Height discrimination?

[NMAmy]

The height thing doesn't bother you? I agree with you about only hiring pretty people, but why should it be ok to discriminate based on height (when it clearly would not affect job performance)?

Actually, this is what I meant by my post:

I do feel sorry for your son and I am sorry he feels badly about himself after the interview and worries about his heighth at all.
On the other hand, if you and he are okay with him applying somewhere that only hires good looking people--then that seems to indicate you are okay with discrimnation based on some aspects of looks so you really do not have too much to complain about

I don't understand why it's okay with you for them to discriminate on the basis of attractiveness but not on height. You mentioned that your son was attractive as a reason why he should have been hired.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Actually, this is what I meant by my post:



I don't understand why it's okay with you for them to discriminate on the basis of attractiveness but not on height. You mentioned that your son was attractive as a reason why he should have been hired.

I am confused as to why you quoted me here. I am not the OP. I was saying what you are saying (and maybe this is why you quoted me and the "you" in your response is directed at the OP and not me It is hypocritical for the OP and her son to be okay with them only hiring nice looking people and then be upset of the definition of nice looking includes tall.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I do feel sorry for your son and I am sorry he feels badly about himself after the interview and worries about his heighth at all.
On the other hand, if you and he are okay with him applying somewhere that only hires good looking people--then that seems to indicate you are okay with discrimnation based on some aspects of looks so you really do not have too much to complain about I do wonder, do the employees have to wear the store brand clothes? Maybe they would not fit as well as they should on someone his size (it is the only legitimate reason I can think of to not hire a certain height--but I also do not feel it is legit to only hire pretty people so what do I know?).

Well, I didn't realize they only hired good looking people. I mean, most of the people I've seen working in there have been fairly attractive, but I don't remember seeing any model-quality looks. He was just telling me that's what they're concerned about.

And, unless he applies somewhere illegal for a minor to work, I really don't have much say in it.

He did have to wear their clothes to the interview. They fit just fine. They have jeans in his length. And yes, they do have to wear the clothes while on the job.

 

[NMAmy]

I am confused as to why you quoted me here. I am not the OP. I was saying what you are saying (and maybe this is why you quoted me and the "you" in your response is directed at the OP and not me It is hypocritical for the OP and her son to be okay with them only hiring nice looking people and then be upset of the definition of nice looking includes tall.

I wrote in referring to your post "Actually, this is what I meant:" You stated it better than I did in my original post. I know you're not the OP and I was not directing my response TO you but rather, instead of repeating what you'd posted in the meantime, quoted you. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Actually, this is what I meant by my post:



I don't understand why it's okay with you for them to discriminate on the basis of attractiveness but not on height. You mentioned that your son was attractive as a reason why he should have been hired.

I did not say he should be hired because of his attractiveness. I only added that because of what he told me.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I am confused as to why you quoted me here. I am not the OP. I was saying what you are saying (and maybe this is why you quoted me and the "you" in your response is directed at the OP and not me It is hypocritical for the OP and her son to be okay with them only hiring nice looking people and then be upset of the definition of nice looking includes tall.

If you read back, I say I do not think it's ok that they only hire attractive people. Height is the only thing mentioned by the manager, so that is what I focused on.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Well, I didn't realize they only hired good looking people. I mean, most of the people I've seen working in there have been fairly attractive, but I don't remember seeing any model-quality looks. He was just telling me that's what they're concerned about.

And, unless he applies somewhere illegal for a minor to work, I really don't have much say in it.

He did have to wear their clothes to the interview. They fit just fine. They have jeans in his length. And yes, they do have to wear the clothes while on the job.

Sorry--I gathered from you saying that he is so good looking and saying he asked about the looks on the way to the interview and told you that they are concerned about this that you knew. If not, then why isn't your post asking if it is okay to discriminate based on looks (of which, in this case, height is a part) instead of only caring about that part of it that affects your son
I think it is fine he likes the store and wants to work there--I just think it is wrong to cry foul when he did not get the job based on his looks (short) but was willing to take it over someone else based on his "model like" looks in the first place.
I guess the clothing not fitting properly thing is not it then--sorry I have never shopped there. DD thought the topless boys were "offensive to her intelligence" when we lived in the US and could have But I could totally see DS loving it in a few years and wanting to work there even (not that we will live near one)

 

[NHdisneylover]

I wrote in referring to your post "Actually, this is what I meant:" You stated it better than I did in my original post. I know you're not the OP and I was not directing my response TO you but rather, instead of repeating what you'd posted in the meantime, quoted you. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks--I see it now. I am a little dense sometimes--I saw that line and thought you were referring to libertybelle's quote above it--don't know why; when I slow down and read it carefully it is crystal clear

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Unfortunately with the large amount of similarly qualified people applying for the same position, hiring managers are having to use really stupid things to weed through all the applicants.

Your son needs to come up with something that will differentiate himself positively from other candidates. If he can come up with something that totally blows away the competition his height probably wont matter anymore.

 

[DizBelle]

Doesn't a business have a right to hire folks for a sales position that they feel would best represent their product?

I'm only 5'2" so I'm in the height challenged department as well.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Sorry--I gathered from you saying that he is so good looking and saying he asked about the looks on the way to the interview and told you that they are concerned about this that you knew. If not, then why isn't your post asking if it is okay to discriminate based on looks (of which, in this case, height is a part) instead of only caring about that part of it that affects your son
I think it is fine he likes the store and wants to work there--I just think it is wrong to cry foul when he did not get the job based on his looks (short) but was willing to take it over someone else based on his "model like" looks in the first place.
I guess the clothing not fitting properly thing is not it then--sorry I have never shopped there. DD thought the topless boys were "offensive to her intelligence" when we lived in the US and could have But I could totally see DS loving it in a few years and wanting to work there even (not that we will live near one)

He was asking about his looks, but he's lacking confidence in his looks in general. However, even if he told me they hire solely on appearance, I'd still think it was wrong and I still would not be able to stop him from applying there. And I was asking about height because, again, that is what the manager mentioned.

I guess I do not equate height with attractiveness. I've seen attractive people of all heights and I've never considered height in how much I'm attracted to someone.

But, again, I don't feel they should discriminate on looks (or height).

 

[Liberty Belle]

Unfortunately with the large amount of similarly qualified people applying for the same position, hiring managers are having to use really stupid things to weed through all the applicants.

Your son needs to come up with something that will differentiate himself positively from other candidates. If he can come up with something that totally blows away the competition his height probably wont matter anymore.

Like I said, he's very polite, so I thought that would be a strength. Maybe not there, though. It may not be the best fit for him. I think he wanted to work there so he could get the discount.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Like I said, he's very polite, so I thought that would be a strength. Maybe not there, though. It may not be the best fit for him. I think he wanted to work there so he could get the discount.

Well I could be wrong but don't most people act polite during an interview? Even if they are not polite IRL most people can fake it for an hour long interview. He needs something to make himself stand out other than his height.

Does he know a second language? Does he volunteer regularly? Has he done any projects in school that show off his skills? That was kind of thing I was talking about.

 

[NHdisneylover]

He was asking about his looks, but he's lacking confidence in his looks in general. However, even if he told me they hire solely on appearance, I'd still think it was wrong and I still would not be able to stop him from applying there. And I was asking about height because, again, that is what the manager mentioned.

I guess I do not equate height with attractiveness. I've seen attractive people of all heights and I've never considered height in how much I'm attracted to someone.

But, again, I don't feel they should discriminate on looks (or height).

For the record I do not equate height with attractiveness either (hey my big crush through the 80s was on Michael J Fox). But even I, who has never been inside and Abercrombie, Know that they have a VERY narrow definition of attractive (or maybe better to say their corporate look) which would likely include height as well as many other factors.
We essentially agree then--I just would have posted (had I posted about such a situation at all) more generally about looks and not just the aspect of his looks which caused my son not to get the position.
I also think I will pretty much allow my children to work in any (safe) place they want at 17--but I do think I *could* tell them no if they are still minors and living at home Again, I would not as I think they need much more independence at that age, but I could AND I would tell them honestly if I thought somewhere's values were out of whack and not somewhere I like them working.

 

[Mkrop]

He was asking about his looks, but he's lacking confidence in his looks in general. However, even if he told me they hire solely on appearance, I'd still think it was wrong and I still would not be able to stop him from applying there. And I was asking about height because, again, that is what the manager mentioned.

I guess I do not equate height with attractiveness. I've seen attractive people of all heights and I've never considered height in how much I'm attracted to someone.

But, again, I don't feel they should discriminate on looks (or height).

They certainly do in the fashion world. Lokk at the requirements for America's Next Top Model. They have to be tall, I mean they even had their own Petite Model Edition and the whole time they talekd about these girls having a hard time in the industry.

 

[JerseyJanice]

In a store like A&F, they go for a certain "look" (i.e., appearance) in their employees. Height is a part of one's appearance.

It may not seem fair, but honestly, an overweight girl probably wouldn't be hired to work in Hooters or Victoria's Secret. In some jobs, the applicant's appearance means a great deal, and that's just the way it is.

I'm sorry that your son's feelings were hurt though. He sounds like a wonderful young man.

 

[Liberty Belle]

For the record I do not equate height with attractiveness either (hey my big crush through the 80s was on Michael J Fox). But even I, who has never been inside and Abercrombie, Know that they have a VERY narrow definition of attractive (or maybe better to say their corporate look) which would likely include height as well as many other factors.
We essentially agree then--I just would have posted (had I posted about such a situation at all) more generally about looks and not just the aspect of his looks which caused my son not to get the position.
I also think I will pretty much allow my children to work in any (safe) place they want at 17--but I do think I *could* tell them no if they are still minors and living at home Again, I would not as I think they need much more independence at that age, but I could AND I would tell them honestly if I thought somewhere's values were out of whack and not somewhere I like them working.

You're right. I could, but I feel it's really up to him.

Btw, I just told him what you were saying about why is he ok with them hiring based on (facial) good looks, but not on height. He thought, laughed, and said, "Well, that's legitimate."

 

[Liberty Belle]

They certainly do in the fashion world. Lokk at the requirements for America's Next Top Model. They have to be tall, I mean they even had their own Petite Model Edition and the whole time they talekd about these girls having a hard time in the industry.

I always thought that was because of how the clothing would fit.

 

[Wishing on a star]

While there, two of the managers stepped away from the group and were talking, but everyone could hear them. The one (same one who told him to come in for an interview) said the to other (about my son), "I just don't think I can hire him, he's such an awkward height." Of course this embarrassed my son and he was pretty angry for a while afterwards (he's exceedingly polite, though, so I know he didn't say anything to them). It's discouraged him, and as you can imagine, he has an issue with his height.

It just seems so wrong to me.....

As a 'mama', I know this seems just so wrong!!!!.

But what is wrong is not that they may have decided against hiring your son, when looking at all the other frontrunners... What is wrong is what was said in public!!!!!

Even though I am below average in height, I would hesitate to start thinking in terms of height discrimination.

And, while I fully understand your son's feelings and issues re: his height and/or appearance, I tend to wonder if those underlying things kept him from walking in there 'loud and proud' as he might have. Especially in a place like A&F!!!!! (which I would not want to shop there anyhow)

I could possibly see this having some impact on the managers impressions.

If your son were a bit shorter, I just may be able to see the word 'awkward' being used.... I don't know that a height alone of 5'4" for a nice looking teenager would bring out the word 'awkward'???? I wonder if his age and demeanor may have contributed to their overall impression/hiring choice.

Good Luck to your son!
I am sure he will land a much better position,
with much better management,
than A&F!

 

[Liberty Belle]

Well I could be wrong but don't most people act polite during an interview? Even if they are not polite IRL most people can fake it for an hour long interview. He needs something to make himself stand out other than his height.

Does he know a second language? Does he volunteer regularly? Has he done any projects in school that show off his skills? That was kind of thing I was talking about.

I would hope they do. He always uses "Ma'am" and "Sir", though, and just seems more respectful than the typical teenager.

He's mostly looking at retail jobs right now and none of those things would matter, too much, I wouldn't think.

He's very political and has volunteered on different campaigns since age 8.

He knows minimal Spanish and German. Hmm...school projects - none that I can think of that would emphasize his skills. He's athletic (a gymnast), good at debate, very knowledgable about politics, history, and geography. He'll have to start early next year and try to find work in something where those things would matter.