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Beauty and the modern world--don't believe the media's hype

May 8, 2007 12:35 am

WE'RE ALWAYS told that it's what's on the inside that counts; it doesn't matter what we look like--but is that the truth? If it really doesn't matter, then why are so many girls and women obsessed with their appearance? Why do people feel the pressure to wear fashionable clothing, have the right hair, the right makeup, or the right bodies?

If a short fat kid with crooked teeth, frizzy hair, acne, and an "outdated" wardrobe walks into a room, why is it most people's reaction to snicker?

Because that's what the media tell us to do.

Magazines, television, and the movies all give us a similar definition of beauty. According to the media, beauty is being thin, in fashion, with flawlessly clear skin, a straight, sparking smile, and shiny, stylish hair. Society gives girls and women the idea that if you do not fit that description, you're ugly.

The problem is that hardly anyone naturally looks this way--so we're forced to try to live up to the media's high expectations.

Fashion is a necessary component to "the beauty image." The basic message that the media sends out about fashion is that you can wear whatever you want, as long as it's "in style." There are two main determiners of what's hot and what's not in the world of fashion: celebrities and top-of-the-line designers.

For example: A question asked in the fashion advice section of teenvogue.com was, "I recently bought a long beaded necklace. Since fashion changes constantly, I'm afraid that by the time summer is over my necklace will be out of style. How can I reuse this good investment without looking outdated?"

The fashion news editor, who supposedly "makes the call when it comes to clothes and cool girls" replied that, since celebrities are still wearing the long beaded necklaces, then the necklaces are unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. The editor also suggested that the girl wear her necklace with printed blouses and striped frocks from "Marni's fall runway."

Yet countless people are still afraid to express themselves using true runway style fashion, because it's too creative and too expensive for most. Not a lot of people are willing to fully reflect their personality through their dress because it would be too unique--they wouldn't blend in with the crowd.

Members of society need to learn to think for themselves instead of trying to dress like everyone else.

Perfectly clear skin, glowing white, straight, teeth, and soft, silky hair are also crucial in this judgmental world. Yes, these are signs of health, but not everyone can afford to look like this. Many people aren't able to invest in braces, acne medication, removal of imperfections on skin, or quality hair care products and haircuts. For some, fitting this image is just genetically impossible.

The criteria the media gives for beauty is incredibly unfair.

One of the most dangerous influences the media has on society is the promotion of need to be thin. The images on TV and in magazines all depict stick-skinny figures. The problem is that people come in all different shapes and sizes--not just one. Unfortunately, since the media only shows one ideal figure, the "hourglass," that causes people, especially young women, to become overly body-conscious. This may lead to possibly fatal eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.

The point is that everyone is different. Every person is beautiful in their own way, but the media tells us otherwise. We're given one ideal image, but one important detail is left out: We're already beautiful, no matter what we look like.