Wow, Shevia, you've accomplished a first - this is the first YLF thread that made me take notes as I read. This was absolutely fascinating. I have many thoughts that seem a bit disjointed at this stage, but I'll try and weave them into something resembling a cohesive response.
"If a woman is born with high intelligence, exceptional musical
talent, or athletic ability why is that more to her credit than being born looking like a model?"
The whole premise of this thread was that beauty is less valued than intelligence, artistic/ athletic prowess, or other accomplishments that required more visible effort to achieve. I'd argue that this isn't even truly the case on a variety of levels. First of all, I'm not persuaded that beauty is less valued. People may have genuine respect for the more tangible achievements I've already listed, but those accomplishments often seem eclipsed by physical attributes when they're present or diminished when they're not. The article about Clooney's fiancee is a perfect example of this. It's a particularly extreme case, but it's almost as though that writer was paying lipservice to her intellectual strengths and saving the more genuine plaudits for the physical ones.
We have a similar situation here in Canada. One of our more high-profile federal politicians married a highly intelligent woman who has a tremendous record of human rights activism. She also happened to have won a beauty pageant once, and she's referred to as a "former beauty queen" just as often, if note more so, than she's called a human rights afctivist, feminist or anything else pertaining to her work. Another example I'll submit is the contrast between the treatments Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama received as first lady. Both women forged similar career paths and were highly respected in their fields, but Mrs. O has attained a certain status that Mrs. C never received due largely to her more glamourous and stylish presentation. I wonder if, as Adelpha eluded to, Mrs. O ever feels limited or constrained by her appealing physical appearance? As Angie said, being beautiful can be hard work, and I argue that it has its share of emotional baggage as well.
Assessment of characteristics can extend beyond the question of attractiveness, too. Psychology has revealed a height bias that people bring to bear on men, particularly those in power. Ditto face shapes, which have been well researched as evoking all kinds of associations right out of the gate. As for people with physical disabilities, any of their accomplishments tend to be viewed through that lens rather than taken at face value. I can't tell you the number of times people have praised me for doing X or Y "because I'm blind," or "in spite of my blindness" etc. Maybe that particular accomplishment is worthy of praise, maybe it's not, but it's invariably framed by my physical reality. The same can be said for the able-bodied celebrity examples I've mentioned above.
My point is that physical status in general, and beauty in particular, *are* valued in this society. We as participants in a fashion and style forum surely recognize this implicitly, as we're here to make the most of what assets we have. Appearance likely shouldn't be valued in the way that it is, but we're dealing in real-world terms here rather than ideal ones. I agree with Sharon and others that judgmental conduct is the key here. Everyone *should* be judged independently and as a complete physical, emotional and intellectual package, but society as a whole does not do this. Perhaps it's best to work on doing that within our own spheres. We can limit our judgment of others, try to discourage those around us from falling into such habits, etc. Every non-judgmental person I've ever encountered has had a genuine impact on me and others around them. Rather than agonizing over broader social patterns over which we have very limited control, perhaps we should focus on exercising what control we do have and trying to affect change on a smaller scale?
Sarah the White: that was a fascinating story and a perfect example of how your physical condition, rather than your attractiveness quotient, was used as social shorthand for the types of experiences you've had in life. On a related note, I'm so very sorry you've ever had to contend with the loss of a child. My condolences.
And finally...To those who play the old "girls can't do math and science" card, I have only two words. Marie, and Curie. High five to Isabel, Tracy Liz and all the others who fight this absurd misconception.
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