Beauty standards are social norms that dictate how people should look to be considered attractive. In today's society, these standards have become increasingly influenced by the media, which perpetuates a false notion of perfection and normalizes unattainable physical ideals. This article will discuss how beauty standards in media contribute to sexual hierarchies and exclusion, causing emotional distress for those who do not conform to these standards.
It is important to understand what constitutes as "beautiful" according to traditional definitions. Historically, beauty has been linked to femininity, youthfulness, and whiteness. Women were expected to be thin, light-skinned, and have fair hair while men were expected to be tall, muscular, and dark-haired. These expectations were reinforced through advertising campaigns and fashion magazines, creating a narrow definition of beauty that favored certain body types.
The current media landscape has evolved to include new forms of diversity, such as nonbinary individuals and racial minorities. Nevertheless, these groups still face discrimination based on their appearance.
Nonbinary individuals may struggle to find representation in mainstream media, leading them to feel isolated and unseen. Similarly, women of color may experience fetishization or objectification due to their skin tone or facial features. The constant comparison between different body types can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt, particularly among young girls and boys who internalize messages about their worth.
The media often glorifies certain physical attributes over others, setting up an artificial hierarchy where only a select few are considered desirable. This hierarchy can be seen in the way models and actors are chosen for magazine covers and movie roles, with white, cisgendered women being the most likely to be featured. This creates a sense of exclusion for everyone else, who may feel like they do not fit into society's narrow beauty standards. As a result, many people turn to cosmetic surgery or other extreme measures to alter their bodies to match what is portrayed as "normal." This can lead to mental health issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. In addition, the prevalence of airbrushing in advertising leads to unrealistic expectations about what is achievable through diet and exercise alone.
This phenomenon perpetuates existing power structures by privileging those who meet traditional ideals while marginalizing those who don't. Women who do not conform to societal norms are often ostracized from social circles or denied opportunities because of their appearance. Men who do not fit into gender stereotypes may also face discrimination in employment or dating markets. The impact of these systems extends beyond individuals - they reinforce patriarchy and heteronormativity, making it harder for queer and transgender people to find acceptance in society.
Beauty standards in media contribute to sexual hierarchies and exclusion that harm both individual well-being and broader social dynamics. By recognizing how these biases affect us all, we can work towards creating a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued based on their inherent worth rather than their physical characteristics.
How do beauty standards in media reinforce sexual hierarchies and exclusion?
Media portrayals of physical appearance can perpetuate stereotypes about what constitutes attractiveness, with certain features or body types being celebrated while others are devalued. This can have lasting effects on individuals' self-perception, contributing to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, particularly for those who do not fit these narrow definitions of beauty.