This happened to pop up on yahoo and it makes me wonder if some of the "looks" I get is because of preconceived ideas some have based on appearance.
what do you guys think?
People absolutely judge each other based upon appearance. I think its programmed into us. First impressions mean a lot. We are genetically predisposed to making quick judgemrnts about others based upon appearance. However, there are many facets to our interactions. At a more basic level than appearances are things like eye contact and overall engagement. These operate at a more basic level in our brains and will most likely "trump " first impressions.
I cant say that I don't think about the impact of long hair on my career. However, I believe that presenting myself in a confident manner with good eye contact will counter any long-hair judgments. This is similar to piercings. Ive had both of my ears pierced for longer than ten years. As a youngish male who was trying to establish myself, I worried that even conservative earrings might hinder me. Never once have I actually felt that to be the case. I don't wear earrings lately just because I don't bother to put them in. Ill admit to considering that the combination of longhair and earrings might have a negative impact. But, I always come back to my belief that the aforementioned interpersonal factors will win out every time. For the times they don't I honestly don't care. Anyone so susceptible to judging that harshly would likely find other reasons not to like me and wed probably both be happier in other company.
Sorry for the lengthy response. If you didn't notice this Javanese interest area of mine!
Of course we do. Almost everyone makes instant judgements on first glance. Sadly, in many places, these first judgements turn into last judgements...regardless of other factors that SHOULD make a difference.
For your own sake, clean, groomed, presentably dressed, and confident can do a lot for you, even if you don't match cookie cutter societal expectations.
Yes we do - it has always been thus and will not change.
That's just one of those silly articles about how to dress for interviews, and aimed at women. One of the attached comments was from a guy who said that what he learnt from the article was that he should wear drag for interviews, which I found amusing, but of course it wasn't really intended to be read by men atall.
What I do find interesting is that these kinds of articles used to say get a haircut, but generally don't say that anymore. Of course, this particular article wouldn't anyway, because it would be assumed that women are 'allowed' to have long hair.
Do we really live in a judgemental society?
Absolutely. I discovered long ago that if my hair wasn't long
people would find numerous other things to complain about in regards to me. Things like my nose is too big, i'm too short,
etc. So my attitude long ago was screw them, i'll wear my hair
as long ss I want to.