This thread should raise some ethical questions. Indeed, all threads here should do that, because if we are to innovate, we need to stretch boundaries.
Since I don't want to stereotype, here is a video on Yahoo that shows men putting on some makeup, and while I know fair few guys who do wear make up (from the very straight, to the very not - it tends to be the extremes...) it is more socially acceptable at this time for women to wear it than men.
Is it ethically wrong to wear make up?
Even though it is something of a given to see in today's society, is it deceptive to change your appearance in order to achieve some sort of reaction?
I don't wear makeup myself (other than on the weekend) so I am hardly an expert at this, but I see there being many reasons to wear make up. Some of them may not even be conscious. There are many people who lack self awareness and who simply follow the crowd. Though others may spend many hours in front of a mirror perfecting the latest craze in order to attract, or retain a successful partner.
What is Financial Makeup?
Well, I made it up, so don't feel bad if you don't know. But here's the thing. People buy and sell data about your financial position daily. And they often do so without your knowledge (though they likely cover it with some buried small print).
Here's some weird extremes that I have managed to trace regarding the selling of my data:
Note, I am not sure that such data is still being sold (or bought) but the point is, after learning of it, it is something that is gameable. You can, with no risk, and little cost (barring the ATM fee) put yourself into contention as being a desirable prospect.
Is that different from putting a little makeup on?
What if you play a bit, or even if you will play the full $2,000 but over the course of a week rather than a day, is the withdrawal from that ATM rather than bringing cash 'putting you out there'?
The reality is, people wear make up to influence impressions, and be treated in a certain manner. One could say that this is highlighting their best qualities, but when the makeup comes off, if the other party is to stick around it is likely because the best quality was never the looks first shown. Does it make it wrong to get over an initial hurdle, such as a physical first impression in order to get to the 'real you'?
Another case in point is a Robo-Advisor. When I invest over $100K with them I get a phone call, but not before. Someone has arbitrarily decided that $100K = preferential treatment (stupidly) and as such you get personalized attention for this. So if you are 22 years old and only have $99K to invest because you just bought your first home in San Francisco for $1M cash, you get no love. Is that right for either party?
Should you allow arbitrary numbers control your financial treatment, or will putting on a nail polish get you through the door? Remember, the best looking prospects get taken out to dinners, shows, vacations, and generally have a wonderful life. Do you want to be courted?
It's something to think about the next time you look in the mirror in the morning, or when you fill out a seemingly silly form that asks for your net worth and disposable income....
Since I don't want to stereotype, here is a video on Yahoo that shows men putting on some makeup, and while I know fair few guys who do wear make up (from the very straight, to the very not - it tends to be the extremes...) it is more socially acceptable at this time for women to wear it than men.
Is it ethically wrong to wear make up?
Even though it is something of a given to see in today's society, is it deceptive to change your appearance in order to achieve some sort of reaction?
I don't wear makeup myself (other than on the weekend) so I am hardly an expert at this, but I see there being many reasons to wear make up. Some of them may not even be conscious. There are many people who lack self awareness and who simply follow the crowd. Though others may spend many hours in front of a mirror perfecting the latest craze in order to attract, or retain a successful partner.
What is Financial Makeup?
Well, I made it up, so don't feel bad if you don't know. But here's the thing. People buy and sell data about your financial position daily. And they often do so without your knowledge (though they likely cover it with some buried small print).
Here's some weird extremes that I have managed to trace regarding the selling of my data:
- An ATM company that placed machines in a Casino that I frequent sold the data to a competitor, who use it to target me as a customer.
- Dozens (maybe hundreds) of calls from every man and his dog regarding the fact that one of my earlier businesses had revenues in excess of $25MUSD.
Note, I am not sure that such data is still being sold (or bought) but the point is, after learning of it, it is something that is gameable. You can, with no risk, and little cost (barring the ATM fee) put yourself into contention as being a desirable prospect.
Is that different from putting a little makeup on?
What if you play a bit, or even if you will play the full $2,000 but over the course of a week rather than a day, is the withdrawal from that ATM rather than bringing cash 'putting you out there'?
The reality is, people wear make up to influence impressions, and be treated in a certain manner. One could say that this is highlighting their best qualities, but when the makeup comes off, if the other party is to stick around it is likely because the best quality was never the looks first shown. Does it make it wrong to get over an initial hurdle, such as a physical first impression in order to get to the 'real you'?
Another case in point is a Robo-Advisor. When I invest over $100K with them I get a phone call, but not before. Someone has arbitrarily decided that $100K = preferential treatment (stupidly) and as such you get personalized attention for this. So if you are 22 years old and only have $99K to invest because you just bought your first home in San Francisco for $1M cash, you get no love. Is that right for either party?
Should you allow arbitrary numbers control your financial treatment, or will putting on a nail polish get you through the door? Remember, the best looking prospects get taken out to dinners, shows, vacations, and generally have a wonderful life. Do you want to be courted?
It's something to think about the next time you look in the mirror in the morning, or when you fill out a seemingly silly form that asks for your net worth and disposable income....