http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023561384Oh my.
Well, the brain-damaged primitive isn't
specifically mentioned, but the hint's there.
LearningCurve (381 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 03:59 AM
When Is It Appropriate And Not Appropriate To Hire Someone Based On Physical Appearance?
Had a lively discussion recently, and the answers ranged from "Always appropriate" to "Never." Most answers were in-between, but the line kept moving as various situations were brought up. Let's just say, no clear line or consensus was reached. I'd like to receive more input.
David__77 (14,887 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 04:22 AM
2. It makes a difference, that's for sure.
I work in a consulting profession. Physical appearance is very important. It's not always "physical attractiveness," per se. Someone could convey authority, for instance, through their appearance, and this could be positively perceived. Attractiveness is rarely a disadvantage, however. Youth, however, is looked down on in many cases - it can go both ways depending on the sector.
loli phabay (3,599 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 04:28 AM
3. yup it all depends on what your hiring for, would you hire a morbidly obese personal trainer
Or any other millions of jobs where physical attributes are needed.
SharonAnn (9,763 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 11:57 AM
32. Like orchestras finally had to do, having the musician play behind a curtain so the interviewers didn't know if they were male or female, All of a sudden, women musicians were getting hired.
Uh, the above primitive's grossly in error.
She's referring to the famous case of the Detroit Symphony Orchesta, which at one time was one of the premier symphony orchestras in the world.
They
used to hire musicians playing behind a curtain.
But then the feminazis got all upset because they were hiring nearly all men.
And so they had to do away with the curtain, exposing the auditioner's gender for all to see.
Nowadays, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's no longer one of the premier symphony orchestras.
It's in the history books, Sharon, dear.
NightWatcher (21,530 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 09:10 AM
11. Would tattoos fall under appearance?
If I'm a dentist and there are two candidates for a hygienist job and one of them is sleeved or has neck tattoos, they wouldn't get the job.
If I own a restaurant I might not hire a tattooed person for front of the house jobs.
Some people are put off by heavily tattooed people and if my business dealt with the public in certain situations, I can see not hiring people based on some appearances.
Capt. Obvious (2,205 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 01:40 PM
44. If you are working with others in an office environment
and more importantly meeting clients - appearance should factor in.
I work with some complete ****ing slobs who should be sent home daily until a) they learn how to use an iron, and/or b) shower, and/or c) use deodorant.
LearningCurve (381 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 05:31 PM
67. I'll give some examples of age, race and gender
These all came out of the discussion and proved to be challenging.
RACE
Chinese Restaurant. You have applicants who are not Asian, but are qualified. However, you want to project "authenticity" so you feel inclined to staff visible personal based on whether or not people could see them as Chinese. So is it okay to hire exclusively Koreans, Thais, Japanese, Chinese, etc? Knowing you may lose business to another place that has at least the illusion of being authentic.
GENDER
A Rape Crisis Hotline. I had a few women admit that they would feel much more comfortable talking to a woman as a first contact. Some strongly so. So knowing this, do you hire a qualified man if women are available, knowing you might be turning away people from getting help?
AGE
Let's say a clothing store dealing in current fashion for teens. Knowing that a customer might not want "Grandpa's" opinion on current trends, no matter how into youth culture he might be, do you hire him or the college student?
Vincardog (17,482 posts) Fri Aug 30, 2013, 06:40 PM
76. It is Appropriate To Hire Someone Based On Physical Appearance when that appearance would
Materially affect their (and implicitly your companies) performance. How many Plastic Surgeons do you think have bald, flat chested, buck toothed, obese, acme ridden receptionists?
OTOH
It is inappropriate to NOT hire someone qualified when their appearance would have no effect on either their or your companies performance. Who cares if your janitor is bald?
Rats.
No primitive mentioned applicants who look like a grouchy old walrus.
