An appearance aristocracy

This long essay in the Wilson Quarterly reminds me of a time in my Junior year of high school when I competed in an election for editor of the yearbook. I pretty much insured my defeat by announcing that I favored a book with no photographs, just text. So, here is this very serious discussion of physical attractiveness notable for a complete lack of images. I've supplied some Vanity Fair photos at bottom just to show that I've evolved somewhat since I was 19.

Looks Do Matter
by Daniel Akst

extract:

To a bizarre extent, looking good in America has become the province of an appearance aristocracy—an elect we revere for their seemingly unattainable endowment of good looks. Physical attractiveness has become too much associated with affluence and privilege for a country as democratically inclined as ours.

Elle Macpherson