The only ideal of beauty that matters

Photo by US Department of State via Flickr

Jodi-Ann Richards/Contributing Writers

Many of us have heard the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I agree with this statement because I have come to realize that physical beauty is actually a subjective concept. Some people think that there is one ideal physical beauty throughout the world. However, that is not the case. Ideas of what makes people attractive and beautiful can vary among individuals in America. It also varies around the world based on culture and region. I will prove it.

Since we all live in America, let’s start from there. As women and men in this country, we encounter countless images of the beauty ideal here. These images leave a subconscious imprint on who is considered attractive. According to in article in a blog titled Urbane Nature, the beauty standard in America and most western societies refers to a slim, Caucasian woman with long, straight hair and light eyes. Even though there is a new beauty trend emerging in praise of “ethnic” and “exotic” women, these ladies have had nose and Botox surgeries to live up to the actual standard of beauty in America. Examples of women who have had these surgeries include Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Lil Kim. I think celebrities just like other people feel the pressure to look a certain way because they are expected to live up to the traditional standard.

  In the Marie Claire article “Beauty Redefined,” the writer explains that she felt comfortable growing up in America but felt uneasy travelling in Asia. This uneasiness came from the fact that she did not have the ideal Asian look: thin figure, thick black or dark-brown hair and pale skin. The beauty culture is so ingrained, for example, that in South Korea, teenagers are promised plastic surgery as high school graduation presents.

  In the Arab world, thick eyebrows, long hair and dark eyes are considered attractive. Fairness/bleaching creams have become present in the Arab world, Asia and the Caribbean. These creams support the light skin ideal.

  In Latin America, having the ideal look refers to a woman’s face structure, features and body figure. For example, Venezuela has been known to give free cosmetic surgeries to beauty pageant contestants.

  Finally, in West Africa, there is a clash between beauty standards there and western standards. The region of West Africa favors plus-size women, a dark complexion and braided hair.

  The beauty standards of a region are not fully embraced by every person there. If I were to say that, it would be a faulty generalization: a stereotype. So, while society dictates what is attractive, you can let society know that you are beautiful, even if you don’t look like what is expected. The only ideal beauty that matters is inner beauty. True beauty starts with loving yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Be good to yourself and other people around. We are all unique, and each of us has our preferences. You cannot please everyone, so be content with how you look. It doesn’t matter what your gender, skin color or weight is. As long as you love and accept what you see in the mirror, that’s good enough.

1 Comment on "The only ideal of beauty that matters"

  1. Charmaine Maragh | April 5, 2014 at 11:08 PM | Reply

    This article expresses the raw reality of what is to be said. Natural beauty is uttmost beauty and beauty that should not be altered. We should love the ourselves the way God made us, our creater did not make a mistake, He made an awesome creation. Great article!

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