By Hilary K.P, staff writer
Have you ever felt the constant urge to look like that celebrity? To fit the perfect beauty standard? Why shouldn't we focus on satisfying these standards? Are they even worth it? Since the beginning of time, beauty has been something artificially created by humans. What might be attractive to me might be hideous for you, and that's perfectly normal. What is wrong is the idea that our unique beauty is inherently wrong. Instead, we should acknowledge our own beauty, learn self-love and self-esteem. Standards are often created by society to rule women, but in reality everyone has their own standard. No one should tell you the way you should dress or look. Standing up for yourself is very important and reduces the damaging effects of beauty standards on society.
Media sells the wrong image
Instead of encouraging positive self-images, mass-media instead promotes a twisted version of how women should look and act. The media provides an immense source of information and is very powerful, but it’s important to be aware of what we consume, as not everything is truthful. Having awareness of which trends to follow shows maturity and respect to your self-esteem and principles. Despite this, 88% percent of women are victims of self-comparison, which leads to self-image insecurities. Advertisements featuring extreme diets and cosmetics procedures also play a major role towards self-comparison. When it goes beyond low self-esteem, the standard also leads to body dysmorphic, eating disorders and self harm. The desire to meet these so-called standards ends up ruining daily routines and passions.
Real beauty
Real beauty is so-called inner and outer beauty. We are all beautiful. Although not all of us meet the beauty standard for several reasons, that isn't what makes us beautiful. When that does happen, make sure to create and impose your own standard. In fact, it is not that we don't fit the beauty standard, it is that our unique beauty is not famous yet. This beauty, though not often portrayed in the media, is unique. Who will change that? The media? No, we are the ones changing the standard the moment we change our mindset. Thus, you should start by doing that, dear reader. Stand up for yourself. Take care of your true beauty. Avoid negative comments and thoughts. Understand that you are unique.
Celebrating Uniqueness
We should celebrate all aspects that make you you, such as personality, culture, beliefs, passions, and identity. In the end, your beauty is individual to you. You are your own standard, not the world's. The moment you understand that, you will free yourself into a much more diverse world. Celebrate every aspect of you, dear reader.
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