Is it all about looks?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by BluPhire

You are only talking chapter level. What happens when it hits on an organization level?

It is an ugly "It works both ways" situation. That's why at the end of the day you have to know you and how you will fit in.

Believe me when you get to the other side, those "stereotypes" get old quick and you will find yourself hating your own chapter/organization.

I think there are too many groups for that to ever happen as far as the NPC is concerned.

[AGDee]

I would not join any club that would have someone like me as a member.

Groucho Marx

But seriously folks. It is not EVER only about looks, but whether you present yourself well is important, not just in joining a sorority but in obtaining a job, meeting new people, networking, etc. There are a lot of average looking people who, when they put their best foot forward, look polished and put together.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by Barbie's_Rush

I think you're a sweetheart, but this is a big sugar coated pile of bull squeeze. Looks matter a lot to some chapters. If a pnm doesn't measure up to their standards, it isn't something she can change. Fortunately, there are chapters that put an emphasis on other things. But you shouldn't go around speaking on behalf of every group on every campus' selection process.

That's true. I was just speaking from my experience and I should've noted that. I think that this discussion we're having is important. I feel like this is an issue many PNMs wonder about but are too afraid to ask. I know I was worried about it going into recruitment. Seeing all the threads about outfits, hairstyles, shoe choices, ect. can be overwhelming to a girl who already has self-image issues. Of course, I don't go to an SEC school but I can imagine what it would be like there. I think it's sad that some chapters put such a heavy emphasis on looks, but that's the nature of the Greek system at some schools I suppose.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by victoriana

That's true. I was just speaking from my experience and I should've noted that. I think that this discussion we're having is important. I feel like this is an issue many PNMs wonder about but are too afraid to ask. I know I was worried about it going into recruitment. Seeing all the threads about outfits, hairstyles, shoe choices, ect. can be overwhelming to a girl who already has self-image issues. Of course, I don't go to an SEC school but I can imagine what it would be like there. I think it's sad that some chapters put such a heavy emphasis on looks, but that's the nature of the Greek system at some schools I suppose.

Your campus is one of the most laid back, relaxed, "be yourself" campuses in the nation, IMO. That's why it felt like home to me

[preciousjeni]

Originally Posted by victoriana

I think it's sad that some chapters put such a heavy emphasis on looks, but that's the nature of the Greek system at some schools I suppose.

It's just a reflection of the larger social culture.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Your campus is one of the most laid back, relaxed, "be yourself" campuses in the nation, IMO. That's why it felt like home to me

Awwww. I feel like that should be on the school's website or something, haha.

[DrPhil]

I don't think this thread is supposed to be as funny as I find it. And its humor has absolutely nothing to do with weight.

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

*raises hand and admits to being skinny and not nice*

I love this.

[adpiucf]

Of course looks matter during recruitment. The recruiters are all 18-22 year old girls. Superficial matters. Even in job interviews, the attractive people are more likely to get the job.

[FleurGirl]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

Of course looks matter during recruitment. The recruiters are all 18-22 year old girls. Superficial matters. Even in job interviews, the attractive people are more likely to get the job.

I think that's only true as far as it is with interviewing for a job. Honestly, if a girl is put together and obviously put some thought into her outfit and did her hair and makeup, she looks like she cares and wants to be there. If a girl shows up in sweats, she instantly looks like she doesn't care enough to try -- if that's true for recruitment, what kind of a sister will she be? It's the same thing as interviewing for a job; if you look sloppy, it's hard to believe that your work won't be sloppy. If a chapter is going to cut you because they don't like your hair/weight/face, that's probably not a chapter full of the supportive kind of women you should be looking for.

[28StGreek]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

Of course looks matter during recruitment. The recruiters are all 18-22 year old girls. Superficial matters. Even in job interviews, the attractive people are more likely to get the job.

I would think that looks being a factor, matter more in a competitive environment (either sorority recruitment or job recruitment). I am just making assumptions here, but at the schools with very competitive rush mentalities, aren't a vast majority of PNMs going to have stellar GPAs, amazing extracurriculars, multiple recs, and during the ice water teas stage of rush, possibly portraying similar personalities due to the limited time for conversation (engaging, polite, and enthusiastic about going Greek)?

Then wouldn't the next tie-breaker going down the list be looks/appearances?

Since it would be very difficult to distinguish yourself from the other PNMs purely on Grades, activities, recs; unless you were perfect-As since elementary school, solved world poverty, and had a rec from the GLO's national president.

I have read, and its been mentioned quite a few times on GC, the studies that if it were down to two job applicants with equal/similar qualifications, the job almost always goes to the 'more attractive' or skinnier person.

Until we get to a stage where magazines with skinny cover girls aren't being bought, I don't think those attitudes will change in society. Of course there are exceptions, Nigella Lawson is the first to spring to mind. She is incredibly successful, and she appears to never have let her bodyshape be an obstacle. (I understand her family connections may have been very useful, so she may not be the best example, but I couldn't think of anyone else. Oprah I suppose?)