Rich and plain looking in DMV

[Anonymous]

Why is that? Why are the rich not the "beautiful people" in DC? This is the only city I have seen this phenomena? They have the money to fix themselves but they don't. Not being snarky, just curious.

Is it because they are not vain? Or is it because in their circles looks do not matter?

[Anonymous]

There are no large industries here where people make a living off their looks. Try LA and NYC.

[Anonymous]

They take a twisted delight in forcing less powerful people to look at their ugliness. It's all part of the DMV ego stroke: "I'm a GS-15, but I have a paunch, thinning hair, and yellow teeth."

[Anonymous]

Revenge of the NERDS!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They take a twisted delight in forcing less powerful people to look at their ugliness. It's all part of the DMV ego stroke: "I'm a GS-15, but I have a paunch, thinning hair, and yellow teeth."

You think GS-15s are rich?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They take a twisted delight in forcing less powerful people to look at their ugliness. It's all part of the DMV ego stroke: "I'm a GS-15, but I have a paunch, thinning hair, and yellow teeth."

You think GS-15s are rich?

Compared to the vast majority of DMV residents, yes.

Maybe OP means the skinny, horse-faced Old Money crowd from VA, but they live far enough from DCUMlandia that I rarely have to see their visages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is that? Why are the rich not the "beautiful people" in DC? This is the only city I have seen this phenomena? They have the money to fix themselves but they don't. Not being snarky, just curious.

Is it because they are not vain? Or is it because in their circles looks do not matter?

Beauty is not a particularly useful currency in DC. Connections, credentials and intelligence are what's important. Women (and men to a degree) who are thought of as too pretty or too fashionable can easily be perceived as lightweights, something every Washingtonian seeks to avoid.

[Anonymous]

What's a G-15?

[Anonymous]

It is probably because money in this town comes from fields/businesses that don't require looks - finance, defense contracting, law, etc. Brains and the knowledge to be a power broker are more important. The same is true of Silicon Valley. It is also full of rich people who look pretty average.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is that? Why are the rich not the "beautiful people" in DC? This is the only city I have seen this phenomena? They have the money to fix themselves but they don't. Not being snarky, just curious.

Is it because they are not vain? Or is it because in their circles looks do not matter?

Snort.

[Anonymous]

Are you talking about registering your car? DMV?

[Anonymous]

Because vanity plastic surgery is shallow? Because intelligent people in non-media careers don't feel the need to go under the knife to alter their looks? Because people who have other things going for them than looks don't fight aging like people who are dependent on their looks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because vanity plastic surgery is shallow? Because intelligent people in non-media careers don't feel the need to go under the knife to alter their looks? Because people who have other things going for them than looks don't fight aging like people who are dependent on their looks?

OP here. I did not mean that people go under the knife to look good. I just mean to say that even plain people can look well put together by getting a great haircut and wearing clothes that flatter them. I do not mean just having access to designer clothes, shoes and handbags - that many rich people are wearing, but still managing to look not well put together.

I also do not agree with a PP assertion that being good looking is a detriment in this city. I think people can look good and still be a power player.

[Anonymous]

For a woman, too pretty or fashionable is definitely a career deterrent in DC.

[Anonymous]

I'm still chortling that someone equates "rich" with "GS-15."

Is that a Chantilly thing?