#she fits every western beauty standard there is

[ovaruling]

i hate editing so much oh my god

a vivien leigh account posted this pic, a cap from a scene in gwtw and it is beyond me why they would edit viv like this wtf

like. she was and is already considered one of the most beautiful women to ever be committed to film. WHY WOULD YOU EDIT HER

she was already fkn born looking edited irl!!! and she was already in full MGM makeup and lighting here to boot!!! why would you make her look like a plastic AI painting!!!!! i truly don’t understand like was she not beautiful enough for you in the original footage????? i cant fathom this

[susandsnell]

Re anachronistic feminist characters, you are absolutely right and you should say it.

Maybe people who want to read "write women who sew" type stuff should just go do that instead of trying to make every single female character fit into their worldview. Because I don't want every character to be Eloise, I'm fine with variety, but a lot of people seem like they can't stand even one woman challenging gender norms.

No amount of faux progressive language will change the fact they sound like highschool bullies picking on girls who are too GNC or too "weird."

Thank you so much! Ideally, you'd have feminist characters more representative of the feminist or proto-feminist views of their era where the work is going for historical accuracy to honour the different points of where we were in history and also acknowledge the flaws of the movement at different points in time (1994's Little Women versus the hilariously bad 2019 version comes to mind), and certainly there's an element of repetitiveness in this character type, but this is seldom if ever the criticism I see. The truth of the matter is that in fact many early feminists did denigrate work designated as feminine, but we can acknowledge this as misdirected anger at having one option deemed valid.

Instead, we've somehow arrived at "wanting to be treated with human dignity is internalized misogyny because it really cramps my ability to romanticize the past". As you say, nothing wrong with valuing the labour more frequently done by women, but the fact of the matter is you can do that and show that there were always many people who resisted or did not fit into the tight boxes that society forced them into. Instead of, you know, ridiculing them for wanting to break the boxes while enjoying the fruits of having to fit into fewer boxes than our predecessors precisely because of women who loudmouthed and fought back and didn't fit into certain people's fantasy of being a submissive little princess. The kind of girls you made fun of and ostracized in high school, one might say.

To address a particular point you raise that I think is the most important in this entire ongoing discussion:

No amount of faux progressive language will change the fact they sound like highschool bullies picking on girls who are too GNC or too "weird."

I keep saying it, but a certain type of liberal feminist are now using "NLOG" the way it was socially acceptable 10-15 years ago to call someone a lesbian/homophobic or transphobic slurs because they didn't wear makeup or want a boyfriend. It is absolutely high school bullying mentality and has gone from an imperfect attempt at addressing internalized misogyny to active misogyny and latent/often overt homophobia and transphobia.

This is what the numbskulls making video essay after video essay about the apparent 'NLOG crisis' fail to grasp. The Heathers and the Plastics are not 'demonized for being feminine', they are accurate representations of how under patriarchy, social capital is gained through strict, obsessive adherence to white, Western beauty standards (which corporations can profit off of endlessly by manufacturing infinite insecurities, so bonus to the rich girls) and excelling at heterosexuality and pleasing others, and this system self-reinforces by the 'winners' bullying those who do not conform as easily. Jo March, queercoded dynamo that she was, took nothing away from the sisters who were happier with more traditional lifestyles because she wanted better for herself and the girls of the future, and represents so many women who fought for just that. You're not actually an intellectual for thinking Daphne Bridgerton has more value than Eloise because she was designated the season's Diamond, a literal in-universe (and true to life) Prize For Being Correctly Female, and unquestioningly accepts being paraded around like an ornament and smiling at being auctioned off to the highest bidder while Eloise fought back, criticized, and wanted an education more than any boy until they forced heterosexuality upon her. You are in fact a vanguard of the very patriarchal system the franchise even presents as backwards, because you don't want anyone raining on your arranged marriage fantasies.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing feminist, about snarking girls who do not like or for whatever reason, cannot or will not perform conventional femininity.

There is a certain sour-grapes defensiveness that comes from beig ostracized and punished for Failing At Your Gender if you weren't good at what was expected of you/resisted it. Femininity is derided, but it is also imposed (the two work in tandem to oppress women); and if you fail at its imposition, it's natural to try and gain protection by participating in the derision. Hell, I theorize that people who proclaimed themselves "not like other girls" in the contemporary age often did so out of resistance at the fact that we're supposed to perform (cisheteronormative) sexiness from the time we hit our teens, and of course the panopticon self-reinforcement that is how Other Girls treat you if you, an adolescent girl, shirk performance of femininity in any way. Certainly, I've also read much about GNC girls (of various identities) and neurodivergent girls equally having turned to this, which makes sense, as they're frequently targets for such bullying.

I do also think - and have personally experienced - it was an often imperfect articulation of queerness in many cases. The societal ideal of women under a patriarchy is cisheteronormativity; our value is derived from our appeal to men, and from the time we start maturing, sexual availability and appeal to men is the highest virtue. Therefore, women whose sexuality is not limited to men - or heaven forbid, doesn't include them at all - 'fail' gender, and accordingly often feel a sense of alienation and ostracism from other girls when they don't get as excited about dating boys. Also, in many cases (anecdotal I admit from people I know, but still significant), people who had a phase of asserting they "weren't like other girls" were in the process of discovering that they weren't girls at all!

And in some cases - again, I've mentioned that I was an Eloise for all the handwringing about how girls of that era wouldn't say that or do that and it would never occur to want more than what they had (...okay, so why are things different now?) - it's a frustration from the outspoken feminists and reformers at not being able to get other girls on board with us, because deviation from expectation will make you the weirdo who gets punished and rejected because ugh, annoying! As one historical costuming youtuber I won't name so charmingly puts it in her godawful video essay, "the women who made a big show of fighting back were freaks." (Way to convince us you care about feminism...)

All this to say the anti-NLOG brigade have utterly worn out my patience, and at best seem ignorant of the battles that have won us the freedoms we have today because it's not fun to consider how your escapist fantasy might be problematic (understandable, you don't always have to reflect on this to be aware), and at worst? They're getting the chance to be the mean girl in high school again/that they never got to be, they're just dressing it up in the bastardized language of feminism.

[neptxn3]

I don’t personally agree with the topic of “celebrities with plastic surgery shouldn’t be taken into account when describing a signs physical appearance”

because first of all, not every celebrity has gotten plastic surgery, let alone the exact same procedures as other at equal amounts

2. Sometimes plastic surgery is so minimal that’s it goes unnoticed, you don’t recognize there’s been a change

3. Plastic surgery is a form of body modification. By the same standards we can’t include people who’ve done extreme modifications (piercings, body black out tattoos, face mods etc) into account either.

My final point is that majority of the time celebrities get Botox or filler in order to fit a certain aesthetic which does reflect their personal signs. For example a lot of Pisces risings could get lip filler for the pouty piscean look, Scorpio risings can get eyebrow lifts for more intensity in their gaze. I know Kim kardashian was always curvy and well shaped before her enhancements but it’s only afterwards was she known for her big ass and guess what, she is a Sagittarius rising

I don’t believe plastic surgery should be a reason to not include people in physical appearance posts because it’s just as interesting to see reasons why a person would get procedures done from their natal influence (including people who have botched).

What I believe the point others were trying to get across was, we need to stop including so many people who fit the western beauty standard, we need more diverse features and there’s many more famous people with available birth charts that are not in the entertainment industry.

[infectiouspiss]

I'm sorry but the anon pissed me off so much, that is literally blatantly incorrect terfs are often also racist as fuck and treat women of colour like shit, constantly accuse every one with nonwhite features or that don't fit feminine western beauty standards of being too masculine to possibly be cis and then of course decide they don't deserve to be treated like people in their eyes because of that. I've lost count of the times radfems has claimed a woman was trans simply because her nose was "too big", her head shape "wasn't right", her skin was "too thick", she had "too much body hair", etc. Not to mention treating half of straight women of colour in relationships like they must be in some sort of forced situation. Out of all feminists radfems are the biggest fucking perpetrators of racism and a lot of the woc radfems I have seen held some sort of internalized racism or colorism.

Anyway sorry for going off in your askbox about this, you don't need to respond to this ask if you'd rather not.

fucking say all that !!!!!!

[biggestthighestgeminiest]

Here are my combined thoughts about Barbie (2023) as I saw it on the 18th and have had more time to think abt it.

Some good, some bad - overall I very much enjoyed it, laughed my ass off, cried quite a bit, was enthralled by the set and costume design, but left feeling like some things were off and perhaps not accomplished in the best way. This will all be delivered in bullet points in a very chaotic and random way and is NOT ordered in importance omg. Anyways i love media analysis and I will probably not explain this in the best way but HERE WE GO

the casting was fantastic, everyone read the assignment and lived their campiest life, margot robbie was phenomenal and ryan gosling absolutely killed me with laughter, glorious glorious

set design, costume, props,, perfection when it comes to bringing the mattel products to life. bangin'

i had that stupid fucking dog that eats and shits. i lost my mind when he came on hsdgkhakh

the message of barbie being representative of all little girls is still very lost on me. the idea brought up when barbie speaks to the teens, where they tell her that she gave them unrealistic body standards- well this never really gets resolved at all. Yes there was a diverse range of Barbies but they were all still beautiful in a conventional way that adheres to western beauty ideals. every barbie has perfect hair and skin and clothes even by the end of the movie. and yes i guess barbie is supposed to be this "above everything else" sort of divine feminine beauty but is still not representative of most young girls. as hilarious as the line narrator's line about margot robbie is, it sort of knows itself, that it is showing us the most perfect looking women, but doesn't address it at all beyond a simple joke. honestly what will mattel do beyond this? i imagine people will be more than happy with this movie so they won't have to make any big changes. i mean their "curvy" fashionista isn't close to being fat, and i don't believe they will ever make a barbie that isn't conventionally beautiful... so this movie just sort of gets to say it's about accepting yourself without actual real-life substance if that makes sense? it reminds me of that cartoon of all those diverse yet conventionally attractive models, with diverse people who don't fit those standards standing outside that box looking angrily. what's the point of the film at the end of the day when not addressing all those people left out of the conversation? also made me annoyed that cellulite was still the big thing that barbie was concerned about, like really?? it's a bad example as people are coming to embrace cellulite and it's also relatively easy to hide, i don't think they would have margot robbie have like, idk, dark under eye circles or a double chin,, idk someone say this better than me but the cellulite thing annoyed me (as someone who has loads of it!!)

the plot was BONKERS and i for one don't really care about plot holes or cartoon logic. there were some things that made me overthink about barbie lore and then i thought to myself that it doesn't really matter. the campiness of it is more important. im sure it will deter some people but again i dont mind it being silly in that way as long as it delivers on its messages and themes, which it does to a certain extent

absolutely lost it at the you are kenough shirt, ljadhkglkhd

as i said in a previous post i predicted that it was going to be the mom who was paired with barbie. i loved the idea sm and it was very heartwarming

i CRIED when barbie first sat down and watched the humans around her living their life, she was so overwhelmed by so many emotions and it was such a simple moment of show-dont-tell and man did i weep :))

i LOVED the ken bits and i did feel as though there was a bit too much ken. especially at the end. but at the same time i loved the dance sequence. its hard loving it so much yet wanting it not to have been to prevalent. i felt like it took away from the barbies a bit which goes against the whole point of the movie????

um the barbie's plans of distracting the kens was... i guess reminiscent of all these spy or superhero movies where women use their beguiling nature against men to get the upper hand? like i am woman so i will flirt with man to distract while my team escapes and hooho it works :)) it was slightly different and not overly sexy or about flirting but it still had the same undertone. like really? the best way to get the other barbies out was to continue to conform to patriarchal standards and pump the ken's egos? surely there's a better way? yes the kens are idiots and turning them against each other works but it still felt a bit icky. i guess i just find this trope annoying being like... ok i am being taken advantage of men so i will USE the thing they oppress me for against them,, idk surely surely there's another way.

also America's character's plan of kidnapping the barbies and ... using very true and very valuable feminist lines to snap them out of it felt... weird? like what she was saying was 100% true but taking them out of context and almost using them as one liners made them feel less serious???? like making women "wake up" by just telling them about how the patriarchy takes advantage of them is just... idk. like in real life women who are indoctrinated and truly believe misogynistic things won't just wake up by being told such a line. and i know the barbies are brainwashed to forget their powerful feminist backgrounds so it's not entirely comparable to the women i just mentioned but... idk it felt disingenuous. i did laugh my ass off at the guitar scene but it still had that ickiness attached like..

i would watch this movie again, no doubt about it and i will definitely pick up on new things and easter eggs etc

mattel's board did make me laugh, perfectly casted and performed but again- mattel has its name on this. they know what they are doing. they know we will love this movie and not demand any change. it will still be full of men controlling the output of production. it will still put out products that don't reflect all young people's desires. it will still make products that uphold current societal norms. so having these buffoons in the board meeting just gets soured a bit when knowing these people will still be in power in real life....

the ruth bit made me cry and no i do not care that her ghost is just around. i loved it

the marketing team knows exactly what they are doing. the huge push of promotion made me gobble up all their interviews and im sure people will be buying all the barbie products. i am yet another victim of capitalism and i will thank them for it when i inevitably buy their you are kenough sweater

again i loved this movie despite all the bad things abt it. i love being critical of the wider impact of this movie while still enoying it as a piece of media and entertainment. i needed this movie and fuck it i want to go to barbieland so bad. i know i shouldnt. i love ken and think about ken more than i do barbie which is fucked up but the movie also played into it in a way,, as described before. i mean even ryan gosling being so iconic in all the interviews is adding into this lol. how many people are posting videos of him vs videos of the actresses i wonder.

also cockring ken. BUT HE WASNT WEARING THE COCKRING SO WHATS THE POINT EVEN???

the narrator was an interesting choice, personally wasn't a huge fan of it but it did somewhat fit with the rest of the cinematic language of the story so i can't say much about it

mattel knows exactly what its doing with putting its name on this movie. i think greta did a great job despite the constraints that mattel probably put on her,, it's hard to tell if the flaws of the movie come from the corporation's infuence or from the writer and director's creative decisions, most likely it's a combo of both. again i believe that the actors and designers and production team did a fantastic job with what they had, they committed to the bit. i would have loved for the movie to have been better, but it is still a great film in my book. as said before i would watch it again and would still enjoy it despite the flaws. the himbo part of my brain can shake hands with the media literacy one and emerge with an overall positive experience, yet PLEASE do not think this is the ultimate feminist movie, it is a step in the right direction, it could have been better, and i understand if you don't like it at all. but also i dont think it would be right to blindingly love it and call it perfect bc it's not.

[darkfictionjude]

Could the MC be on par with Orla or even surpass her beauty wise if they had a classic 90s movie makeover (She's All That, Clueless, etc.)? Would Nia want to do something like that for the MC, since she's into fashion?

The thing is I don’t like the ones from the 90s because those makeovers rely on conforming to western societal beauty standards and traditional gender roles. Nia would not do a makeover like that, she would instead go shopping with mc and find well suited clothes of higher quality that still fit mc’s style and doesn’t push them out of their comfort zone because the point would be an well groomed mc not a new ‘improved’ mc.

Could mc surpass Orla if they did go all she’s all that makeover? They would be very close but Orla will still have them beat. Not by a large margin mind you because since they’re related they have similar features.

Now you got me imagining mc taking off their glasses and overalls and instantly becoming hot 😭 and every time they walk into a room everyone pauses as they have their “wind blowing my hair” moment hahaha

[organicfirewood]

The Tortured Poet's Department (Katie's Version)

basically i'm liveblogging this as i listen. talking into the void; this is more for me to reflect back onto than a genuine critique of the album.

Most excited for: "Florida!!!" "Down Bad" & "WALOL?"

I'm hoping that this album will sonically resemble folklore and evermore... more acoustic, stripped-back, and raw. I'm still wondering about the "✌️" imagery and how that'll play into the album... maybe feeling two-faced or double-crossed?

Fortnight (feat. Post Malone) - ok... rehab. uh oh. swifties have been calling her a drunk for a while... but nobody ever took it seriously. this must be about a rebound... i don't want to say MH. ugh i loooove how this sounds. like a more sober midnights. no pun intended... sorry. post malone was honestly such a genius move for this song- his voice sounds very youthful paired with hers... hopeful.

2. The Tortured Poets Department - YESSS 80's into!!! god i love this instrumental so far. (I use a typewriter!!!) holy fuck nooooo this has the charlie puth lyric. more wedding references.

3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys - ok. that charlie puth lyric left a bad taste in my mouth im trying to recover. i like that her vocal tone is a little darker here- would lower register apply for this? "he only runs because he loves me" real af i get you, queen. love that we've graduated to only having sandcastles instead of fortresses. these lyrics are also very ex-best-friend-coded... im projecting.

4. Down Bad - funkyyy okay. aww dun-dun-dun-dun! i wonder what mr kelce thought of all of this... oh, to be a fly on every single wall. yeah i like this one a lot. somehow also very 1989(tv ftv) coded. this sounds like denial into anger if we're still talking about the stages of grief. "like i lost my twin" is like "twin fire signs." i think she keeps seeing herself in her partners and feels abandoned when things don't work out.

5. So Long, London - ok intro eatssss down! this sounds like a driving-on-the-highway-song. i like how "talky" this is. it's very theatrical. this gives the sense that they (taylor and whoever this may be about) may have bonded over their sadness and the other party got upset when she started to heal. also, another reference to altars, but that may strictly be a religious metaphor.

6. But Daddy I Love Him - the intros are great. love the acoustic sounds. i really like this one a lot... this is a lot more whimsical and could almost fit on a Speak Now-style record. yeah, this is fantastic. such a quintessential Taylor Swift song. i'm terrified of how literally people (millennials on tiktok) are going to take this.

7. Fresh Out The Slammer - YUHHHH these intros!! ugh god i love a western motif. this is beautiful. this might be my favorite so far. i can't help but wonder what "time" she did. rehab, like previously alluded to? a rebound? a tortuous relationship? the period in a public career where one is constantly criticized and scrutinized? another ring mention.

8. Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine) - huh. weed and babies. awesome! i agree, florida is one hell of a drug. "cheating husband..." uhokok. ok yes swamp imagery! yes southern/florida gothic! what shitstorm happened in texas? taylor please eliminate the urban sprawl in florida it'll give you more room to bury bodies!! pleaseee.

9. Guilty as Sin? - again. great intros. uh oh. is it just me, or does this sound like a 1975 song?? i like the production regardless. "we've already done it in my head" again real af. this song is real af. this is like limerence... these lyrics are kinda pushing the envelope, no? for taylor's standards, anyway.

10. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? - another western-esque motif. we are scared of you taylor, i promise. contained scandal... oh? is this the cheating allegation??? this bridge was legitimately chilling. her reputation era was only a scratch on the surface. i think she needs a legitimate full-blown villain era (as a treat). i'm scared for track 13.

11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - moooore western motifs. yuh okay i like this one. more texas. what happened in texas? did anything happen in texas or is it just a placeholder? the vocals on this one are like velvet. "GOOD BOY"???? and the references to angels??? please. please. thank you, taylor.

12. loml - sigh. im not ready for this one. "better safe than starry-eyed" is a fabulous lyric. i can't wait to see that on fan merch everywhere. another reference to marriage. this is very reminiscent of "you're losing me." more rings and cradles. christ. loss of my life! loml.

13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart - im not ready i dont think. the intro, again, is great. sounds like setting up the tour. i hope that this album was therapeutic for her. yesss i love this one actually. i love when artists do the sarcastic happy-sad trope. taylor, please know that 90% of the eras tour crowds was and is sympathetic; we were only cheering for you, not for what you do. yes key change! yes i love this one!

14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived - jehovah's witnesses mentioned. just wanting to know why is so incredibly valid and a universal truth, i think. this one left me with a pit in my stomach.

15. The Alchemy - chemicals... hospitals... i hope she writes an autobiography one day. touchdown! so this is a travis-era song? i like the sound design of this one.

16. Clara Bow - nooo im not ready. stevie nicks reference!! :) i don't think she's exactly regretting her fame, but certainly re-evaluating it here. we (media, society, swifties) need to leave her alone, please.

I hope that the creation of this album was cathartic for her; it feels intensely personal. I don't like speculating about her life, yet so many of these songs are extremely context-dependent. Most of all, I hope that she gets the healing she needs. She's such an important figure for so many people; more people want the best for her than don't. It's been very clear for a while that she's been suffering. Everyone breaks at some point... I keep seeing The Tower in my mind.

[powergayser]

growing up as a desi woman in the west is a layered experience. that is, it has layers of bullshit. layers of total, utter, unadulterated shit. shit that takes years to remember, process, unpack, unlearn, and move on from. 

one of those layers is learning that you are not attractive. you’re just not. you’re ugly. 

you’re not thin, white, small, smooth, or pretty. you’re chubby and you have broad shoulders and thighs the size of texas. you grow hair at a rate that could rival most cis men out there. you’ve probably got a mustache that you have to shave/wax/thread every few days. your nose is too big, your lips are too thick, eyebrows are too wild, your skin is oily, and your hair is too frizzy. 

you don’t fit western beauty standards. at all. and that’s… okay, actually. it’s okay. you’re not white, you’re not european, why should you have to fit a specific set of standards to be beautiful? after all, true beauty comes from withi– 

hang on. you’re forgetting something. 

you’re too thin, don’t you eat anything? wait, no, now that you’re eating you’re too fat. if you work out too much, you’ll become too muscular, like a man. your skin is soo dark, what do you keep going outside for? stay at home, you’re a girl. what’s wrong with your face, you have so many pimples! stop eating x food item and maybe your skin will clear up. do some house work, it’ll help you lose weight. why aren’t you wearing a bra? your nipples are showing, go cover up, it’s indecent.

how will you get married if you look like that? 

you won’t get a husband if you keep eating like that. no man wants to marry a pig. 

she’s too short, too fat, her face isn’t very nice… no, we don’t want her to marry our son. 

you just can’t catch a break, can you? 

sure, you’re not white, so you can’t expect to fit the bullshit eurocentric beauty standards. but now the aunties of your community, your own people, are doing this to you? wow that. that just sucks, man. 

and eventually, when you grow up, you realize the standards of beauty that your own community is pushing on you is a reflection of the bullshit eurocentric beauty standards. it all goes back to whiteness, misogyny, and patriarchy. that’s all it is. 

but now you’ve got to undo all of that damage, and continue to exist in a world where these issues persist, because there aren’t many good solutions to these problems that don’t involve revolution. furthermore, you as an individual can’t do much about it. fun, isn’t it? 

yeah. real fun. but here’s something more positive, i guess:

i’m a transmasc dyke now. i don’t shave, my stomach isn’t flat, i eat whatever i want because i know my body. i work out to put on muscle, and i let myself tan in the summers. i dress like a “slut” on saturday nights and go to the gay bar. i don’t always feel beautiful, but i know my self worth. i do not dress and take care of myself to impress men or appease the aunties. i’m happy like this. 

there’s more to life than getting a fucking husband and giving people eating disorders and body dysmorphia. shut the fuck up and find a new hobby. 

[vlyteng]

Beauty standards and its relation to racism and colourism

I am a film junkie and I adore Japanese films. My love for Japanese films started when I watched a specific movie, which just so happens to be one of the most breathtaking films I’ve ever watched in my life - Helter Skelter. Helter Skelter is a movie that tells the story of a famous actress, Lilico, who has had several cosmetic procedures over her body. Lilico makes life terrible for people around her as she struggles to manage both her professional and personal issues as a result of the adverse effects of her surgery (Letterboxd 2012). It is based on a manga that Kyoko Okazaki wrote and released between 1995 and 1996 (Cherif 2022). The message of the movie is made clear to be depicting the extent we can go to achieve what we deem as "perfect beauty", but how it can lead to an unhealthy obsession with our physical appearance. Throughout the film, the audience will witness Lilico’s fall into an endless, abyssal spiral of depression as she tries to fix the side effects of surgery with, well, even more surgery.

Beauty standards in every culture look different. In the West, the hourglass figure (otherwise known as “slim thicc”) is the goal! Some features that are commonly celebrated and strived for in Western countries are light-coloured eyes, blonde hair, pale skin and small noses. The beauty standard in Asia also has a similar standard but skinny is what most people go for. Obviously, Asians do not have the same genetics as Westerners. If someone frequently consumes beauty content from Western culture, they may be influenced to change their features in some way in order to fit what they think is the “standard of beauty”. Some may think beauty standards are merely just guidelines for people to follow to be seen as more attractive, but I think it goes much deeper than that.

I believe beauty standards are built on the foundation of racism and colourism, discrimination or prejudice towards those with dark complexion. You might think it’s a stretch but hear me out. A good example of this is when we discuss skin tones. Have you ever thought to yourself “Man, my skin is so dark” or “Man, I wish I had a more pale complexion”? Why are we so scared of getting a little tan from the sun? Why do we immediately deem darker skin = undesirable? As a Chinese, why are bigger eyes and double eyelids more adored than mono or hooded lids despite it being the most common outcome for our ethnicity? All these questions point to an underlying distorted perception that we were taught since young and continue to experience in our daily lives. They take the form of seemingly harmless little statements, like when the aunt that nobody likes asks you if you’re going to keep eating those pineapple tarts during Chinese New Year, or when your beautician mentions how perfect you’d look if you just got a little nose lift during your monthly visit to the beauty salon.

All in all, there is no such thing as “perfect beauty” as the definition of it is so different for every single person, everyone has their own version of beauty. Aiming to achieve it is unrealistic and will not only cost you millions of dollars, but also endless amounts of mental strain. I understand that it is easy to fall into the rabbit hole that is insecurity and anxiety over appearances and our bodies. But something I truly believe is that without our body, no matter what it looks like, we will not exist. Your body is constantly trying to take care of itself and we should be grateful for having two arms and two legs, functioning ears and nose, eyes to see the world and a mouth to taste Kyochon fried chicken (yes, I am craving it as I am writing this). To end this, I’d like to dedicate a poem I wrote for an e-book about self-acceptance and to love our body because it is trying its best to keep us alive every day. 

Don't be angry with your body Your arms lift the weight of responsibilities Your legs walk you through life Your eyes see the beauty behind the ugly Your stomach houses butterflies that make you feel alive Your nose lets you smell that wonderful apple pie that you love Your body has been through everything with you it does not deserve your hatred and your anger. - S. Z Tao

References

Cherif, M. C 2022, The Dark Side of Beauty Standards in Helter Skelter: A semiotic analysis, The Artifice, viewed 8 June 2023, <https://the-artifice.com/helter-skelter/>.

Letterboxd 2012, Helter Skelter, Letterboxd, viewed 7 June 2023, <https://letterboxd.com/film/helter-skelter-2012/>.

[everythingkimhongjoong]

The Korean public is losing their minds over the fact that Jung Woo Sung had a baby with Moon Gabi and doesn't want to marry her. He basically said he will pay child support and that's it.

My American self can't even comprehend why this is a scandal. Cause this literally happens every single day all across the world. Pregnancy doesn't have to equal marriage. Why doesn't South Korea understand that?

I'm also seeing comments that Moon Gabi should have kept it quiet. Because apparently she embarrassed her child by saying who the father is. That right there is the problem. Koreans want to be sneaky and keep everything quiet.

Neither of these people will lose anything in reality. Moon Gabi will still model and Jung Woo Sung will still act.

Moon Gabi is pretty much for the Western fashion brands anyway. Cause she definitely doesn't fit Korea's rigid beauty standard. She should take her baby and that child support money and move to Paris or NYC.

[roopalitalwar]

Roopali Talwar's Approach to Inclusive Beauty in Delhi's Diverse Market

In the vibrant and culturally rich landscape of Delhi NCR, one name stands out in the world of makeup artistry: Roopali Talwar. Widely recognized as the best makeup artist in Delhi NCR, Talwar has earned her reputation not just through her exceptional skills, but also through her commitment to inclusive beauty practices that cater to the region's diverse population.

Embracing Diversity in Delhi NCR

Delhi NCR, with its melting pot of cultures, skin tones, and beauty ideals, presents unique challenges and opportunities for makeup artists. Roopali Talwar, the best makeup artist in Delhi NCR, has risen to these challenges by developing an approach that celebrates and enhances the natural beauty of every client, regardless of their background or appearance.

"Beauty comes in all shades, shapes, and sizes," Talwar often says. "My job as a makeup artist is to bring out the best in each individual, not to conform them to a single standard of beauty."

Inclusive Product Range

One of the cornerstones of Talwar's inclusive approach is her extensive and diverse product range. Unlike many makeup artists who may stock only a limited selection of shades, Talwar ensures that her kit includes foundations, concealers, and other color cosmetics suitable for the wide spectrum of skin tones found in Delhi NCR.

"Finding the perfect shade match is crucial," Talwar explains. "I've invested time and resources into curating a collection that can cater to everyone from the fairest Kashmiri to the deepest South Indian skin tone."

Customized Techniques

As the best makeup artist in Delhi NCR, Talwar doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to makeup application. She has developed and refined techniques that work with different facial features, skin types, and personal styles.

For clients with monolids, for instance, Talwar has perfected eye makeup techniques that enhance and define the eyes without trying to create a Western-style crease. Similarly, for clients with fuller lips, she focuses on balancing and defining rather than overline or exaggerate.

Cultural Sensitivity

Delhi NCR is home to people from various religious and cultural backgrounds, each with its own beauty traditions and norms. Talwar's approach to inclusive beauty involves a deep respect for these diverse cultural contexts.

"Whether it's a Sikh bride who wants to incorporate her traditional jewelry, or a Muslim client who prefers a more modest look, I always strive to understand and honor their cultural preferences," Talwar says.

Education and Empowerment

Roopali Talwar's commitment to inclusive beauty extends beyond her own practice. As the best makeup artist in Delhi NCR, she feels a responsibility to educate and empower others in the industry and her clients.

Talwar regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses where she emphasizes the importance of inclusive beauty practices. She teaches aspiring makeup artists how to work with diverse skin tones and features, and how to create looks that enhance rather than mask a client's natural beauty.

For her clients, Talwar provides personalized advice on skincare and makeup application tailored to their individual needs. "I want my clients to feel confident in their own skin, with or without makeup," she says.

Conclusion

In a world where beauty standards are often narrowly defined, Roopali Talwar stands out as a champion of inclusive beauty. Her approach not only cements her status as the best makeup artist in Delhi NCR but also sets a new standard for the industry as a whole.

By embracing the diversity of Delhi NCR's population and developing techniques and practices that cater to all, Talwar is redefining what it means to be a truly exceptional makeup artist in today's diverse and inclusive world.

[iris-the-book-hoarder]

¹⁴-⁰⁸ ⁱᵗ'ˢ ᵃˡᵐᵒˢᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ᵐⁱᵈᵈˡᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵐᵒⁿᵗʰ! :³

Hi there , I didn't end up reading much yesterday , was feeling pretty tired anyways (┬┬﹏┬┬)

(ⁿᵒⁿᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵖⁱᶜᵗᵘʳᵉˢ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐⁱⁿᵉ ᵇᵗʷ!)

Me and my friends were chatting today , and the subject of sexualization of the woman in the media came up . CW/TW: colonialism , rape , sexualization

And (as I said to my friends) it is important to see and realize the power dynamic there is within western media , where the white man and women lay in the top of the pyramid ,leaving any and all other ethnicities and love-relations (polyamory , queer relations etc) in the base .

Of course the white woman is always below , less, inferior than her male counterpart. Our sexuality is demonized ,our figure is always on a tight rope between Lilith and Eve , we are wobbling for one or the other until we fall. The fall of the white woman in the WASP society is seen as something shameful , disgusting and dishonoring to the Christian God . The lawful lamb loses itself in dark feathers, and grows into something new. And,I believe Eve is always a bite, a word ,a "lover", away from growing wings herself.

The white man and woman are the pillars of WASP society , they must be upheld and carefully curated to be the standard ,with skin as pale as the aristocracy , who never worked a day in their life , with bodies as built as greek statues ,with riches as big as the bourgeoisie's .

The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior, so as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in every thing. (ᵂⁱᵛᵉˢ, ˢᵘᵇᵐⁱᵗ ʸᵒᵘʳˢᵉˡᵛᵉˢ ᵗᵒ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᵒʷⁿ ʰᵘˢᵇᵃⁿᵈˢ ᵃˢ ʸᵒᵘ ᵈᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ᴸᵒʳᵈ.  ᶠᵒʳ ᵗʰᵉ ʰᵘˢᵇᵃⁿᵈ ⁱˢ ᵗʰᵉ ʰᵉᵃᵈ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʷⁱᶠᵉ ᵃˢ ᶜʰʳⁱˢᵗ ⁱˢ ᵗʰᵉ ʰᵉᵃᵈ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜʰᵘʳᶜʰ, ʰⁱˢ ᵇᵒᵈʸ, ᵒᶠ ʷʰⁱᶜʰ ʰᵉ ⁱˢ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵃᵛⁱᵒʳ.  ᴺᵒʷ ᵃˢ ᵗʰᵉ ᶜʰᵘʳᶜʰ ˢᵘᵇᵐⁱᵗˢ ᵗᵒ ᶜʰʳⁱˢᵗ, ˢᵒ ᵃˡˢᵒ ʷⁱᵛᵉˢ ˢʰᵒᵘˡᵈ ˢᵘᵇᵐⁱᵗ ᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉⁱʳ ʰᵘˢᵇᵃⁿᵈˢ ⁱⁿ ᵉᵛᵉʳʸᵗʰⁱⁿᵍ.) The man is the head of the house he always must be pleased. As in ,he must always get what he wants. The sexualization of the white woman is more of an objectification , she must be the perfect sex doll: pretty, sexy , hairless , petite , married(so she is obedient). While the male counterpart must...oh wow there are no requisites to be a white male! Who would have thought!

The poc man and woman are part of the "uncivilized" ,the "savages" , the "uncultured" , so they must be changed radically ,and the mission civilisatrice(=civilizing mission) is here to do just that! And totally not to break , destroy , rape, kill , enslave your people ..totally. The civilizing mission is a concept born from the need of expansion of capital , needing more resources and new markets to make their own. It sees racism as a tool to differentiate the us ( the civilized , clean , beautiful ,perfect) from them (their antithesis) ; to create a reasoning for the european people for why they are killing,raping and enslaving , and to subjugate the POCs , to make them see the european way as the only way. They no longer value their traditions , their day-to-day routines , their dances and clothings , their art ; their culture is changed to fit the European's ; first by brutal force , then by creating infighting , then by indirect means. I'd like to quote a part of Léon Gontran Damas' "Hoquet":

"Ma mère voulant un fils mémorandum si votre leçon d'histoire n'est pas sue vous n'irez pas à la messe dimanche avec vos effets de dimanche cet enfant sera la honte de notre nom cet enfant sera notre nom de Dieu taisez-vous vous ai-je dit qu'il vous fallait parler français le français de France le français du Français le français français"

"My mother wanting a noteworthy son // If you do not learn your history lesson // you will not go to mass Sunday // in your Sunday best // this child will be the disgrace of our name // this child will be our in the name of God // Shut up did I or did I not tell you that you must speak French // the French of France // the French of the French // the French French"

I will speak of what I know about the sexualization of black people, if you are black yourself and/or have done research about it please reblog with your thoughts I'd really appreciate it <3 Critiques are always welcome ^^ The sexualization of black people who were enslaved came with it ,men and women were both raped , men to break them and make them submit to the colonizer, women to produce more children , more slaves . And it continues with time, though it mutates , women still are the main victims of rape , but they now are raped not only by their colonizer but also by their own , the black man , broken by the colonizer's aggression , becomes an aggressor to his own people (the infighting I was talking about) . The black woman is no longer seen as human by neither , she becomes a sexual object , a hoe , a thot , a bitch : a piece of meat. She is never seen , only felt by greedy hands , maybe heard wailing , but never listened to .

(part 2 tomorrow maybe idk)

[eyesthatkissinthecorners]

didactic & what ho teaches.

“My eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea are a revolution” (Ho 32). 

Eyes That Kiss In The Corners is not just an exploration of accepting one’s physical appearance and what makes them unique, but how appreciating one’s culture and past despite societal pressures is revolutionary. At the climax, our protagonist claims that her eyes “are a revolution”

The book was published in 2021, a year into the COVID pandemic. The pandemic saw an increase in anti-Asian violence with research from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism reporting a 150% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020 (Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism). Anti-Asian Hate was at an all-time high but has had a prevalent and complex history in America for years. Historically, Asian eyes and monolids have been mocked in America for not fitting into Western beauty standards, about how slanted, small, or thin they are compared to Western eyes. 

Ho’s relationship with her eyes influenced the creation of the story, as she goes into detail about how she never accepted them until she was in Taiwan in her 30s, finding her eyes being featured on beautiful models in magazines. 

“Every image of beauty, every animated movie, featured someone who looked totally different than me…Ultimately, I wanted to write a book that was about more than just recognizing one’s own beauty; I wanted to write a book that could point people to their own power and ability to define the world around them” (Dumpleton). 

The book does not have the protagonist express insecurity about her eyes, only acknowledge how they differ from their peers. She hopes “when Asian kids read Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, they grow up knowing they are beautiful because of the special characteristics they have” (St Bernard-Jacobs).

The word choices in Ho’s book are very lyrical, describing often mocked aspects (such as small and disappearing when smiling) of Asian eyes in a descriptive, lyrical style, such as when the young girl says that her mama’s eyes “crinkle into crescent moons” (Ho 10) when she smiles. Ho continues to use imagery of nature when describing eyes, all with positive connotations. Words like “kiss” and “glow” evoke gentleness and a tender approach to describe the beauty of her eyes. Ho avoids using words negatively associated with monolid eyes such as “squinty”, allowing for a different perspective on these often mocked features for the reader. 

When Ho writes that eyes, “carry[ing] tales of the past and hope for the future” (29), she acknowledges how eyes hold stories from her culture and a continuing desire for hope. The protagonist’s simple act of loving her and her eyes is a revolution because she has come to accept her identity. Despite historical contexts and societal pressures, the protagonist knows the worth of her eyes and what they represent. Recognizing one’s beauty is recognizing one’s power. 

[beccasbustinblog]

An amateur book review: Colonialism in The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

In the summer of 2022, I read the first book that truly made me think. Filled with horrific scenes, beautiful analogies, and relatable characters, Toni Morrison writes a very touching novel that everyone must read. The Bluest Eye discusses issues involving racial discrimination, beauty standards, the complexity of love and so much more while including her personal experiences and emotions in a world filled with hate. This debut novel makes Morrison iconic; someone who's not afraid to bring controversial topics in a world that was racist towards her.

Although one can dive into one theme of this deep book, it all comes back to the beauty standards of the western world, and how, eventually, these standards continue to affect other cultures, and destroy our self-image. Repression of beauty comes from societal opinion, and in the 1940s, it's easy for everyone in the United States to agree that a white girl with blue eyes and blond hair is the definition of beautiful. A country with a history of racism continues to bring down anyone who didn't fit this description, and pressures it into our society by glorifying this perfect image through actors, dolls, stories, and history. In the United States, and throughout Europe, this standard of beauty is known, and therefore, through years of colonialism and slavery, this standard was also pushed onto races that didn't fit the stereotype. Eventually, children growing up in this postcolonial world began to believe that they weren't beautiful because they weren't white. Those who didn't fit the description were born insecure, wishing they could change their features.

Toni Morrison wrote this book despite these norms, and because she finally wanted to "read about people like [her]. People who were black and were young and had lived in the Midwest. [Nobody] wrote about them and whenever they did, they were never center stage in a text. There were always toys, backgrounds, scenery."

The Bluest Eye follows a young girl, Pecola Breedlove. She was born to a poor black family in 1940s Ohio. Throughout her childhood, the white beauty image is presented to her in a number of ways. Beginning with white dolls and even the iconic Shirley Temple, Pecola wishes to be beautiful at a very young age. White is depicted to be beautiful, and she idealizes it, and craves to be just like Shirley Temple.

Her parents even describe Pecola as ugly, because of their own self-hatred. Pecola's mother cares more for the white children of the family she works for, rather than her own daughter. Her mother takes out her insecurities onto Pecola, contributing to Pecola's loathing towards herself. She notices as her mother's love is directed toward the white kids, instead to her own black daughter.

Even the other children in her community agree to the ideology, putting the white girls on top and bullying Pecola because she was born black.

Pecola's dread to be white, overcomes her. She watches as white people are treated better and connects it to being loved. She believes that only if she has blue eyes, she will be beautiful and will be truly loved. She goes to fortune tellers asking for her wish to come true only to be rejected. She continues to hurt herself by wishing for blue eyes, even getting mad at God for making her how she is.

The harmful societal perspective of black people in the 1940s United States, leads to self-hatred. Through terrible experiences and the loss of a baby, Pecola ends up losing her mind. She gets to live her fantasy forever; finally getting her blue eyes. After so much trauma and pain, Pecola becomes a product of how colonialism has ruined the uniqueness of beauty.

Pecola becomes an image towards every young girl born in a white dominated world. Girls with different ethnic backgrounds and physical features that didn't agree with the white beauty norm. She is relatable, because everyone has wished to change something about themselves for a beauty standard. However, this wish and obsession with being "beautiful" can be more harmful than good.

In the end, The Bluest Eye explores the tragedy of white, colonial beauty and the destruction of self-love especially for the innocence of young girls. This novel brings the crucial discussion of accepting one's identity and their own beauty. Thankfully, the book contributes to the ongoing movement toward loving one-self and possibly taught people to understanding the beauty of being unique and belonging to their own cultures. Barbie dolls recently began to come in different shades, representing the beauty of other races and cultures. In Hollywood, we slowly see the immersion of famous actors, who are not white, contribute to the impact of cinema, and even inspire young children throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Although The Bluest Eye ends tragically, the horrific ending contributes to the important theme of love; therefore, it should be on everyone must read list.

Citations:

The Bluest Eye: Themes | SparkNotes

Toni Morrison’s Profound and Unrelenting Vision  | The New Yorker

[disco-cola]

Y’all know this blog usually is centered around my era-struggling for the 70s and 80s but I honestly feel like we are going backwards in the worst way possible. It’s downright scary. Not only what’s going on in Gaza and the sheer evil that I see every day on my screen yet the world being divided by it, silent, many too comfortable to care about anything happening outside their bubble. Just as the world is divided politically and at least where I‘m from, it’s shifting very much to the right. Racism was „invented“ to aim at dividing us and it’s working until today. Then that sexist skit at the Golden Globes last night. I also still am seeing so many sexist ads day after day. And that large parts of the young generation on social media think vanity is self-confidence. It‘s all just always about looks. And the shaming I see when „less conventionally attractive“ people do the same things people do that fit the current beauty standard, and the difference of the reactions, the comments. The current beauty standard in general. 10 year old kids not wanting toys but expensive skincare (like what do they even want with that, or those 18 year olds using retinol already like what are y’all gonna use later) and stanley cups. Saw a video yesterday of a mom who gave her daughter a stanley knock off which looked the same but was off brand from the convenience store and she came home crying on the first school day after the holidays was ridiculed for it by other girls in her class. Over a CUP not being from a certain brand. Also the fact REAL FUR is coming back into fashion in the western world as well (or so I’ve seen on TT, it’s in several „trend predictions“ and I’ve seen many people wearing it) - when it comes to that I‘m still torn even if it’s vintage tbh (ofc still always better than new one, please let’s definitely not make it fashionable again to buy new fur items). I even saw a video that went viral about what they called „mafia boss wife“ aEsThEtIC - also featuring fur coats - like yeah let’s all go off and glamorize and romanticize that too. Have y’all not seen Scarface and Goodfellas for what it was.

[sitaramasilamani]

Princess Sitara: The New Face of Indian Beauty

The Unparalleled Journey of Sitara

Indian beauty standards have long been shaped by western ideals, with Eurocentric features often idealized and celebrated. However, in this evolving landscape, a new face has emerged to challenge these established norms and redefine the concept of Indian beauty. Her name is Princess Sitara, a trailblazer who embodies the rich diversity and unique charm of India. With her radiant smile, captivating eyes, and an innate sense of grace, she effortlessly captivates hearts and inspires others to embrace their authentic beauty. Her presence serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty knows no boundaries and that every individual has the potential to redefine beauty on their own terms.

Early Passion for Modeling

Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamt of becoming a model. Her aunt, a painter, was a significant influence in fostering her love for modeling. As a child, she would sit for hours on end, posing as her aunt's model. The advent of the camera, particularly the phone camera, further fueled her passion. She would incessantly ask her friends to capture her in different frames and even request her artistically inclined friends to paint and draw her. This early fascination with being the subject of art was a clear indication of her inherent appreciation of her unique beauty, even before she fully realized it. Sitara Masilamani - California

Her passion for modeling continued to grow as she entered her teenage years. She began to actively seek opportunities to showcase her talent and potential. She participated in local fashion shows and talent competitions, where she gained recognition for her distinctive features and natural poise. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she secured her first professional modeling gig at the age of 16. It was a breakthrough moment for her, as she stepped into the world of professional modeling and started to pursue her dreams with unwavering determination.

As Princess Sitara's modeling career progressed, she encountered both opportunities and challenges along the way. She faced rejections and criticism, but she never let them discourage her. Instead, she used these experiences as motivation to improve herself and prove her worth in the industry. She attended modeling workshops, practiced her runway walk tirelessly, and perfected her posing techniques. Her perseverance and resilience enabled her to overcome obstacles and carve a niche for herself in the competitive world of fashion. Princess Sitara

Challenging Beauty Standards

However, her dreams seemed a far cry from reality, as she didn't fit into society's ideal beauty standards. At just 5'1" and bearing a dark skin complexion, she was a stark contrast to the tall, fair Bollywood stars who were often celebrated as Indian beauty icons. These standards, heavily influenced by British colonization, seemed to leave no room for someone like Sitara. Nevertheless, she dared to dream.

Her journey of challenging beauty standards began with self-acceptance. Despite the constant pressure to conform, she learned to embrace her unique features and celebrate her own definition of beauty. She recognized that true beauty lies in diversity and individuality, not in conforming to a narrow set of standards dictated by society. Princess Sitara Masilamani

Inspired by her own experiences, she became an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Through her work, she aimed to empower others who felt marginalized and overlooked due to their appearance. She used her platform to challenge the status quo and redefine beauty norms, encouraging people to embrace their authentic selves and break free from societal expectations.

Princess Sitara’s efforts didn't go unnoticed. Her story inspired a wave of change, sparking conversations about the importance of representation and redefining beauty standards. People began to question the narrow definition of beauty that had been ingrained in society for so long, realizing that true beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades.

Breaking into the Modeling Industry

Her journey took a pivotal turn when she landed her first modeling job with Target while living in San Jose. This opportunity gave her the much-needed confidence to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dream of becoming a model. In Los Angeles, her multifaceted talent in music, dance, and acting started to shine, catching the attention of EMG Models, who promptly signed her. Simultaneously, she continued to bag freelance modeling gigs, working with big names like SavagexFenty, Soulja Boy, Machine Gun Kelly, and more.

Her hard work and dedication paid off as she quickly made a name for herself in the modeling industry. Her unique blend of skills and versatility allowed her to excel in various modeling genres, including fashion shows, print campaigns, and music videos.

Not only did her modeling career flourish, but she also became an inspiration to aspiring models, sharing her journey and tips on social media platforms. Through her online presence and authenticity, she has built a strong and supportive community of followers who look up to her as a role model. As Princess Sitara continues to elevate her career, she remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. With her determination and passion, there's no doubt that she will continue to make waves in the modeling industry for years to come.

A New Era in Indian Beauty

Her first major campaign with Haus Labs by Lady Gaga catapulted her fame, making her a familiar face nationwide. Today, Princess Sitara is a regular face for Haus Labs, cherishing her time with the team and the professional relationships she has developed. This experience further inspires her to one day create her own beauty brand that caters to South Asian women.

Her journey is a testament to her belief that everyone should embrace their natural beauty. To her, beauty transcends the physical and manifests in the spiritual. In her words, "The way you treat others, how you uplift yourself and others, how you follow your dreams and spread love and kindness, that’s what truly makes someone beautiful." As she continues to break barriers, she is not just redefining Indian beauty standards, but also setting a new standard for beauty worldwide.