joy in life. In fact, investing in your appearance in the long run will bring positive impacts to each individual's life.
Lecturer Kjerstin Gruys often advises students to balance their time, money, and resources appropriately to invest in and care for their appearance, in addition to focusing on studying and training activities to develop themselves.
According to Nevada Today
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/bi-ban-be-xem-thuong-vi-an-mac-qua-gian-di-sinh-vien-nen-an-van-the-nao-20250103100420270.htm
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