Thursday, March 24, 2005

Too Pretty for Books

It's all over the news. A woman is suing Harvard University for not hiring her as a librarian because she is "too pretty." Some of you may laugh at this. Ha ha. Pretty woman can't get job. But it's not funny. Pretty doesn't mean unqualified. This candidate has a master's degree in English literature, seven years of experience in the library of Boston College and another nine years as an assistant librarian at Harvard. That's a qualified candidate in my book.

Normally I don't write about stories in the news, unless they involve someone in a persistent vegetative state and hypocrisy is involved. This story struck a nerve with me. I think it resonates because I, too, face discrimination due to my crippling good looks. I think of all the times I've been unjustly fired because a boss couldn't deal with my enticing ass and perfectly-sculpted cheek bones. Of course no one ever came out and said "I'm firing you because you're way too attractive." No. It was always, "You were late. Again. We have to let you go."

Harvard is the worst. I once applied to work at the Hot Dog on a Stick in the venerable institution's commissary and was told, point blank, "Sorry. You're too pretty. And if you ever tell anyone I said that, I'll deny it. Now get lost, you fine piece of ass." The official reason is that I didn't have enough experience, but that's bullshit. I managed a Wienerschnitzel for three years in college. I think I know my way around a corn dog.

Anyway, my heart goes out to Desiree, and any other woman who's cursed with stunning good looks as I am. It's a tough, tough world out there. Don't let your beauty hold you back.

2 comments:

samureye said...

I think you're pretty Laura. I'm sure you wouldn't get the job either!

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

"Don't let your beauty hold you back." Especially if you're a stripper. Just go all out, & let it all hang out.