We live in a world where everything has its own standard and its own type. You either belong here or you belong there. Our society is full of stereotypical markings and every person is expected to fit into a bill.
This is such a messed up system and I wonder how and why it ever came to be. What if I don’t want to fit into a mould? We all have the freedom to do what we want and yet there are multiple instances where we are tied down by these stereotypes.
Now there are a lot of different kinds of stereotypes. It could be based on where you’re from, what you do for a living, your gender identity, your beliefs or faiths and so many other things. But I feel that the largest and most common stereotype that people want to fit into is the beauty stereotype.
Many people say there is no definition of beauty, yet the number of beauty standards we’re pressurised into following, are innumerable. Your looks can honestly be a ride or die factor. In fact, there are times where character and personality are thrown to the wind when it comes to someone good looking. We are a world where people would do anything to get a good upbringing and education and get a good job and have a good life. Yet, if you’re better looking, you are automatically better than everyone else, when in actuality, you’re probably not. Not at all. Not one bit.
Now, what do I mean by beauty stereotypes? If you ask me, in the point of view of a teenage girl, I would say moderately tall, straight hair, thin but not skinny, clear skin, if you’re white it’s a plus point, flat stomach, someone who wears makeup but not too much of it and other things in the line of that. I’m pretty sure you’ve made a picture of what that’d look like. And there are so many beauty stereotypes, and each person probably has a different list of beauty stereotypes.
Now, how do these stereotypes actually come to be? Well, I feel it all starts off with the entertainment industry. I’m not saying that watching TV or going on the internet is bad, but let’s be real, that’s the first place where we saw what “perfection in a person" looks like. Unknowingly those models and actresses formed an impression on our mind as to what we’re supposed to look like and there are some who would’ve truly believed that that’s what one’s supposed to look like. Obviously, societal and peer pressure to look a certain way is also a huge driving factor for the establishment of such stereotypes.
Now, however, we’re seeing that there are quite a lot of parts of the entertainment industry broadening its mindset and bringing inclusivity, irrespective of whether the person fits this stereotypical standard.
I feel social media, which is open to everyone in the public, has helped this come true. It is kinda ironic, however, that social media can be the start of all stereotypes but it has also helped bring awareness to things beyond physical appearance. It’s a slow start, but I’m sure it’ll lead somewhere.
I truly believe in the saying that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone perceives things differently and that’s why these stereotypes are just so wrong and unwanted. Everyone has something about them which is unique and amazing, and which makes them a better human being. Segregating people into groups based on their looks is quite disrespectful. Why do we have to conform to the status quo?
Everyone is made beautifully and wonderfully. No one has the right to judge, especially when it comes to physical appearance. If you look at it in one way, many a times we crave things we don’t have. I’m a short person but I’ve met tall people who’ve told me that they wish they were short too. So it’s extremely clear, beauty does lie in the eyes of the beholder and we must appreciate everyone around us and must also remember that the best way to know a person, is through their personality and character, not their looks.
I think I’ve written quite a lot about this. I’ve also realised that there have been instances where I’ve kinda drifted off from my main point. I hope I fix that while editing.
Anyways, the point of this post is that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!! It doesn’t matter what others think of you. You should know your worth! And you are worth it!!
Thank you for reading this far and I hope you liked what you read. See you. Bye!!
