The views expressed by Ms. Hakim really bother me. There is no denying that discrimination based on "beauty" (by which I mean the false standards of beauty imposed on society by Western media) exists, but to say that such discrimination is justifiable because it's part of human nature is ridiculous. By that logic, racism and sexism are justifiable, as is murder - because all are part of "human nature". Yet, paradoxically, what defines human beings is an ability to overcome their nature - i.e. the ability to overcome human nature is part of human nature. As a society, we must strive for an ideal, rather than accept current societal problems as inevitable.
That being said, I do not think one needs to be a martyr for the cause. Given that there is discrimination, it is ok to dress up for a job interview, rather than come in un-dolled up in order to prove a point: that one's appearances say nothing about one's qualifications.
I think discriminating based on beauty is especially problematic: When it comes to education, the socio-economic status one is born in to determines the ease with which one can acquire the proper credentials for high-power jobs, but while those opportunities are harder for certain people to come by - and unfairly so - at least one can argue that extreme will-power and dedication allow one to overcome those obstacles, and achieve education despite an impoverished background. In other words, personal choice plays a large role in one's educational credentials. When it comes to beauty, while one can choose to dress "nicely" and take good care of one's body, at the end of the day, one has the physical traits one is born with, and short of plastic surgery, there isn't much one can do about it. I sincerely hope no one advocates people getting plastic surgery in order to get a certain appearance that is necessary for financial (or other) success.
Such a dystopian society reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode "The Eye of the Beholder". I am not a horror fan, but this episode is beautifully poignant, and not scary. It is considered one go the best TZ episodes by critics. Thanks to Mr. Sandomir for introducing me to it in middle school.
I am posting links to it below:
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