Premium Essay

What Is Beauty?

In:

Submitted By trempster
Words 868
Pages 4
Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. This phrase first appeared in Greece in the third century BC and is still believed by people today. With today's society’s standards, though, who is the beholder? The media produced all around us makes beauty seem like some big thing and that all people should look the way a model looks on a billboard or in a magazine. What kind of message is this? If you don't like the way your body looks, just try to make it look like that supermodel you saw! This is an awful way of portraying beauty to youth, so really, what exactly is beauty? There are many different views on what beauty is all over the world. Ancient Greeks introduced beauty as something that produces delightful reactions and sensations in the mind. In that time period, proportion and symmetry were beautiful to the human eye. The Ancient Greeks thought pale skin and golden colored hair were beautiful and showed prestige. Greek women would take the risk of lightening their skin with white lead, a toxic material that very well could have shortened their lifespans. To lighten their hair to this nice golden color, they would apply vinegar to their locks and spend time in the sun. To prevent tanning their skin while doing this process, brimmed hats were used to shield the skin from the sun’s rays (Beautiful with Brains). The Greeks were obsessed with the human physique, being an example of perfect symmetry. Aesthetics like these were what led to the modern opinions of what beauty really is (Aish.com). Over the years, beauty has become a deceiving false advertisement that corrupts the minds of young people, popularly young girls. Magazines, billboards, and television make weight loss and the results something to strive for. The use of anti-aging serums, copious amounts of makeup, and weight loss supplements have been promoted by big companies to audiences that

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Is Beauty In Medusa

...history of being a greek monster with something used by people everyday, makeup. Her everyday life consist on waking up, doing her basic needs, and then she sets up her camera equipment begins filming and then applies a nice cakey layer of makeup. Once she’s finished with her full face of makeup she’s ready for a nice day out in the town. She strolls around town for a couple of hours Looking for men that she can take back to her house and use her curse to turn them into stone. Although she portrays herself as an evil character the evilness that she shows isn’t genuine, she secretly hopes that when she takes the men home they will fall in love with the beauty found inside of her not the outside but... little did she know that she might actually find love that day....

Words: 1068 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

What Is True Beauty

...Sydney Johnson Graham Writing April 9, 2013 Defining true beauty "Better Buns in 10 Days!", "Flatten Your Stomach!", and "Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days!" These are all headlines that are thrown at women each and every day. The media today presents an unrealistic image of women, which pressures women to make unhealthy decisions. Perfection is “important” and the media has no problem letting women around the world know they are slacking. In today's society, women are plagued with images of the so-called "perfect woman”; this causes a catalyst of effects in the women of today's society. Over the years the average woman’s weight has increased while the average fashion model’s weight has dropped. “This growing difference has had a well-documented and pronounced negative effect on the body image of the women and girls who read women’s magazines” (Qtd in Kramer). Throughout history women have been constantly pressured to have the “ideal” body image. As the years went by, the women in the magazine became less realistic and more idealistic. When we look into the magazines today we are bombarded with thin models. In 2004 a journal “Eating Disorders,” women were portrayed in the media as having ideal bodies weighed approximately 15 percent less than average women, making the ideal body difficult, if not impossible, for most women to attain” (Qtd in Kramer). Since women today are feeling so much pressure to look a certain way they will believe any Magazine ad that they see for weight...

Words: 1255 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

What Is the Meaning Beauty?

...“beautiful,” they think of models and movie stars. I admit I used to be one of them. I used to wish I was skinnier, had fuller lips, or eyes that were a vivid shade of blue, green, or hazel. My friends and I would talk for hours about how we wanted to be tall, beautiful women with airbrushed skin like models. Now my perspective has drastically changed. The day that I discovered what true beauty really is, I was with my parents and little brothers at McDonald's. We decided to sit in the Playplace, so my brothers could play with all the other kids while we waited for our food. Since Mickey D's only has tables with four chairs, I'm always the one to get booted to a nearby table to sit by myself. Usually, I'm a little peeved, but this time, it worked out perfectly. As I apathetically surveyed the other customers, I was suddenly captivated by my subject. She was sitting at a table two tables away and I could look at her without her knowing. Now, I wasn't being creepy-stalker about it. A glance here, a look there, pretending to look out the window. The half-dozen children (all about the same age) were what originally caught my attention – that and the rapid-fire Spanish I've missed since living in southern Arizona. As I continued to watch the mother with her children, I became more and more in awe of them. The mother had an ageless quality about her. I could tell that in her youth she had been pretty, not the traditional beautiful, but a warm, inviting one. Her skin was a light...

Words: 302 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

What Is Beauty?- the Uglies Book Review

...What Is Beauty? In the future, “uglies”, who are normal looking people in our society today, must get an operation to make them pretty when they become sixteen. Tally Youngblood is a typical “ugly”, and lives in Uglyville with other people like herself. She cannot wait until she turns pretty, then she will live in Prettyville and constantly be surrounded beautiful people. Tally admires these beautiful people from afar and wishes she could be one of them. She does not look at inner beauty and only sees what is on the outside of people. Because of this, she views herself and the other people in her town as ugly, when in reality these people are really the beautiful ones since their brains are not affected. They have the ability to make good decisions because their entire mindsets have not been altered. Unfortunately, much of society today also views beauty as being attractive on the outside; however, many people in our current society also look inside people and get to see beauty for what it really is and what it was intended to be. There are many people with “ugly” looks who are still beautiful because of their inner beauty. People can be average-looking and beautiful because of what they are made up of inside. Also, people can be beautiful on the inside and outside. Magnarelli 2 There are many people who have walked this earth that show us the true meaning of beauty, such as Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesus Christ, and his mother, Mary. All though many people...

Words: 510 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Ann’s Beauty Parlor: What Does a Small Business Owner Do with a Dying Business?

...Ann’s Beauty Parlor: What does a small business owner do with a dying business? Written by: Partha Ayyanger Linda Fang Jodie Hirsch Debbie Lew Lennix Lewis Table of Contents I II III IV V VI VII VIII Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………… Background ………………………………………………………………… .. Current Situation ………………………………………………………………………. SWOT Analysis ………………………………………………………………………… Critical Issue / Feasible Alternatives ……………………………………………….. Recommendations ………………………………………………………………….. Contingency Plan ……………………………………………………………….. Implementations …………………………………………………………………….. Appendices …………………………………………………………………………………….. I. Executive Summary Ann’s Beauty Salon is an old-fashioned, traditional salon located in the heart of Williamsburg Brooklyn, an area that has transformed from being low-key to a trendy neighborhood of artists and musicians. Most of Ann’s clientele are women aged 65 to 85, but the median age in Williamsburg is now 30.8. Almost all of the new businesses now serve the newer tenants, whereas many of the businesses that served the population before the drastic change in demographics, such as Ann’s, have left the neighborhood. Ann’s sales have progressively declined in recent years and three years ago, it started to operate at a loss. Rita Quillo, who purchased the business 13 years ago, is at a point where she has to make tough decisions about the business. II. Background Ann’s In 1955 in a recent-immigrant, family-oriented neighborhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn...

Words: 4332 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Beauty Pageants

...Significance of the Study Beauty pageants take place everywhere around the world, and as the researcher observed, they never fail to draw various sectors of audiences. As Cohen (1996a) described it, beauty pageants, as diverse as they are in their cultural and historical contexts, they do something similar wherein they establish an ideal of beauty that best represents the locality. Indeed, Filipinos have been always fond of beauty pageants that it has become a significant part of their lives. No town fiesta or festival can be called as they are if there was no beauty pageant held. And beauty queens and even beauty contestants are always admired and considered as one of the beautiful icons in the country. But as the Philippine culture easily being influenced by the American society, this research hopes to emphasize the distinction of Philippine beauty pageants from American beauty pageants for it is in beauty pageants that the epitome of a Filipino is being showcased around the world. With that in the mind, this research also hopes to discover and unravel the purposes behind the staging of beauty pageants in both American and Philippine society. Background of the Study The researcher, who is not a stranger in the world of beauty contests in her school, has been asked by a judge on what she thinks is the purpose of beauty pageants in the society and whether its purpose is still prevalent. Intrigued, the researcher decided to do a research on beauty pageants. The TLC TV series...

Words: 4104 - Pages: 17

Free Essay

Facets of Beauty

...Facets of Beauty What is the first image that comes to your mind immediately after hearing the term beauty? Is it for example the famous model and representative of Victoria’s Secret, Adriana Lima, or a beautiful landscape you have seen and that it is still engraved in your memory, or just someone’s smile after giving him your help? According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, beauty is defined as “the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit” (p.108); nonetheless, this concept remains relative and abstract because everyone pretends to know what the term “beautiful” means, but no one can really define it . In fact, beauty takes a variety of facets and may be seen from different perspectives depending on an individual’s perception. External beauty is the first facet that beauty can take. Many people see beauty in physical traits or in the fact of being physically attractive. Having blue eyes and blond hair, being tall and fit or being cheerful and dynamic are all characteristics of external beauty. Nonetheless, these characteristics are not a standard of judgment because they may differ from one person to another. Nowadays, media, movies and advertisement emphasize physical beauty that seems to them to be the most important criteria to attract people. As a result, a lot of people, especially women, swallow what advertisements try to make them think and spend a lot of money and time taking...

Words: 913 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Beauty

...Brooke Baker  Soc 202  Beauty Essay  Is Beauty Really in the Eye of the Beholder  No matter what I do not think beauty is ever going to be a fair topic to discuss. I have  always heard beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what is beauty. I looked on google.com  and found the definition of beauty to be ​ a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form,  that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. In the reading given to us from Psychology  Today, we are told beauty is unobtainable. The author talks about the aspect of beauty being  about the body shape, hair color, and if someone is aesthetically pleasing to look at. Are these  things something of truth or is it all a fake world we live in? I feel as though every person feels a  little bit different about beauty and what it is and how to maintain it, but since we have a set  standard for unattainable beauty no person will ever compare.   Beauty is said in the article to be unobtainable. Unobtainable beauty is a set shape our  body has to be. Everyone can relate to the struggle of wanting our bodies to be to the  unobtainable standard of beauty. Along with the shape comes color. I am sure any one can agree  that it is a well known thought and belief that if you are tan or have a darker skin complexion  you are more attractive in turn making you more beautiful. A tall dark skinny male or female is  much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye than a chubby pale red haired person. We have  ...

Words: 497 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Definition Essay Beauty

...the say " Beauty in the eye of the beholder" do you ever wonder what is the definition of beauty? There are many viewpoints to the word beauty. What is your opinion on beauty? My opinion for beauty is a mixture of unique details that combine in to a positive vision or feeling. Beauty is elegance, beauty is style, beauty is grace, and it has a certain pizzazz that always eye catching. What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word beauty? Do you think of something glowing or do you see something florid? Beauty can be an emotion. Even though everyone knows what beauty is, many people struggle to define it and convince others to agree with their views. The idea of beauty is not just a physical appearance of a person or object. It is an understanding that gives some feeling experienced to a person's eyes, ears, intellect, and to their sense. There are many classifications of beauty. Beauty can be classified as style, emotion, and vision. Beauty can also be classified by a person's personality. If beauty is described by a person's personality this would be considered inner beauty. If a person's personality is positive then that would be considered beauty. However, if it is negative then it wouldn’t be beauty at all. Personality is the differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.(Apa) Personality...

Words: 426 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Beuaty Pageants

...Beauty Pageants in Today’s Society Beauty pageants have been a part of the American Society since the 1920’s so that women or young girls can compete and be judged mainly on their physical appearance, but also on talent and personality. They say pageants build a young woman’s confidence because she is up on stage, where all eyes are directed toward her, cheering her on, ultimately making her feel glamorous. In “Introduction to Beauty Pageants: At Issue” Rosie Goldsmith says, “Those in favor of the pageants argue that there is no shame in showing off one’s beauty, fitness, and health.” Others say it is a great way to make friends and have life long friendships. With all of these benefits that come along with beauty pageants, what could possibly be so harmful about them? Beauty pageants may build some women’s confidence and help build friendships, but overall, beauty pageants are degrading to women and serve no real purpose in today’s society. There are a few reasons that are considered to come to the conclusion that beauty pageants causes more harm that good. The first thing that is considered is the fact that they are judged on appearance and poise. “A beauty should be judged for the good works, not for the beautiful thighs and backless blouses.” By judging a woman based on her physical appearance and her clothes, we are degrading women to mere objects. Women have fought way too hard for equality and respect for the last several decades to be lowered to mere objects parading...

Words: 1136 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Beauty

...Beauty "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." This quote explains how beauty is merely interpreted by the individual seeking it. Although some may say beauty conveys specific guidelines, it cannot be judged by one individual. Beauty does, however, come in several different forms. The inner beauty of an individual, the outer appearance a person displays, and the beauty surrounding a person are just three ways that it is portrayed in society. Inner beauty is found within one's self. It can define a person’s heart and personality; it can describe an inspiring view, or it can explain a person’s actions. The beauty a person has on the inside is seen with the heart, not with the eyes. Inner beauty is who a person is made to be. It is not shown on the surface, but below the appearance. The best beauty hides deep inside, and you may never see it. Beauty is like a treasure chest. The most important part of it is what it holds inside. A woman discovers she has breast cancer. As the chemotherapy begins, she starts to lose her hair along with her strength. She notices she is too tired to be involved with her children after work and cannot go the day without needing a full night's rest. Although the cancer is changing her appearance, she is still the same woman on the inside. The love of her family remains the same, and her personality is never changing. Physical beauty is what an individual appears to be to other people. Today's society has begun to put more emphasis...

Words: 805 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Beauty Defined

...19 November 2010 Definition Essay Beauty To say that beauty is defined through the eye of the beholder is an accurate statement, yet quite cliche. Beauty is a something in a person or a thing that gives great pleasure to the mind and senses. Beauty is youth, a captivating smile, an alluring waterfall, and a sunset overlooking the vast ocean. There is no simple definition for this word and that in and of its self is beautiful. Although our worldly views of beauty have been shaken, twisted and contorted, the true meaning of beauty is beyond the single sentence Websters definition. Ideal beauty of the physical body is strived for daily in our society and all over the world. We have constructed our own meaning of beauty and strive for it. To us, beauty is pleasing eyes and a warm smile. Beauty is long blonde hair with bronze skin and skyscraper legs.To some, beauty is association with other people who have been defined as beautiful by others, because of their physical features. To be included with them, comes the title of beauty. Although these physical features are attractive, they do not accurately define beauty. This is such a shallow definition of the word. Overtimes, the meaning and definition of this word has been altered and redefined according to society and what it deems as attractive. Having an emotional well-belling is attractive to some. In history, symmetry of the body has been viewed as beautiful since it suggest the absence of physical defects and deformities...

Words: 492 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Booty: The Definition Of Beauty In Music

...What is Beauty? As I watched the 2014 American Music Awards on television and thought back on the songs that were brought out this year, I realized that within the songs that the artists would sing about their perception of beauty. Some examples are, “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor, “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj, “Booty” by Jenifer Lopez and Iggy Azalea and many more. Beauty is a word that we all have heard throughout our lives, but my question is what does the word beauty really mean? Most people believe that beauty has something to do with physical appearance, when really beauty has a lot to do with the inner being of someone. I will discuss the definition of beauty, the social media’s role in the definition of beauty, and inner beauty....

Words: 1912 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Beauty

...Definition : Beauty Beauty is a subjective word and is defined differently from every person. Audrey Hepburn, a beautiful woman both inside and out once said, “The beauty of a woman does not lies on the clothes that she wear, the figure that she carries, or the way she comb her hair. The beauty of woman must be seen from her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” To me, beauty is defined by the measurement of your personality and morality. However, people nowadays tend to define beauty through what they see in social rather than the inner beauty itself. The media has effectively brainwashed our society into accepting a false, even potentially dangerous definition of beauty. They want us to believe to having the closest to correct bust line and waist line with lipstick and mascara on is decent enough to show our beauty. One example that proves the significance of outer beauty in our society is the increase of beauty products and services that we have today. All of these products and services emphasize the beauty on the outside, not the inside which in truth shows the truly beauty of ourselves. It is undeniable people nowadays invest more on their appearance as they believe to media’s interpretation of beauty. As you can see, most salons and spas are fully booked, nail salon chairs were occupied, and the sales of beauty products increase from day to day. The influence of media is too strong that people only judge appearance to define beauty instead...

Words: 652 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

John Keats, Charles Baudelaire and Beauty

...Dana O'Brady Professor Jennings Emergence of the Modern 11/8/12                                 John Keats, Charles Baudelaire and Beauty                John Keats and Charles Baudelaire are two great poets who gives some sort of description of what beauty is and what it can do. In Keats' La belle dame sans merci, the reader is told a story of a knight who is attracted to a woman's beauty, but later he ends up alone and "palely loitering". In Baudelaire's Hymn to Beauty, the reader gets a sense of how beauty can be overwhelming, enticing, yet at times dangerous. In both poems beauty is in the form of a woman and the woman's appearance is very captivating. Baudelaire's poem is questioning the origin of Beauty while describing her. He says, "Your gaze bestows both kindnesses and crimes/ So it is said you act on us like wine/ Your eye contains the evening and the dawn..." Baudelaire is attracted to her eyes, and the way she looks at him. Her eyes look kind yet villainous, like the contrast between night and day, good and bad. For all he knows she could be a "man­eater", a woman who destroys men by any means necessary. The woman's beauty acts on him "like wine", it could either be bitter sweet or strong and uncontrollable. It seems as though hes heard of her kind, but he still wonders if shes "from the sky or the abyss." He goes on to say, "You pour out odours like an evening storm; / Your kiss is potion from an ancient jar,/ That can make heroes cold and children warm...

Words: 2049 - Pages: 9