What do you find physically beautiful and how far are you willing to go to be so if you don't already possess that characteristic? Do you know someone who has taken unnatural measures to make their looks more to their--or others' liking?
I have been thinking about this for some time and it was brought to the surface by another Gatherer's question regarding how we view ourselves.
Lately--on the 'net--I have been seeing an ad that screams "thin lips are ugly on anyone". It makes me think of folk--who are naturally light-skinned--getting artificial tans and such. I can sort of understand that one because I'd like to be a little bit darker myself but I haven't sought out the summer sun to tan my legs for some time. I guess it has to do with laziness and fear of sunburn. And I would never subject my body to a tanning booth!
I am also reminded of people who don't feel attractive unless they have long hair (at least beneath the shoulders). I'm referring to those who wouldn't be caught dead without it; not those who change lengths on a whim as they may with hats or colored contact lenses.
Some people undergo surgery to have that 'recess' in their eye lids. Others want to have more prominent cheek bones and less nose or ears pinned. Some want larger, more noticeable buttocks as it is all the rage of late. And--of course--there are the enhanced pectoral and mammary 'improvements'.
Women have only recently been 'allowed' to be muscular without being athletes or their sexual preference was questioned. I took dance lessons for years and was made fun of by boys whenever my muscular thighs and legs were apparent. But that happened a long time ago.
Some of the above are characteristic of various 'peoples' and every culture has it's own prevailing idea of what is attractive. This is the conundrum.
I am not referring to things such as bariatric surgery because that is more easily understood even though it carries more risk. However, being larger than what would be considered undesireable by one culture is desirable to others. One explanation is that extra body fat reveals that one is faring better than others financially. I've also heard some men say "Why have a car when you can have a cabin cruiser?"
My question to you is: What lengths would you go to in order to make your body more appealing to you--or someone else?
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Comments: 13
I used to write for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and forsook the job because it just doesn't sit comfortably for me. I had to laugh because I always had Jolie lips and a Lopez butt but that wasn't popular back in the thin-lipped, flat butt days of the 80s. I worked it anyway and loved myself as I was. Now people are paying to have what I've had for years and what was "unattractive" twenty years ago. Go figure.
I also have naturally tan skin, which was not popular back in the day (what are you anyway? was the ethnic question asked and many would try to guess). Now people are getting skin cancer going to tanning salons to get this look. Go figure.
I say love yourself as you are, every fault has its own story and beauty. What is considered beautiful today might be a trend that is forgotten tomorrow. Be true to yourself.
Great post Nyota.
I had an interview where I could sense the interviewees wanted to ask me that same question. I told them a little story that answered the question without putting them on the spot and one person blurted "I was wondering!" Ha, ha. We're everywhere!
I have been asked more then one time what native American tribe I belong too.
I have been teased for my looks, then a women who wears no makeup...
Personally I know "pretty" people get further in this world. Though I know for fact "pretty" people will go to many extremes to keep the "pretty" image. Never learning to be happy with themselves. This is taught to very little children. Girl children more then boys to this day. I started out in this world in front of the camera and learned very early in life how things like this work.
I see these people everywhere, coming out of there church to seeking peace in a pill bottle. Looks to the extent of surgery is for the insecure. I feel if others want this, or hair dye, make up etc. it is up to them. Don't judge me about my looks, you know?
Just do not inflict me with the "bug" (disease) of this type of insecurity . It breeds as the flu bug.
Stacey is right on in my way of thinking. Men - why worry about them? Some of them think models in magazines never work at setting trends or there beauty..... Look at how many of them kill themselves....
I have long grey hair and was once asked by someone close to me why I didn't dye my hair. (It wasn't my husband because he likes my hair.) I think the person bothered by my grey hair felt it made him look older! Funny.
I also have a missing tooth because of dental issues related to health problems. I also have a hole in my neck and a plastic device covering that hole. I've had people stare at me and then when caught have told me they were taken by my beauty.
I try to live a joyful life and not worry about other people's issues.
I wonder if we'll hear from any of the those in defense of major enhancements.
I've accepted my lot, though I did go through a short phase where I wore a bag over my head.
Age, as they say, will strip everyone of beauty. There I have an advantage. I don't fear losing anything because I have nothing to lose.
No, I never considered changing anything.
I love you anyway, Kawril.
As for me, I pretty much do nothing, but wear what I want. I used to do my nails a lot before I got married, but then, once I had my kids, I never had time and got out of the habit. And, I can't justify the expense any more.