ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a personal and physical appearance stigmatizing. Stigmatizing based on one's outer appearance can result from a lack of understanding and sensitivity to individual expression and diversity, which can lead to discriminatory policies and practices within organizations. Personal appearance stigmatizing can result in policies that consciously or unconsciously discriminate against a person's dimension of diversity. Cases involving personal appearance can be linked to language in laws that prohibit workplace discrimination. When employees wear certain clothing or adorn themselves, they may be communicating their religion. An employer is limited by the law when setting dress codes. Although employers can require makeup, they cannot perpetuate gender stereotypes by requiring women to use makeup or clothing that objectifies them. In some instances, people have sought to change their physical appearance to assimilate, feel accepted, gain power and privilege, or avoid discrimination.
