Unpacking the American Beauty Standard: Whose Definition Is It Anyway?
The American beauty standard has been an ideal that has long been championed around the world. From Hollywood to high fashion, the images of tall, thin, and young white women with long, silky hair and symmetrically pleasing facial features, have been used to define what constitutes as beautiful. However, the definition of beauty is not absolute, but rather, it is fluid, constantly evolving over time. Thus, the question arises, whose definition is it anyway?
The Evolution of American Beauty Standards
American beauty standards have changed over time to reflect the cultural and social norms of the period. For instance, in the 1920s, the flapper style emerged as a symbol of rebellion against traditional beauty standards characterized by corsets and long hemlines. The 1950s emphasized ultra-femininity, with hourglass figures and heavy makeup. By the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie movement saw natural, unshaven bodies as a form of liberation, rejecting the rigid expectations of beauty. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of supermodels, characterized by tall, thin frames and chiseled facial features. Today, social media platforms have ushered in a new era of influence, where Instagram models with curves, thick thighs, and a more diverse representation of beauty are the new norm.
The Role of the Media and Society in Shaping Beauty Standards
The media plays a significant role in shaping beauty standards by promoting certain body types, skin tones, and facial features as desirable or ideal. The constant barrage of images of the “perfect” body can have harmful psychological effects on people who do not fit the perceived beauty ideal. Furthermore, social constructs, such as race, gender, and class, have a significant impact on beauty standards. Lighter skin, straighter hair textures, and thinner physiques are often associated with higher social status and privilege, while dark-skinned individuals with coarser hair textures are often stigmatized. These societal norms are continuously reinforced through advertising, media, and pop culture, perpetuating the idea that beauty equates to power and success.
Diversity and Inclusion in Beauty Standards
The push for diversity and inclusion in beauty standards has gained significant attention in recent years. The movement advocates for a more inclusive representation of beauty in media and advertising to reflect the diversity in society. This includes a conscious effort to feature models with different body types, skin tones, and facial features in fashion magazines, ads, and other media outlets. Inclusive beauty standards provide representation and visibility for marginalized groups, promoting acceptance and self-love for all body types and appearances.
The Conclusion
The American beauty standard is a fluid and evolving concept, shaped by cultural and social norms and reinforced by media and society. The definition of beauty is subjective and varies across different perspectives, making it challenging to create a one-size-fits-all ideal. However, by advocating for diversity and inclusion, we can create a more equitable and accepting society, where all individuals can feel represented and valued. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and it’s up to us to celebrate it in all its glory.
