In a move publically stated to be to combat elitism, but privately acknowledged to be to increase their chances of getting a date, Mensa has created an associate member category called “Lensa” based on looks rather than IQ.
The new Lensa category is open to people who both have an IQ under a 100, and are in the 98th percentile of physical attractiveness. A sliding scale will operate and for each IQ point under 100, a 1% lower percentile of attractiveness will be required, with the lowest baseline being an IQ of 52 and an attractiveness rating on the 50th percentile. In accordance with prevailing social mores, the scale will be alcohol-adjusted.
Mensa spokesman Phil Latimer explained that the physical attractiveness scale was the result of detailed research and, at times, heated debate: “We had the full spectrum – leg-men, ripped abs ladies, eyes are the windows to your soul types, and more derriere fanciers than you can shake a royal wedding at. In the end, we have allocated attractiveness points equally over four areas; head, chest, bottom /legs, and general body composition (height / weight), so just sending a photo of your breasts or member will be no guarantee of Lensa status, though all such photos will be perused extremely carefully.”
Mr Latimer rejected suggestions that the new Lensa category wasn’t exclusive enough noting: “The attractiveness points were benchmarked against the general population group, rather than the less stringent Mensa population group.”
Member reaction has been mixed. Kate Jones welcomed the chance to charm the pants off new Lensa recruits with her ability to recite Pi to 183 places, and do the entire Kama Sutra with shadow puppets. But Alan Richardson was the sober voice of realism in observing: “People in the 98th percentile of attractiveness traditionally go for people in the 98th percentile of wealth – I think we should have just given ecstasy a whirl.”
