The concept of beauty has been around since the beginning of time. Whether it’s in the form of art, nature, or people, beauty has always been something that humans have sought after.
While there are endless opinions on what beauty means and looks like, one thing is for certain: the pursuit of beauty can be a tricky slope to navigate.
The Pressure of Beauty
From a young age, individuals are told that certain physical traits are desirable and that, in order to be successful or happy, they must possess them. For women, the pressure can be particularly high.
Advertisements constantly promote a specific body type, skin tone, and hairstyle, and social media has only increased the level of comparison and self-doubt. However, what many individuals fail to realize is that beauty is subjective and constantly changing. In essence, the pressure of beauty is an unspoken truth that we place on ourselves and others.
The Impacts of the Beauty Industry
While many industries play a role in the perpetuation of beauty standards, the beauty industry’s impact on individuals’ self-image is significant.
The billion-dollar industry profits off of the insecurities that society has surrounding physical appearance. The marketing tactics often promote a sense of inadequacy that can lead to individuals feeling as though they need to invest in the latest product or service to become more beautiful.
However, the industry’s definition of beauty is limited and excludes large parts of society whose beauty may not fit within those standards.
Other Forms of Beauty
Beauty, in fact, is far more diverse and multifaceted than what the beauty industry may present. Beauty can be found in the quirks, personalities, and stories of individuals. It can be found in creating art, writing, or music.
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Nature alone provides a never-ending abundance of beauty. We must only shift our perspective to appreciate and celebrate these other forms of beauty.
The Importance of Self-Love
We must also prioritize self-love in our journey to navigate the pressure of beauty. The pursuit of a more accepting and positive self-image begins from within. It starts by recognizing our strengths and accomplishments beyond physical appearance.
It means letting go of the comparisons and self-doubt that comes with the pressure of beauty. By prioritizing self-love, confidence can be built and the desire to meet society’s limited definition of beauty becomes irrelevant.
Challenging Standards
Finally, we must challenge the standards that define and limit the concept of beauty. We must amplify and celebrate those who have been underrepresented in the industry. We must advocate for diversity in representation.
The more inclusive and varied beauty is depicted, the more individuals can feel seen and recognized for their unique beauty.
The Takeaway
Beauty is a concept that extends far beyond physical appearance. We as a society must redefine beauty to include all forms of it and celebrate those who may not fit within its current limited definition.
We must also prioritize self-love and let go of the pressure and comparisons that come with the pursuit of beauty. By doing so, we pave the way for a more accepting and diverse world.
