Now, imagine scrolling through social media, flipping through a glossy magazine, or watching a movie. What do you see? Flawless skin, impossibly toned bodies, and perfect hair-all too often claimed as the ideal image of beauty. But what is the real effect these beauty standards have on the lives and self-esteem of women? More importantly, how can we begin to redefine beauty in a healthier and more inclusive way?
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The following article will seek to explore through what societal beauties shape women's ideals, what the ill effects of such unrealistic notions are, and practical suggestions through which self-acceptance and well-being can be attained. If ever one has been in those shoes where a person has had to feel pressured to look a particular way, or ever question whether or not they are good enough, then this piece is meant for you.
The Unattainable Ideal: Where Beauty Standards Come From
Beauty standards have been changed for centuries based on everything from cultural norms to the media and even, in modern times, photo editing and filters. The dawn of social media cranked this pressure up a notch in making women feel that they had to live up to a standard of beauty that, quite frankly, most would find impossible.
Examples of Beauty Standards Through Time
Victorian Era: Corsets and pale skin were all the rage, emphasizing a small waist and delicate features.
1920s: The flapper look that was popularized included boyish figures, bobbed hair, and dramatic makeup.
1990s: "Heroin chic" models like Kate Moss set the trend for extreme thinness.
Today: We see an emphasis on curves, full lips, and blemish-free skin, popularized by influencers and celebrities.
The problem is that many of these standards are rooted in unrealistic expectations. When women are constantly bombarded with images of perfection, it is no wonder that self-doubt and body image issues surface.
Beauty Standards: The Psychological Effects
The desire and pressure to live up to beauty standards set forth by society extends beyond anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. In fact, one study completed by the American Psychological Association found that women who frequently compare themselves with idealized images are likely to also feel negative self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.
Social Comparison Theory
Developed by psychologist Leon Festinger, social comparison theory explains the ways that people learn their self-worth from how well they stack up against others. In social media, this becomes a very toxic comparison because it's really a highlight reel of everyone else's seemingly perfect life.
The Role of Filters and Editing
Face-altering filters and photo-editing apps make it practically impossible to tell what's real and what's not. Even celebrities admit to heavily editing their photos, yet these images become benchmarks for beauty. The result? Women feel they must alter their appearances to compete.
For example, in 2018, 60% of women reported feelings of insecurity after using beauty filters. Self-doubt may spill into real life, influencing how they feel about themselves without filters.
The Physical Health Consequences
The consequences of unrealistic beauty standards are not only emotional but also very physical. Most the time, many women resort to extreme measures in attempts to change their bodies: extreme diets, cosmetic surgery, or excessive exercise.
The Rise of Cosmetic Surgery
Social media and influencer culture have contributed to cosmetic procedures going through the roof. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 15 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2020, while lip fillers and Brazilian butt lifts are among two of the fastest-growing trends.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with cosmetic enhancements, the problem comes when women feel that they must change their bodies in order to meet a very narrow view of what a woman should look like. Financial stress can also grow out of this type of pressure as many such procedures carry with them quite costly price tags.
Disordered Eating
Our cultural glorification of thinness normalizes dieting and exercise habits that are often unhealthy. Women who cannot fit the mold may resort to dangerous eating behaviors to live up to cultural expectations. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 20 million women in the United States will suffer from an eating disorder-such as anorexia or bulimia-sometime during their lives. Social beauty standards pressure is partly to blame for this reality.
The Media's Role in Shaping Beauty Standards
Media representation plays a big role in how women perceive themselves. Advertisements related to makeup, diet, or fashion tend to be one type of woman: young, slim, and often white. This is a comment, in itself, as to who is "worthy" of the label of beauty.
Body Positivity versus Body Neutrality
Movements like body positivity and body neutrality have, of late, gained momentum to counter such standards by spreading the idea of the worth of all bodies. While body positivity strives to love every inch of your body, body neutrality allows the mind to accept the body just as it is and without judgment.
Actionable Tips for Fostering Self-Acceptance
So, how can we get over the negative impact of beauty standards? Some practical measures are:
1. Curate Your Social Media Feed
Start by making sure your feed is not full of people who make you feel bad about yourself. Follow individuals who focus on authenticity and body diversity in their posts. Most influencers have now taken to posting unfiltered, real pictures that question the beauty status quo.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
It's really easy to become your worst critic. Now, try speaking with yourself as you would a close friend. Treating yourself with self-compassion recognizes that insecurities and struggles are everyone's, which can be a lonely feeling.
3. Health over Looks
Ditch thinking about how your body looks but instead focus on how it feels. Engage in physical activities for the love of it and feed your body with healthy foods, not because one wants to shed weight but for good health.
4. Rein in Usage of Social Media
A number of studies have linked time spent on social media with negative body image. Take a cap on your social media usage and give your brain a rest from all that comparing.
5. Learn About Media Literacy
Knowing that the majority of the images have been manipulated will help a person perceive them as less "real." Media literacy programs focus on providing people with close analysis of the media content they consume. This allows them to be less susceptible to the most toxic beauty ideals.
Conclusion: Changing Beauty for Future Generations
Beauty standards will forever change, but all it would take is for us to rewrite this story. We would create a culture that sees and appreciates every woman by embracing diversity, teaching self-acceptance, and encouraging body positivity. The next time any one of you feels the compulsion to live up to some sort of unattainable ideal, remind yourself beauty is not one size fits all. It's diverse, ever-changing, and more importantly, it's much more than skin deep.
Let's make it a personal commitment to challenge unhealthy standards of beauty and to celebrate ourselves as we are, not as we should be, according to some unrealistic ideal. After all, true beauty comes from within.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are beauty standards influential?
Beauty standards are considered influential because they are propagated in media, social norms, and even in historical events. These ideals influence the ways by which we perceive ourselves and others.
2. Isn't social media noxiously bad for body image?
Yes, research has established that social media is harmful to body image, especially when one compares oneself to photos that have been heavily filtered and ' Photoshopped".
3. How may I help improve my self-esteem despite beauty pressures?
Create a positive social media space for yourself, and make sure to spend time with your inner self lovingly while cultivating well-being, not appearance.
4. What's the difference between body positivity and body neutrality?
While body positivity focuses on loving every part of your body, body neutrality is the acceptance of one's body as it comes neither positive nor negative. 5. What are some ways parents can help their daughters navigate these beauty standards? The parents can encourage open discussions, reinforce inner qualities, and model healthy attitudes toward one's own body.
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