Bartender Explains How Differently People Treat Her After She Gained Weight, Blaming ‘Pretty Privilege’
It's not new information to us that pretty people actually have it easier than less attractive people. People tend to perceive good-looking folks in a more positive light, so they're more likely to be popular and successful.
Recently, one bartender shared information about her weight gain on social media. Specifically, how she was treated after she gained weight compared to how she was treated when she was skinny. She got very emotional in the video and explained that it's sad how some people cannot see others for more than their looks. And just as a warning, this article discusses eating disorders and weight gain.
The Halo Effect
The halo effect is when one trait of a person is used to make an overall judgment of that person.
The theory implies that we "subconsciously assume people's appearances are a reflection of their overall characters."
"Pretty Privilege"
Pretty privilege is a term that has been floating around on the internet for the past few months, and it refers to the way attractive people have an easier life than those who are not attractive.
For one thing, attractive people are seen as more intelligent. Being attractive can also influence increased popularity, higher grades, more positive work reviews, and career advancement.
Cassidy Shared Her Story On TikTok
Cassidy (@body_positive_bartender) recently shared her response to a TikTok video about how people treat you better when you are good-looking. She also explains that in the service industry, how you are treated depends a lot on your looks.
In her emotional video, Cassidy explains that when she gained weight while working as a bartender, how she was treated by customers changed drastically.
Trigger Warning: Eatng Disorders
Cassidy explains in the video that she had an eating disorder, and is now in recovery.
And when she returned to work after getting some help and gaining some weight, people treated her way differently than they had before. She explains that "her whole life changed."
"Especially The Men"
Cassidy explains that people don't even look her in the eye anymore. It's at this point in the video where she gets visibly emotional and begins to cry.
She also points out that this is especially noticeable from the men she interacts with at work.
No More Small Talk
Instead of starting up a conversation with her or engaging with her after, she says: "Hey, how's it going?" and rather than responding, her customers just demand what they want.
She finishes off the video with a provoking question pointed at those who don't believe her or think she is exaggerating.
"Raise Your Hand If You'd Willingly Live As A Fat Person"
"And people saying that doesn't actually happen—please raise your hand if you would WILLINGLY live as a fat person." She explains that nobody actually wants to do it.
The body positivity advocate also claimed that she feels "hopeless." She wonders whether there will ever come a time when we will be worth more than just our looks.
Let's Go Through Some Of The Comments
Cassidy's video received over 7 million views and nearly 1.5 million likes, and you can watch the video above. The comments were filled with support and love, and people also shared their similar stories.
Below are some of the comments left on her video.
People Could Relate To Her Experience
People in the comments shared their own experiences with weight gain, and it's clear that Cassidy is not alone in this.
Why can't we all just treat everyone with the same amount of kindness and respect, no matter how big or how small they are?
The Body Positivity Movement
Recently there have been a lot of TikTok videos about larger people promoting body positivity.
But the comments on videos made by bigger people are often drastically different (and more negative) compared to a skinnier person who makes the same type of video.
She's Not Alone
In the service industry, some people pointed out that you are often treated better if you are younger or good-looking.
And one woman pointed out that when she doesn't wear makeup at work, she is treated poorly compared to when she does.
Every Body Is Beautiful
Cassidy posts different body-positive videos on her Instagram and TikTok to promote self-love and self-confidence.
Like many others, she thinks that we have all been brainwashed into believing that there is only one kind of beautiful body type, which is skinny. In reality, this is not the case. Being happy and healthy and loving yourself and your body is key!