There’s already been plenty of online discussion about just how one’s physical attractiveness affects his or her success in the workplace — from how being perceived as good-looking works in your favor, to how it may be a double-edged sword. But, what about the dinner table? According to The Telegraph, a restaurant in China is promising a free meal to the customers it thinks are the prettiest — proving that even though it’s 2015, companies are still judging people based on their looks, and in the most ridiculous ways.
The move is part of a brand-new promotion at the Jeju Island restaurant in central China, which boasted a "Free meal for Goodlooking" sign outside the eatery. Those who are "pretty enough" are taken to a “beauty identification area,” where they’re photographed and critiqued on things such as the quality of their faces, eyes, noses, and mouths. It should be noted that, according to reports, “protruding foreheads are a particular advantage.” Oh, and the worst part: The goal isn't even to increase the number of customers, it's to encourage those deemed unpretty to seek the help of a group of restaurant-endorsed plastic surgeons. Nothing goes together like a good lunch and a nip-and-tuck, right?
Unsurprisingly, a move with as many red flags as this one is receiving considerable backlash, and even local authorities are protesting the promotion. But, despite the fact that officials have ordered to have the sign removed from outside the restaurant, the owners stand by their strategy. "We will be more prudent with our advertising in the future," the manager told China News Service, according to The Telegraph. "But, the promotion will continue despite the demolition of our sign." Somehow, we doubt that. For now, let us know what you think — and if you'd ever actually try your hand at lunch on the house — in the comments. (The Telegraph)