When considering beauty, it’s easy to immediately think of traits such as having smooth skin, shiny hair, and an hourglass figure, but there might be something else that we’re failing to consider – the effect of culture. Everywhere in the world, beauty standards are changing and adapting to different societal influences, causing the beauty ideals of certain cultures to stand in stark contrast to each other. In this article, we’ll take a look at how cultural notions dictate the ways we view and define physical beauty.
1. A Global Perspective on Beauty
Beauty has and will always exist in many forms around the world. From the many colorful cultures, to the vast array of appearances, beauty is a reflection of the world’s wonders – and it’s the way we proudly present those unique attributes that make it both a universal concept and something personal.
No matter where you turn, one can find a stunning example of outstanding beauty. Whether it’s the bazaars of Egypt, the beaches of Brazil, or the cathedrals of Spain, art and aesthetics seep through all the nooks and crannies of our global environment.
In physicality, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Unifying traits like the full lips of Africa, the dark chocolate of South America, or the caramel hues of Asia are just few of the many physical features that are present in differently-cultured people, and observed and appreciated on a global level.
In regard to lifestyle, beauty is found in all the diversity. It’s within its fabric that a person’s natural, individual beauty is woven into a worldwide masterpiece. Pale skinned Scandinavians, olive-complexioned Arabs, and bronze-toned South Pacific Islanders, all interact as a community in a dance of vivaciousness that only the integration of different perspectives could create.
- is a bridge between the cultures of our world
- Beauty is found everywhere, as long as you know where to look
- Physical beauty is unique to each person and each region
- The collective beauty created by the world community is made up of intertwining lifestyles
From the culture to the appearance, beauty is a representation of different ways of living, blended into a universal mess of colors that show us, no matter the country, we are all truly beautiful.
2. Culture and Beauty: How They Intersect
It is undeniable that culture and beauty go hand in hand; culture provides context and meaning to the concept of beauty. Historically, the notion of beauty has been shaped by cultural mores and expectations. When it comes to beauty, the lines of culture are clear:
- Style: Style is perhaps the most interesting intersection between culture and beauty. Every culture has its own set of fashion trends, color combinations, and fabric patterns that define its aesthetic norms. These aesthetic norms are closely tied to the culture’s cultural values and ideals.
- Physical Beauty: Culture also has a hand in the way we perceive physical beauty. Traditional beauty ideals that were once viewed as attractive can range from extremely slender figures to larger, more full-figured bodies. In broader terms, beauty standards can also shift between needing lighter or darker skin tones.
- Cultural Symbols: Culture also contributes to the way we view beauty from expression to symbolism. In many cultures, beauty symbols such as art, music, literature, and architecture may signal deeper meanings, oftentimes representing a culture’s beliefs or spiritual ideologies.
At the end of the day, beauty and culture are constantly changing and intertwining. These elements create a complex, ever-evolving landscape that is shaped and reshaped by changing ideas and attitudes. Understanding the ways in which culture and beauty intersect is knowledge that is invaluable when it comes to appreciating beauty in all its forms.
3. Social Influences on Individual Views of Beauty
Beauty is seen differently around the world, but social influences play a huge role in how individuals view beauty. It has been argued that every culture has its own standards of beauty, and this social construction of beauty is important to how we view ourselves and the people around us. Here are three ways social influence affects individual’s views of beauty.
- Media: We live in a world that is saturated with media, and it has a significant impact on how individuals shape their beauty ideals. Magazine covers, television commercials, and social media posts often reference particular aesthetics when it comes to depicting beauty. This can lead to a distortion of reality, creating unrealistic standards, and perpetuating dangerous messages about body image and self-worth.
- Peers: The opinions of our peers can have a major influence on our own views of beauty. We often compare ourselves to those around us, and take on the beauty standards that are praised or accepted by the majority or those in power. Unless careful thought is put into the ideals we model after, we can find ourselves living in a toxic environment, where competitive beauty standards and insecurities become the norm.
- Family: The way individuals view beauty can often be shaped by how they were raised. Family members, especially parents, can give inaccurate or damaging messages about beauty growing up. For instance, if children are subjected to regularly hearing negative remarks about their body or appearance, these conversations can shape how they view the attractiveness of themselves and others. It’s important to be aware of the messages being sent and the lasting imprint that they can have.
Culture and beauty are intertwined, and understanding the social influences on our opinions of beauty is key to having a healthier relationship with our own appearance and that of those around us.
4. Impact of the Media on Beauty Ideals
In a world dominated by the media, it’s hard not to be exposed to the ever-changing beauty ideals. As a result, the ideals that the media presents to us can have a lasting effect on our own beliefs and ideals about beauty.
- The media has the power to shape our views on beauty by dictating the trends that we see and follow.
- They often promote what is considered “beautiful”, which can lead to people feeling inadequate if they don’t meet the standards presented by the media.
The pressure to attain these beauty ideals can be overwhelming and damaging over time. This is especially the case for young people who grow up bombarded with these messages from a young age. This can lead to feelings of poor self-image, insecurity, and even depression.
The power of the media should not be underestimated when it comes to beauty ideals. They often shape our views and opinions, which can have a significant impact on our self-confidence and mental health. It is important to be aware of these messages and to be conscious of the beauty standards that are being presented to us.
5. How to Shape Your Own Perception of Beauty
Chasing after the conventional standard of beauty is an exhausting pursuit. Instead of chasing someone else’s mold, it is better to form your own perception of beauty. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and these steps will help you shape your own self-image.
- Take a day off – A day to yourself can help you step back and assess both your inner and outer beauty.
- Focus on the things you like about yourself – Before you set out to change anything, make a list of your strongest assets and internal traits. This will help you shift your focus away from fake beauty standards.
- Let yourself be inspired – Find someone or something that inspires you to be better. It could be an inspirational quote or a friend that encourages you to accept yourself.
Shaking off old ideas and creating your own perception of beauty can be a challenge. Sometimes you may rely heavily on feedback from those around you. To craft your own opinion of beauty, it’s important to listen to your heart and check back in with yourself.
- Become aware of your judgement – Pay attention to how you judge yourself and how you judge others. Are you being fair or too critical?
- Check in with your emotions – When you look in the mirror, try to let go of your physical features and tune into your emotions.
- See the positive – Everyone has flaws, but try to be your own biggest cheerleader and find the beauty in yours.
Culture, beauty, and perception have co-evolved over the centuries. The standards of beauty that we learn when we’re young stay with us long after we grow up, but the appreciation of beauty is universal. Beauty has many different faces in many different cultures, and understanding the cultural influences that affect beauty perception can help us become more tolerant and accepting of people from all walks of life.
