Summary

Society's rigid beauty standards, perpetuated by media and cultural expectations, exert undue pressure on women to conform to unrealistic ideals, affecting their self-worth and perception of beauty as they age, but personal redefinition and valuing inner beauty can lead to liberation from these constraints.

Abstract

The article discusses the societal pressures that enforce a narrow definition of beauty, particularly affecting women from a young age through adulthood. It highlights the prevalence of unrealistic beauty standards in media, which often portray underweight characters as the epitome of attractiveness. The author emphasizes the struggle women face in feeling beautiful due to these societal definitions and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. The piece suggests that true beauty emanates from within and is not contingent on external approval or physical alterations to appear younger. The author shares personal anecdotes about overcoming the fear of aging and finding confidence in a self-defined concept of beauty that celebrates individuality, wisdom, and a rich inner life. The article encourages women to reject the conventional beauty myth by developing a strong sense of self, surrounding themselves with supportive female friendships, and embracing their unique qualities, thereby finding authentic beauty that transcends superficial standards.

Opinions

Beauty standards imposed by society are unrealistic and disproportionately affect women, leading to a lifelong struggle with self-image.
The portrayal of beauty in the media, especially the representation of women in television and advertising, often reinforces these unattainable ideals.
The societal obsession with youthfulness pressures women to alter their appearances, which undermines the natural beauty of aging.
The author admits to personal vanity but also recounts a journey towards accepting aging and redefining beauty on personal terms.
True beauty is seen as multifaceted, encompassing personality traits, creativity, and the wisdom that comes with age.
The article advocates for a beauty standard that is inclusive of all ages, body types, ethnicities, and abilities

Society’s Definition of Beauty Holds Us Captive at Any Age

Unveiling the Beauty Myth.

Beauty has always been an issue in our minds, whether male or female. We learn it at an early age, together with our roles as boys or girls.

Unfortunately, this is more of an issue for women.

From the time we’re kids, society embeds the definition of “beauty” in us women.

We hear daily messages about living up to that standard handed to us by media and advertising. Our communities, well-meaning strangers — and even our own families strengthen that belief.

Girls and women watch thousands of images daily depicting “beautiful” women. Many of these are unrealistic.

These images start early. A report suggests that a significant 87% of female characters on TV that are between the ages of 10 and 17 are below-average weight.

Those fitting conventional beauty standards model the most positive personality traits.

We are under lots of pressure to keep up our appearances.

No wonder we struggle with feeling beautiful and place our sense of value on whether we fit a societal definition of beauty.

It’s alright to want to look your best as you age; it’s not right to have to alter your appearance to look more youthful.

Grey hair, wrinkles, smile lines, and wisdom are beautiful enhancements. They are a great way to express one’s personal style and can make a big impact. They also come with wonderful stories you must share with the world.

Women who want to remain ageless base their identity and worth on their exterior. This makes them remain dependent on outside approval for self-esteem.

As we age, we lose the power that we had based not on merit but on the value of youth.

Beauty is a control issue. With it, we imagine we have the power to get all the love we need.

By changing your definition of beauty, you’ll be able to appreciate your own.

I was afraid of aging, actually petrified! I won’t deny that I have always been vain. A friend of mine sometimes recites this to me: “Oh vanity, vanity, what is thy name.”

I don’t know what she is alluding to, I believe I lost something in the translation. After all, English is not my first language.

I have to admit this is a funny story. When my mother-in-law died, as the family distributed her belongings, I humbly said: “I want the vanity; nobody else here is as vain, so I figured it should be mine.” Everybody agreed.

So, how did I get here, comfortable with aging and the loss of beauty?

Here is what helped me conquer the fear and move forward.

Decide what beauty is to you.

I love feeling beautiful, but I have my own definition now.

I found freedom from the impossible beauty standards.

I’m noticing when the information I’m getting doesn’t feel authentic to me.

Social media and ads present a false sense of reality.

I don’t measure my self-worth against an impossible and limiting standard of beauty.

When you internalize that the images you see fit a narrow standard of beauty, you feel free. You do not care any longer if you look like them.

Be friends with women who are truly beautiful inside.

I see so much true beauty in my female friends.

They are funny, happy, and creative women of all ages, body types, ethnicities, and abilities.

I have female friends of all ages who look attractive. None of them match societal standards, but they are all beautiful in their own way.

Looking at them, I see many examples of beauty right before me — a real-life beauty. And it reminds me that beauty includes me.

True beauty — in all its forms — comes from the inside.

That beauty is more powerful and real than the photoshopped images sold to us.

Develop a rich inner life.

If you are preoccupied with your looks and comparing yourself to others, you can’t have an inner life.

When you have a rich inner life, you are more interested in how the world looks to you than how you look to the world. You are your real self.

The real you will remain inside, getting richer and happier every day. Unlike beauty, this will never wear out until you die.

Nothing is more beautiful than your unique life force when it radiates from the inside out.

So, when you feel good and content, take a second and look at yourself in the mirror.

That woman looking back at you in the mirror is unique, valuable, and irreplaceable. And she is so much more beautiful than the idea of beauty she has been taught.

Be true to yourself.

Your confidence and natural beauty will shine through by doing what makes you happy.

Follow your heart and avoid letting society’s influence and marketing determine attractiveness. It’s liberating.

Smile is your best accessory to improve your image of health and success. It also elevates your mood, making you more attractive to others.

It’s time to detach happiness from appearances. Do you realize that the one person on earth who knows how it feels like to be you is you? That’s because your looks don’t belong to you but to the beholder.

That doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of the make-up, or if it’s Botox you want, do it. But do it because that’s what you want, not because the media sold you on it.

“The wrinkles of the mind make us older than the ones on the face.”Montaigne

If you wish to connect with me. Email: IsabelLugoJarboe@outlook.com