- The Negative Effects of Beauty Stereotypes
- The Causes of Beauty Norms
- The Consequences of the Pursuit of Perfection
- Shifting the Perspective
- Beauty is Character Deep inside
- Why There is Beauty in Being Inwardly Beautiful
The Negative Effects of Beauty Stereotypes
Toxic beauty standards seem to be embedded in society, making every individual in it think differently about themselves and the people around them. Such people may question whether beauty is all it takes to be successful or worth something. This is where most people are mistaken, and their practical dimension of life tells them otherwise—that worth is in one’s personality and what one does to the people around them.
The Causes of Beauty Norms
Toxic beauty norms can be traced to the media, advertisement, and cultural determinants of beauty that are stereotypical. Several inquiries have been made to confirm this suspicion, such as the American Psychological Association group’s studies, which found that most edited shots/images and explode popular beauty phenomena subjecting women to a global good-looking standard make many, especially adolescents, develop inferiority complexes.
These factors can influence the physical and emotional well-being of an individual, causing the person to try to meet the false images or expectations that are quite impossible to achieve.
The Consequences of the Pursuit of Perfection
The pursuit of those unrealistic ideals of beauty comes with a cost. It touches on one’s mental, physical, and interpersonal aspects.
• The National of the National Eating Disorders Association shows that exposure to such negative ideals can lead towards body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression.
Over 30 million people in the USA suffer from eating disorders due to body image issues.
• Practices such as extreme dieting or overuse of beauty products have dire health effects such as malnutrition, skin damage, and much more.
Shifting the Perspective
Although toxic beauty standards work together to tell a single story, beauty is actually multifaceted and very personal.
The Dove’s “Real beauty” campaign has demonstrated the fact that inclusivity is effective at tearing down those boundaries. Statistics from the surveys conducted during the campaign showed that the number of women who describe themselves as beautiful is only 4%, which is an embarrassing figure.
Embracing diversity in appearances and promoting different skin tones, body shapes, and natural beauty features allows people to stand out and own their differences.
Beauty is Character Deep inside
In a contemporary society where trends change rapidly, beauty has a different definition—it includes attributes such as a perfectly sculptured face, flawlessly applied make-up, and carefully chosen clothes. But true beauty is not a matter of outward appearance; it is an inward pursuit that relates to an individual’s values, character, and how they treat other people. It concerns how we treat others, the bravery which we possess, and the impact that we have upon the lives of other people. It’s inner beauty that is authentic; it’s true—and its sight is to be cherished.
Why There is Beauty in Being Inwardly Beautiful
A good aesthetic is more than just looking good; a beautiful character is reflective of traits such as love, humility, and honor. Quite astonishingly, such persons do not attract those around them but instead, they impress without attempting to impress and their inner goodness eclipses their outer appearance. People have the touch of beauty and strength which is sufficient for all the people around them to perform at their absolute best.
Take, for instance, Sudha Murthy, who also doubles as the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, instead of being remembered for her wealth.
She is remembered for her simplicity and, more importantly, her large heart. Despite her status, she retains a low profile—fitting for someone who places her perceived life mission as one of charity and teaching children.
The same story can be said about Mother Teresa, who was a small woman yet she crossed all boundaries in regards to love.
Her battle with the marginalized and the suffering was the evidence of love, which advances beauty: love to every single person and respect for dignity of person.
"True beauty is not defined by the standards set by society but by the confidence to embrace your authentic self."
