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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. 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 who are 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, that are actively involved in the industries I listed above in comparison 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. 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.
There are many forms of gender oppression that 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 it has 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.
This is only part one of the Culture of Beauty; we are just getting started here. Until next time, cheers.
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The Culture of Beauty – Part
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