The Quiet Prejudice Against Ugly

Lookism, looksmaxxing, and love

10 min read

Just now

I have this pretty big space between my two front teeth. It and my weight were easy targets growing up. It was just a part of childhood, so I didn’t take it personally. I don’t think I ever considered myself ugly, but I have, over the years, done a lot to become more physically appealing. I’ve lost weight, I’ve gained muscle, and I try to keep a fresh haircut.

Once I had enough money to afford braces, I had to decide if I wanted to change my teeth. It wasn’t because I disliked my smile; I actually loved it. It was me.

However, I also knew my gapped-tooth grin did not align with Western beauty standards. I was aware that a “better” smile would give me more opportunities. It would attract more women. It could even be the difference maker in a job interview.

It was around this time I learned the gap is viewed as beautiful in some African countries. Some people will even go through a medical process to add the gap, similar to how so many westerners are expected to remove the gap.

After learning this, it felt pretty silly for me, a Black man, to “fix” my gap. What would I do next? Fix my wide nose and my big lips? No, I embraced my smile, and I love it, even though, by Western beauty standards, it would be considered an ugly smile.