I'm convinced that the general population is unconsciously swayed by the stereotypes of good guys/bad guys which they have been seeing in movies and TV. My husband, who is a great person, has a beard and crooked teeth, and most people's first reaction to him is of fear and dislike. Then he smiles and jokes, and they get over it.

As part of this stereotyping, it is also far easier to go through life tall, slim, with nice hair and regular features. Extraordinary beauty is not required, but if you want to be an administrative assistant, you better look like the administrative assistants on TV. Minus the mini-skirts, of course.

There were books of yore, 'Dress for Success,' and 'Dress for Success for Women,' which systematically studied the prejudices of mid-managers. That was an eye opener.