The debate of beauty is never-ending as everyone may have various notions on the same, but through this blog, we will understand some of the related aspects revolving around it.
The concept of beauty standards is a set of values that are applied to the visual appearance of males and females to be regarded as handsome and beautiful in order to fit in the community. Beauty is defined by society and culture as the physical attractiveness of women or men, but most probably, the term beauty applies more to females. It is more about the perception of women, which revolves around the notion of fair complexion, skin tone, slim physique, lustrous hair, etc. In this blog, we will talk about beauty standards in detail.
Where do Beauty Standards Come From?
The subject of beauty standards has a complicated and complex past. It still carries an important role in someone’s life, with different people having different ways of thinking about it. In ancient Greece, physical beauty held great importance, people being thin and athletic are regarded as the most important part of beauty. Whereas in the Renaissance period, people having pale skin and rounded stomachs were considered fashionable. On the other hand, the Persian beauty standards were more about symmetrical features and fair skin.
These trends or standards have changed from time to time, laying more emphasis on the modernity of times. Specifically in the modern era, the media and fashion have taken a major spot in society, influencing beauty in varied ways.
How Do Beauty Standards Affect Society?
The Beauty standards can be considered as a plaque for society as it might have various implications, which are as follows:
1. Creates Unjust Notions for Persons with different Skin Colors
It is natural to consider that every man and woman is born differently, one might have a fairer skin, or another might have a darker skin, but it doesn’t have to be linked with any of the beauty standards. It is just a practical denomination of diversity in society.
2. Results in Negative Comparison: The Beauty standards may potentially give rise to unrealistic expectations and foster a culture where individuals tend to compare themselves with others on the grounds of fairness or body posture.
3. It may be a path of Objectification: Beauty standards can largely result in the objectification of men and women. This can largely be a negative influence that can spread through modes of media.
4. Mental Health Issues: There can be a large debate on how beauty standards affect mental health. The persistent expectation to adhere to challenging and unachievable beauty standards may potentially result in feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, diminished self-worth, heightened anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
Beauty standards influence how we view ourselves in terms of certain aspects of appearance, which always evolves as per the fashion, trends, or fads of society. A more diverse, accepting, and caring society must prioritize fostering a healthy body image, challenging conventional wisdom, and embracing equality rather than being stuck in the glitters of looking good. In order to encourage acceptance and self-love, let’s appreciate individuality and inner beauty.
