majorspark;573560 wrote:In principle I agree with what you are saying. In reality this just isn't the case. When you go to a job interview, how do you dress? You dress in the manner that makes you appear the most intelligent and qualified for the position you are applying for.
More intelligent? I certainly don't think so. Able to be professional? Sure, for an interview. However, if someone dressed differently on their personal time, it wouldn't change how intelligent they appear, at least not to me.
majorspark;573560 wrote:When you do not know some one personally outward perception is reality. Its human nature. That is all some are saying here. Next time you go to a job interview try dressing down. T-Shirt and jeans should be sufficient. Display your tats if you have them. The reality is you will be toast no matter how intelligent you are.
Oh I agree. However, that is more to do with professionalism, not intelligence.
My tattoo would be difficult to show. It's across my shoulders. The reason I chose it there was for the purpose of professionalism.
majorspark;573560 wrote:I would not call people simple because they judged people by their appearance when they do not know them personally. Stereotyping is not always wrong. Sometimes (wrong or right) its just playing the odds. Whether it is an employer or an individual it is what it is. It is reality.
It's sometimes unintentional, but it's always an unjust assumption if it stems from an oft incorrect stereotype.
I moved into North Hill about a year ago, and a LOT of the teens I work with are VERY bright, articulate, and are surprisingly good critical thinkers. However, based on the subcultural norms here, they dress in much the way depicted above. It has NOTHING to do with their intelligence and EVERYTHING to do with where they've grown up. It's no difference than seeing a kid wearing a hunting ballcap, a T-shirt, Wranglers, and steel-toe boots. No different than seeing a kid wearing designer sweaters and jeans.
It's different, sure, but all it means is that they grew up adopting a certain view of what was "cool." Nothing to do with their intelligence, attitude, behavior, home life, grades, or personality.
I know it's a common stereotype, which is why I was trying to bite my tongue for a bit, but it irks me when people seem to prefer burying their heads in the sand and continuing to accept their blind stereotype instead of learning to accept a new element of their fellow man.
rmolin73;573574 wrote:I understand where you are coming from with your response but how many people dress like they are going to a job interview every day? Stereotyping in my opinion is wrong. I had a disagreement with a former boss on perceptions. This guy was so hung up on what peoples perceptions were regarding him and other people. I informed him that I really could care less what someones perception is of me if they have not taken the opportunity to know me and also look at my work. He then proceeded to tell me that "perception is reality". I told him that it is their reality and not what is actually real. After going around and around with this guy I told him that the reason that I could give two shits about someones perception of me is the fact that I am a black man and there are so many false truths, bad perceptions, and stereotypes about me that if I cared about them I would lose my mind. But I am a firm believer in that you should dress for success and I tell a lot of kids that it is ok to have your "street clothes". But wear a shirt and tie for an interview
Yep, and I have been helping some of these kids do just that as they get old enough to hold their first jobs.
