Reimagining the Beauty Definition: Why It’s Time to Expand Our Standards
The concept of beauty has been around for centuries, and its definition has changed over time. Beauty standards have been set by society, culture, and the media which put pressure on people, especially women, to meet certain expectations. However, it’s high time we begin to broaden our definition of beauty, to include diversity and inclusivity.
The Problem with the Current Beauty Definition
The current beauty definition mostly centers around tall, slim, and fair-skinned women. These beauty standards are unrealistic, unattainable for most people, and can cause extreme distress and pressure. A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that women’s dissatisfaction with their body and appearance is linked to “exposure to societal ideals of beauty.”
The media perpetuates these beauty standards through advertisements, movies, TV shows, and magazines. The ideal body type, facial features, and skin color we see in the media are usually photo-shopped and unrealistic. These images make people feel inadequate, less confident, and can create negative body image issues.
Why It’s Time to Expand Our Beauty Standards
We need to broaden our definition of beauty to promote inclusivity and diversity. Beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also encompasses personality, intelligence, kindness, and much more. People come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and that should be celebrated and accepted.
The beauty industry is slowly embracing diversity, but the progress is not enough, and they need to do better. Brands should aim to represent all skin tones, body types, and genders. It’s essential to have representation in advertisements and promote timeless beauty that’s not just based on short-lived trends.
The Positive Impact of Celebrating Diversity in Beauty
Expanding our definition of beauty will have a positive impact on people’s mental health. People will feel more accepted and less pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. It can encourage healthy body image development and improve self-esteem.
Moreover, celebrating diversity in beauty can help to break down the barriers of inequality and promote inclusivity. When people see someone who looks like them being represented in the media, it can create a sense of belonging, and they feel validated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s high time we begin to broaden our definition of beauty. We cannot continue to promote unrealistic beauty standards that put pressure on individuals, especially women, to meet certain expectations. It’s time to embrace diversity, inclusivity and celebrate different shapes, sizes, and colors. Expanding our beauty standards will have a positive impact on people’s mental health, promote inclusivity, and break down barriers of inequality.
