Maria Jose Morales
Florida National University
English Composition I-HAN-GR01
Professor Michelle A Guevara
9/22/2024
The obsession with beauty.
First of all, it is important to recognize that beauty has been used as a symbol of status
and power throughout history. Beautiful people have been idealized and given greater social
value. In modern societies, this trend has intensified. The media and advertising perpetuate the
idea that beauty is synonymous with success and happiness. Beautiful people often receive more
attention and opportunities, fueling the belief that beauty is a necessary attribute for a fulfilling
life. This perception becomes a vicious cycle: the more beauty is valued, the more people strive
to achieve it, fueling an obsession that seems to have no end.
The obsession with beauty is increasingly prevalent in contemporary society. In a world
filled with idealized images and unattainable standards of beauty, it's easy to succumb to the
pressure of fitting into a pre-established mold. This obsession not only affects the perception we
have of ourselves but also has an impact on our mental and emotional health. The obsession with
beauty can have a devastating impact on people's self-esteem and body image. Those who don't
conform to traditional beauty standards may experience feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and
self-rejection. Constant comparison with retouched and perfected images leads to chronic
dissatisfaction with our physical appearance, creating a cycle of negativity and self-criticism that
can be difficult to break.
Our perception of our beauty is closely related to our self-esteem. People who internalize
external beauty standards tend to base their worth on their physical appearance, which can lead
to fragile self-esteem and dependence on external approval. It is important to remember that
beauty is subjective and being at peace with ourselves goes beyond our external appearance.
Constantly comparing yourself to unrealistic standards of beauty can make you feel inadequate
or dissatisfied with your appearance. This can lead to self-image problems and emotional
disorders that affect your quality of life. Practicing extreme methods to achieve beauty, such as
excessive plastic surgery, extreme dieting, or excessive use of skin products, can have negative
consequences for your health. It is important to remember that beauty should not be synonymous
with sacrificing your physical well-being.
The obsession with beauty can have negative consequences in your life and society in
general. It is important to reflect on this issue and look for solutions to promote a healthy body
image and acceptance of diversity. To promote a healthy relationship with your self-image, focus
on things like health, self-acceptance, and building strong self-esteem. This means focusing on
caring for your body from a wellness perspective and not just appearance. Additionally, it is
crucial to learn to value yourself for your internal qualities and achievements, instead of basing
your self-esteem solely on your physical appearance. Practicing gratitude and surrounding
yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are can also help strengthen your
relationship with your image.
The obsession with beauty is a complex phenomenon affecting individuals of all ages and
genders today. While it is important to recognize and challenge the unrealistic beauty standards
imposed by society and the beauty industry, it is also critical to cultivate a healthy and balanced
relationship with our physical appearance. True beauty lies in accepting and valuing ourselves as
we are, beyond external dictates.
References
1. Liddell, L.; Samuels, C. (2002). Clothes and your appearance. Illinois: The
Goodheart-Willcox Company.
2. Martín, M. (2002). La tiranía de la apariencia en la sociedad de las
representaciones. Revista Latina de comunicación social, 50, pp. 1 - 12.
3. Kriegel, U. (2019). "The Value of Consciousness". Analysis. 79 (3): 503–520.
4. Sartwell, Crispin (2017). Beauty. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.
