Is Beauty Subjective? Or Does The Society Define It? | Women's Issues

By Beau-Xpert
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Word Count: 473

The latest advertisements, such as the Dove 'Beauty Campaign' are proof that there exists today a debate in the society over who has the correct view of beauty. The competitors, claims Dove, have the wrong concept of it and must not be allowed to get to ones children.

The issue at the core is - who defines beauty? and should the media have such an influence on a fragile psyche and be given the liberty to define such subjective issues?

There are three schools of thought on this issue:

1. Society's ideas change and so does the concept of beauty - This view has three debatable points:

a. Who's causing this change? A select group of people? If so, then this can be compared to racism. That is exactly what is happening today.

b. A side effect of this issue is that if the media labels something destructive as 'cool', and 'in', then it becomes desirable. A result of this is the rapid increase in depression, unhealthily habits, and even suicide.

c. The concept of beauty is not what is really changing, as much as the definition of 'what is desirable'. This results in a large number of beautiful people feeling inadequate unless they buy what the screen tells them.

2. The concept of beauty is the same as before, but is now out in the open due to technology - While this has some shades of truth to it, there are debatable aspects to this too:

a. As before, a small number of people are the ones who define what goes, rather than the objective truth.

b. Since the promotion of modern ideas of beauty as presented through the media is contrary to what was considered desirable in the past, this idea cannot account for all the changes coming it, and neither is it true.

c. While there are aspects of this that are true, such as obesity, wrinkles and skin blemishes always being considered a certain way, this small definition cannot be applied across the board.

3. Each people group and individual has their own ideas and views - While it is clear that there are some common concepts amongst everyone, each individual differs from another in their own specific views over the matter.

Each individual desires to be 'more beautiful', but this concept is driven not by their own innate understanding of what that means, but rather by what they perceive is desirable in the sight of those whom they hold important in their life. This is viewed most clearly in a marriage where the husband and wife adopt the model of beauty that their spouse deems the most desirable.

Hence, it is perfectly reasonable to seek to fight the natural enemies of 'good' appearance such as wrinkles and blemishes through safe and healthy means. However, to place this in a position where it dictates one's life to the full is simply unacceptable.

About the Author

Lifecell Anti Wrinkle Cream is an example of a product that instead of promoting unhealthy lifestyle focuses on effectively fighting skin damage. Read the full review here - Lifecell Wrinkle Cream

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