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The Culture of Beauty Defined – Part 1
Part 1 – We Forget We Are Beautiful Without
What Is The Culture of Beauty?
We Forget We Are Beautiful Without Adjustments
As women, we often forget that we are simply beautiful without making any adjustments to our faces and bodies. We also forget that there are other types of beauty aside from physical beauty. Though these are simple truths, we often live our lives constantly trying to enhance our bodies in some shape or form to be more beautiful and to appear more attractive to ourselves and others.
My No-Makeup Journey
One day, I decided to go one year of not utilizing any makeup products. This experience helped me to love and accept my natural self more than I did before I commenced the journey; my self-esteem and self-confidence inevitably benefitted and soared from completing this journey. I have never heavily and consistently utilized makeup, but I still often used mascara and eyeliner to give me that “pop.” This journey of not using makeup enlightened me of how dependent a woman can become on even the simplest makeup tools and techniques to enhance her appearance.
Society Teaches Us We Need To Make Adjustments
The culture of beauty thrives on others’ consistent dependence on different “beauty-enhancing” techniques such as cosmetics, plastic surgery, and fad diets; my goal is to avoid dependence on beauty-enhancing techniques to prevent myself from being an active participant in this artificial culture.
I spent a lot of my life as an unconscious participant in the culture of beauty. The consistent messages, advertisements, and media have affected me at many points in my life. I often allowed (without even realizing it) these messages to internalize and influence me in ways that made me more self-conscious of my body. I know that if the media and the beauty industry have affected me, they have probably affected numerous others.
The Purpose of This Piece
This article derives from a research paper I completed at the University of Georgia. I felt it necessary to expand on the paper because beauty culture affects many people across the globe, making it a relevant topic. I do not write this piece to criticize the beauty industry but to speak candidly about it. I do not write this piece to chastise people who take meticulous care of their appearance and utilize beauty techniques to enhance their appearance. The purpose of this piece is to communicate how the culture of beauty can affect people in ways they may not even realize; furthermore, I wrote this piece to help people understand the reasons why they choose to engage in beauty-enhancing techniques. There is a difference between being brainwashed and influenced to believe your body is inadequate versus consciously, but still willingly participating in beauty culture because you want to – knowing your natural body is good enough.
The Culture of Beauty Defined
You may ask, “What is the culture of beauty?” According to Caffrey (2015), “The culture of beauty refers to the prevalent standards of physical attractiveness as dictated by popular opinion.” Within this culture, certain features are usually focused on, such as symmetry, body weight, hair type, and skin tone. In addition, the media (e.g., music, magazines, film, entertainment, news, and advertisements) greatly influences what is considered beautiful and attractive.
How The Media Discriminates Against Women
If you take time to observe the media, you may notice that most women in the news, film, entertainment, and broadcasting industries are often young (or look younger than their age) and are doused with makeup to enhance their physical appearance. Older women, and presumably less attractive (according to Western societal ideals) women, are often shunned by society and are not often seen in the visible spotlight; it is as if once a woman ceases to be a sexually consumable object or past a presumable reproductive age, she loses value. Furthermore, there seems to be a negative correlation between a woman’s value and the age of her body. You may also notice that there are considerably more men, who are older, who are actively involved in the industries I listed above compared to older women.
Gender Oppression
I believe the culture of beauty perpetuates gender oppression and gender inequality amongst women and men because it often conveys to society that women are objects to be enhanced – often for male consumption. As a result, women are continually reduced to their bodies; consequently, women are frequently not seen as full human beings. Moreover, through this timely cultural norm, women have ended up unconsciously perpetuating and participating in their own objectification.
Many forms of gender oppression are directed at women, and the culture of beauty is only one of them. Many people have never considered the beauty industry to be an extension of the patriarchy or an example of oppression on women; however, if a person observes just how successful this billion-dollar beauty industry is, one may notice that this industry thrives off the insecurities of women, which is the fuel that feeds the culture of beauty. Understanding the culture of beauty and its effects on society will help mitigate the powerful influence on individuals across the globe.
Gender Oppression: There is not one exclusive definition for gender oppression. Gender oppression can represent unjust treatment or control of a human being. It can also signify mental pressure or mental distress on someone.
Are You Interested In Plastic Surgery?
The Culture of Beauty – Part
Is It Wrong?
Is it wrong to get plastic surgery, or is it empowering and demonstrative of the execution of one’s owns agency over their body? Is plastic surgery a breeding ground for insecure women?
Topics
Boobs: The Obsession is Real
Risks
Media Effects
Self-Awareness & Self-Questioning
Continue Reading: Here
The Perilous Cosmetic-Beauty Industry
It’s Time To Educate: The Culture of Beauty Part
Annalisa Barbieri argues that “cosmetics are not just ways to improve one’s looks but are essential to a woman’s self-esteem” (Espejo, 102). However, Carlin Flora, argues that “people are more beautiful than they think they are, and stopping the obsession about your looks […] can make you look better by improving your confidence” (Espejo, 106).
Some people believe that consistently utilizing makeup is not a negative action or habit. Others believe consistently utilizing makeup is an institution of bondage, oppression, and devaluation of the natural body. I do consider that many individuals use makeup as art, for fun, and some only use makeup on an occasional basis. However, I am focusing on individuals who are dependent on makeup, never leave the house without make-up, and feel incomplete and less confident without makeup on their faces.
Topics
The Profitable Billion Dollar Cosmetic Industry
Pressure To Be “Pretty” And Self-Objectification
The Power Makeup Gives A Woman’s Confidence
The Correlation Between Beauty & Self-Value
No-Makeup Challenge
Love Yourself, Women
Continue Reading: Here
The Secret to Building Your Best Body – Naturally
The Culture of Beauty – Part
Consistently investing in your personal health and fitness is ideal for transforming and maximizing your natural body.
We have all seen and heard hundreds upon hundreds of advertisements that claim to provide the perfect health, diet, and fitness solution for your body. However, there truly is not one perfect plan, solution, or diet. The health and fitness industry is highly profitable because many people care about their appearance and believe in quick fixes. Still, the best solution to achieving optimal health and fitness, in addition to looking your best, is consistency. Consistently engage in healthy habits, and your body will give you the results you desire.
Topics
Fitness & Resistance Training
Health & Wellness
Food Elimination & The 60/40 or 70/30 Rule
Dissatisfaction With Body Weight
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What’s The Dealio: Hair Texture & Shaving – Part 5
Hair
Whether you have curly hair, thin hair, straight hair, thick hair, or tightly coiled hair, enjoy your hair pattern. Unfortunately, so many of us are unsatisfied with our hair textures; consequently, many of us consistently run to perms, relaxers, curling tools, flat irons, and color because we don’t like our own hair.
Continue Reading: Here
Shaving
Who came up with the idea that being hairless is more attractive than having hair? Have any of us ever considered the possibility that hair may grow in places it is meant to stay in? Why are such painful methods (e.g., Brazilian waxes) taken to be hairless? Why are so many people okay with experiencing bumps and rashes after they shave?
Continue Reading: Here
Women: Race, Skin Color, Exoticism – Part 6
Let’s Talk About
Topics
Skin Color
The Multi-Racial Phenomenon
On Exoticism
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The Fountain of Youth Does Not Exist – Part 7
4 Ways To Stay Youthful – Beauty
Ahhhh…youth! The obsession with being young and looking young is ever-present in our society. Being young is nice and lovely but being young is a mentality. It is not about your age, but about how you live your life.
Beauty is in the beholder’s eye. It can be difficult to decipher what true beauty is when society constantly conveys that beauty is synonymous with youth; however, this is not the case.
You can be young at any age and at any point and time in your life.
I have learned from many people how to maintain a young personality and heart throughout life.
Topics
Self-Care
Adventure | Fun | Change
Boundaries
Goals
Continue Reading: Here
What’s Attractive & Who Decides – Part 8
On Body: Image &
There are many physical standards of attraction within our society, and these standards are dynamic in nature. Many of us have even witnessed these shifting standards of physical attractiveness within our society, but it seems that one constant remains – specifically for Western Society: slim is better.
However, voluptuous and curvy bodies are increasingly becoming more accepted, desired, and standard (another example of the shifting beauty trends in mainstream society).
Topics
Body Trends – Skinny Vs. Voluptuous, or Both
The Obsession With Physical Attractiveness
Body Acceptance
Physical Attractiveness – Who Decides?
What You Need To Remember
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Love Yourself Despite What The World Says – Part 9
Gentle
Here is your reminder to love, appreciate, respect, and value yourself. So often, we surrender our power and allow others to decide our worth. It is time to step up and choose how we are going to view ourselves.
How can we expect others to treat us with respect if we don’t treat ourselves with respect? How can we expect others to view us positively if we don’t view ourselves positively?
Learn how to love yourself with everything that comes with you – flaws and all. Be comfortable with who you are and stay true to yourself. People enjoy being around others who appreciate themselves and are comfortable within themselves. Learn to mold yourself instead of letting society mold you.
Become a conscious participant in different forms of media. In fact, it is important to become a conscious participant of society in general. Be aware of different messages that advertisements, music, images, prominent figures, people, etc., are conveying to you and everyone else. When you understand and are aware of the media’s messages, you will be less affected by them.
Continue Reading: Here
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.