Discussion on Whether We Should Judge People by Their Appearance

Are You Beautiful?Today the idea of physical beauty has changed drastically; we are expected to have a tiny waist and perfect hair and other impossible standards for beauty. This is an issue for the little boys and girls who want to be accepted. The young eyes of today have “bigger shoes” to fill, trying to “fix” themselves and be liked by their peers. It can be innocent; however, there can be a dark undertone to it all. At first little girls want to do their hair in a certain style, and then they “need” to wear makeup. Beliefs like this can lead to people, not only children, thinking that they aren’t good enough, which could cause eating disorders, self-mutilation, and depression.

A person who thinks that they are inadequate or insufficient, they may want to find an easy “way out,” a way to blend in with their peers. Whether its starving themselves, vomiting, or caking their face in make-up, some people will go to terrible lengths to be liked. As a person who didn’t find myself good enough when I was younger, I can understand these thoughts. I found myself not eating enough and falling into depression.Race has a big part in beauty. In our society, if you’re thought to be beautiful you’re probably Caucasian. Having a “beautiful” complexion is an aspiration for many women in the beauty industry. White skin was perceived purer or cleaner. Women of color are criticized for having their natural looks. Wearing their culture’s traditional styles were thought to be “ugly,” “too ethnic,” and “unprofessional.” I find this ridiculously stupid and callous. Magazines have even been known for saying hairstyles; cornrows, dreadlocks, and even afros are “edgy,” “trendy,” and “epic” for white women, but not for women of color. This is a clear double standard and culture appropriation. These are some of the issues with beauty in the US.Beauty standards in other countries are vastly different than here in the U.S.

In places like Africa, having a stretched-out lip is considered extremely attractive in Africa. Here in America we would see that as body mutilation; however, it is an emblem of maturity and readiness to bear children in Africa. Having an elongated neck by brass rings are more attractive to a lover because it’s a sign of beauty and wealth in parts of Myanmar and Thailand. This would be crazy to see here; Americans would not know how to react to it. In America someone getting rhinoplasty is out of the ordinary; however, in Iran, women love to show off their nose jobs. Iranian women will even wear surgical tape to make it seem as they had surgery although they had not. This would not happen in America. In times such as the 1950s, women were expected to have an hourglass figure. Wanting to always be looking fabulous; hair done, makeup on, and perfect skin. Women had to always look their best and look “presentable.” Marilyn Monroe was an iconic figure of beauty during this time.

During the 1920s, or the Roaring Twenties, women had more carefree attitudes. The general idea for “beauty;” a small and flat chest, shorter hair, and boyish physique. To keep up this look women were expected to frequent the gym and constantly be on diets. Nowadays, looking boyish is not a usual thought for an “everyday woman.” If you were to turn on the T.V. you’d see women with large hips, chests, lips, and thighs. Everything is wanted to be bigger except the stomach. You are to have an insane hourglass figure. Which plenty of women are willing to spend thousands for surgeries, go on crazy diets, or even starve themselves to achieve the “perfect” body. Normal people do not look like Barbies, America needs to realize that fact.The way we see ourselves is usually harsher then how others see us. No one judges you harder than you. In a study conducted by Allure, “only 59 percent of women are contented with their appearance, while men are 74 percent”. Why is there a 22.5% difference you might ask? Women have higher expectation with appearance than men do. The world we live in appearance is everything but for the wrong reasons.

Studies have shown that if you have a better-looking face you’re more likely to get a job. If a woman has the “right” amount of makeup on she is to be expected to get a higher tip than one without. This is not fair to everyone.Mostly what I’ve been talking about in this essay is physical beauty, I have yet to touch on inner beauty. A person could be outer beautiful and have a toxic personality. What makes someone beautiful to me is their generosity, courage, and kindness. You cannot always see someone’s beauty, sometimes it is essential to get to know the person first. “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” - Kahlil Gibran I feel this quote perfectly says everything. Looking into someone’s eyes and see a bright sparkling light shining back is a lovely thing. More people need to realize that you are more than just your appearance. People will usually judge you as soon as they see you, so the best way to prove them wrong is with actions in words.

Beauty it really isn't having a beautiful face. It’s truly about having a beautiful mentality, heart, and most significantly a beautiful atmosphere. Beauty is the ability to show who you truly are, not looks but with actions and your inner soul. If you believe yourself to be beautiful covered in make-up, then that’s your prerogative, that’s you, that’s your life. You can live your life how you wish, just be happy and don’t put others down because they don’t look like you.Integrity PledgeI pledge that this work is entirely my own and that I have neither given nor received anyunauthorized help in doing it.Self-Evaluation My biggest risk in the essay is having it sound like I’m complaining too much.