What defines beauty? Is it facial structure, skin complexion, height, fuller lips or tighter skin? In today's society, the rules for beauty are superficially defined and ever-changing. The "beauty is within" belief seems to hold little to no weight in comparison to "beauty on the outside." Because, after all, beauty or lack thereof is the first thing people notice and judge. Sad but true.
The idea of what beauty should be has changed over the years and has completely taken over how people see themselves. The mirror is no longer in the privacy of our own bedrooms, instead it's out there in the world reflecting doctored-up images of perfection: thin physiques, large breasts, botox injected faces, nip/tucked arms and bellies, long tresses, smaller noses, voluptuous back sides, and the list goes on and on.
In China, height has become a prerequisite for success. Height requirements are not unheard of for certain jobs, admission to colleges and even dating. If one is too short, then the option to add a foot or two to look taller and feel more secure and confident is available for purchase. Never mind the painful and horrific process it takes to actually make an individual taller: holes are drilled into the leg bone and screws are inserted to stabilize an adjustable leg brace followed by sawing the leg bone in half below the knee. Recovery time for this nifty surgery is six months.
What's absolutely mind boggling is the idea that people are ready and willing to undergo that amount of pain and change all for the sake of fitting into a specific mold. What's even more incredible, is the amount of power given up just so one can feel physically accepted by a society that's probably going to judge you for making those changes. It's a vicious cycle.
A Few Incredible Statistics:
In Mauritania, stretch marks and pleasantly plump women are desirable.
In India, drinking distilled cow urine to enhance beauty is the norm.
In Paris, models have become obsessed with being skinny that it borders on unhealthy.
In Finland, women sit in saunas and then go outside in minus 15 degree C (5 degrees F) weather to jump in the snow (with only a bathing suit on) and roll around because its good for the skin.
In Nigeria, having long luxurious locks is extremely popular and heavily influenced by international stars and the desire to keep up with trends.
In my younger days there were times that I struggled with not having a bigger backside or larger breasts, which was absolutely insane because that need was based on the attention those things would get me. It took some growing up and getting comfortable in my own skin to appreciate and love all of my parts...as they were given to me. I look fine just as I am and I now understand that happiness with self is all that truly matters. It's not an easy journey, but it's worth it once you arrive.
EJW
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