The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Analyzing 80s Beauty Standards
The 80s were a time of big hair, bold makeup, and flashy attire. However, the standards of beauty during this time were not without controversy. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of 80s beauty standards.
The Good
One positive aspect of 80s beauty standards was the emphasis on individuality. While there were trends and fads, there was also a lot of room for personal expression. Bold makeup and colorful clothing were encouraged as a way to stand out from the crowd. It was also a time when women’s body shapes were celebrated, with curvy figures and muscular builds being popularized.
Another positive aspect was the rise of natural beauty movements. Many women in the 80s began to embrace their natural features, such as wearing less makeup or letting their hair go naturally curly. This pushed back against the notion that women needed to conform to traditional beauty standards in order to be attractive.
The Bad
One negative aspect of 80s beauty standards was the pressure to conform to certain body types. While curvy figures were celebrated, they were also often objectified, with women’s bodies being scrutinized and judged. This pressure to conform could lead to dangerous behaviors, such as extreme dieting or even eating disorders.
Another negative aspect was the emphasis on heavy makeup and hairspray. While individuality was encouraged, there was also a lot of pressure to look a certain way. Heavy makeup and big hair could be expensive and time-consuming, and many women felt like they needed to keep up with the latest trends in order to be considered attractive.
The Ugly
Perhaps the ugliest aspect of 80s beauty standards was the perpetuation of racial stereotypes. In particular, the “Valley Girl” look that became popular during this decade was seen as a standard of beauty. This look was associated with white, middle-class women and often involved cultural appropriation, such as wearing Native American-inspired jewelry or dressing in stereotypical Asian outfits.
Overall, 80s beauty standards were a mixed bag. While there were positive aspects, such as the celebration of individuality and natural beauty, there were also negatives, such as the pressure to conform to a certain body type or aesthetic. It’s important to remember that beauty standards are always evolving and that we should strive for inclusivity and acceptance of all body types and individual styles.
