Pretty privilege is a term used to describe the advantages and benefits that individuals with conventionally attractive features receive in society. This can include opportunities in the workplace, higher self-esteem, and more favorable treatment from others.
Pretty privilege is a form of unconscious bias that stems from societal beauty standards. These standards dictate that certain physical traits, such as being thin and conventionally attractive, are more desirable than others. As a result, individuals who possess these traits are often treated differently than those who do not.
For example, research has shown that attractive individuals are more likely to be hired for jobs, receive higher salaries, and be perceived as more competent and trustworthy than their less attractive counterparts. This can create a feedback loop, where attractive individuals are given more opportunities, which in turn reinforces the notion that they are superior.
When I was in high school I never did much to make myself attractive, I wore sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt to school everyday and thought nothing of it. Looking back I must have closed myself off of certain opportunities via the first impression I made on people when they saw me, a lanky white man with no drip. Came college I decided to make myself more conventionally attractive and change up my personality a bit. I immediately noticed a sudden shift in the way people were interacting with me, and started taking advantage of the new opportunities that presented themselves to me. While the concept seems totally unfair, feeling like a loser in high school encouraged me to change myself into a person who is more likely to succeed.
Pretty privilege can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and mental health. Those who do not possess conventionally attractive features may feel like they are not good enough or worthy of the same opportunities and treatment as those who do. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
It’s important to recognize and challenge the notion of pretty privilege. By acknowledging and addressing the ways in which beauty privilege affects individuals and society, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world. This can include challenging societal beauty standards and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Unruly Bodies 
Pretty privilege is definitely a thing. I am glad you are talking about it. there are still so many people who do not think it exists. But pretty privilege is all around us, not even just humans but animals as well. For example, we like squirrels they are everywhere on campus but if they were rats we would freak out. squirrels are rats with fluffy tails. Or people like butterflies they think they are pretty and want to take pictures of them but butterflies are just moths with colorful patterns. I like how you said pretty privilege is an unconscious bias. I agree even though it doesn’t change the fact that pretty privilege affects the world.
Pretty privilege is extremely prevalent in East Asia, and especially South Korea. Recruiters expect a headshot included on resumes so that they can make sure that they hire attractive employees. Attractiveness is far more emphasized than skills and abilities. It has gotten so alarming to the point where cosmetic surgery and intense photoshopping have become a standard in South Korea. In fact, double eyelid surgeries are a common graduation gift to wish graduates best of luck as they apply for jobs.