Why Personal Style Should Be a Federally Protected Characteristic

Introduction

Personal style has been an important aspect of human culture throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the way we dress and present ourselves has always been an expression of our identity and personality. However, in many countries, discrimination based on personal style is still a common problem. This is why we believe that personal style should be considered a federally protected characteristic, just like race, gender or religion.

What is personal style discrimination?

Personal style discrimination is a form of bias that occurs when someone is unfairly treated because of the way they dress or look. This can take many forms, from being denied entry to a club or restaurant because of your clothing to being passed over for a job because of your tattoos or piercings. For many people, personal style is an important part of their self-expression and should be respected just like any other attribute.

Why personal style should be protected

There are several reasons why personal style should be considered a federally protected characteristic.

Firstly, personal style is an essential part of our identity. It’s how we express ourselves to the world and it’s something that we should have the right to control. To deny someone the ability to express themselves through their appearance is to rob them of a fundamental part of their being.

Secondly, personal style discrimination can have serious consequences. It can limit someone’s employment opportunities, prevent them from accessing certain spaces, and lead to mental health issues such as low self-esteem and anxiety.

Lastly, it’s important to note that personal style discrimination often intersects with other forms of discrimination. For example, women and people of color are more likely to be discriminated against for their personal style choices than white men. By protecting personal style as a federally protected characteristic, we can help combat these intersecting forms of discrimination.

Examples of personal style discrimination

There are numerous examples of personal style discrimination that occur in our society. One of the most visible examples is dress codes in schools and workplaces. While dress codes may seem innocuous, they often disproportionately target women and people of color.

In some cases, people have been fired from their jobs or denied promotions because of their personal style choices. This is particularly true for people with tattoos, piercings, or unconventional hairstyles.

Another example of personal style discrimination is in housing. Landlords may refuse to rent to someone based on their appearance, such as if they have facial hair or tattoos. This is not only unfair but also illegal under the Fair Housing Act in the United States.

The legal landscape of personal style discrimination

While personal style discrimination is a real problem, it is not yet recognized as a federally protected characteristic in the United States. However, there have been some efforts to change this. In 2020, California passed a law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles such as afros, braids, and dreadlocks. This was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done at the federal level.

Conclusion

Personal style may seem like a superficial attribute, but it’s an essential part of our identity and self-expression. Discrimination based on personal style is a real problem, and it’s time for it to be recognized as a federally protected characteristic. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has the right to express themselves freely and without fear of discrimination.