Hidden Brain The Ugly Side of Beauty
Dec 11, 2023
Vivian Zayas, a psychologist from Cornell University, and Stephanie Johnson, from the University of Colorado Boulder, dive deep into the complexities of beauty bias. They explore how our judgments of competence and character are often skewed by appearance, with personal anecdotes revealing the pitfalls of first impressions. The conversation touches on how celebrity endorsements influence consumer culture and the paradox of beauty in the workplace, highlighting the delicate balance between attractiveness and professional success.
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Misjudged Assistant
- Vivian Zayas initially judged an undergraduate student based on her disheveled appearance, assuming she wouldn't be a good research assistant.
- The student proved to be one of the best assistants Zayas ever had, highlighting how initial impressions can be misleading.
Beauty Bias
- The "beauty bias" leads us to make broad assumptions about attractive people, associating beauty with positive traits like intelligence, competence, and happiness.
- These assumptions go beyond physical appearance, influencing our perceptions of their social lives, parenting skills, and even vacation experiences.
Bardem's Transformation
- Vivian Zayas initially perceived Javier Bardem as unattractive due to his character's appearance in "No Country for Old Men".
- Seeing Bardem at the Oscars, looking conventionally attractive, highlighted how acting and styling can manipulate perceptions of beauty.
