Throughout human history, beauty standards have always been pervasive, and they continue to have a significant impact on social interaction, the media, and the business sector today. From bodily form to facial proportions to height and weight, they decide what is Beautiful. Although several academics have attempted to provide an explanation, there doesn't seem to be much agreement. Our modern conceptions of beauty have been influenced by a wide range of factors, including racism, social media, and evolution. I contend that although the general idea of beauty has its roots in evolution, beauty standards today are tools used by the US capitalist system to govern its citizens because they are so easily influenced. Human Beauty and the Brain, which was posted online in April 2019, is the first piece that has a similar thesis to this discussion. It was authored by Daniel, a retired behavioral science's researcher from New York. It attempts to deconstruct ideals of beauty using an evolutionary or scientific method. It asserts that human nature sets beauty standards by looking for reproductive health in others, but it also clarifies that individuals frequently deceive others by dressing up, using makeup, and using other tricks to appear more appealing. The effects of non-evolutionary forces, such as cultural or social norms, are not addressed. It just emphasizes development from that point of view.
The definition of beauty is no longer a shared idea that people try to duplicate with one another. It has turned into a mechanism for one group of people to rule over another and maintain the exclusivity of the beauty standard. No matter how much a beauty product is touted as a tool for a person to take control of their self-image, the reality is that beauty businesses thrive on the consumer base's anxieties. Everyone wouldn't need to buy cosmetics, diet goods, hair products, and other items if they were truly confident in how they looked.
Even though there is much more complexity to this idea that needs to be investigated, there will always be those who use evolution to support their continued adherence to this norm. The problem with the scientific explanation is that it may be used to justify very risky standards, some of which may even be racist. Because the US places such a high value on commerce and because beauty standards are so ingrained in it, America has a particularly pervasive system of beauty. The most we can do on a personal level is be cautious with how we see ourselves and continue to be conscious of how we personally support and contribute to these systems. Despite the fact that these problems are systemic, there is some room for agency. Everyone wouldn't need to buy cosmetics, diet goods, hair products, and other items if they were truly confident in how they looked.
Even though there is much more complexity to this idea that needs to be investigated, there will always be those who use evolution to support their continued adherence to this norm. Beauty is always inside.
You must be logged in to post a comment.