Beauty is Her Name

Unmasking Beauty Standards: A Call to See Beyond the Surface

For centuries, beauty standards have been weaponized—tools of oppression wielded against those who dared to exist outside arbitrary ideals. I know this truth too well. I’ve lived it, felt it in the side-eyes of strangers, the condescension in voices, and the invisible barriers in spaces where “beauty” decides who belongs. Today, we must challenge these standards, not just for those like me but for humanity as a whole. It’s time we look at the dark history that created them, the toxic grip they hold on our world, and the revolution needed to dismantle them.

The Origins of Oppression

The concept of beauty has never been neutral. It is, and always has been, political. European colonialism imposed a global standard that placed white, slim, and symmetrical features as the pinnacle of attractiveness. This wasn’t coincidence; it was control. According to Dr. Heather Widdows, author of Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal, these standards were often tied to economic and social hierarchies, ensuring the dominance of certain groups.

Take, for instance, the 19th-century “freak shows,” where those with physical differences were displayed as grotesque oddities. The implicit message was clear: beauty equaled worth, and deviation from the standard meant dehumanization. This rhetoric persists today, albeit cloaked in modern marketing and Instagram filters.

Hollywood: The Engine of Exclusion

Hollywood has played a significant role in perpetuating these damaging ideals. From its golden age, the film industry curated a narrow vision of beauty—white, thin, cisgender, and abled. Stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly became global symbols of desirability, reinforcing standards that excluded most of the world’s population.

Today, the industry isn’t much better. While strides have been made for diversity, beauty remains a currency in Hollywood. Consider the trope of the “ugly duckling” who must undergo a makeover to find love or success. Films like Shallow Hal touched on the absurdity of this system but were exceptions rather than the norm. Research by Smith et al. (2021) from USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative revealed that lead roles in major films still overwhelmingly favor conventionally attractive actors.

This isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about power. Hollywood shapes global perceptions, making its beauty ideals seem universal and unchangeable.

The Privilege of “Attractiveness”

Attractive people enjoy undeniable advantages in the world. Studies show they are more likely to be hired, promoted, and earn higher salaries. In a 2020 report published in Psychological Science, researchers found that physically attractive individuals were rated as more competent and likable, regardless of their actual abilities. Even in social settings, attractive people are often treated with greater kindness and respect. They are less likely to face harassment or discrimination based on their looks. Meanwhile, those deemed “unattractive” endure systemic biases that impact their mental health, career prospects, and personal relationships. This is not a small issue—it’s a human rights issue. 

The Fight for Change

Fortunately, a growing movement is challenging these oppressive standards. Activists like Jameela Jamil, founder of the I Weigh movement, have been vocal about dismantling beauty myths. Model and advocate Tess Holliday has redefined what it means to be beautiful in an industry that often excludes plus-sized individuals. Social media movements like #BodyPositivity and #AllBodiesAreGoodBodies amplify voices demanding change.

Experts, too, are calling for a radical rethinking of beauty. Psychologist Renee Engeln, author of Beauty Sick, argues that society’s obsession with appearance is a public health crisis, draining women of their time, energy, and self-worth.

But this isn’t just about individuals. It’s about systems. Companies like Dove’s Real Beauty campaign have begun promoting diverse representations, but we need more than marketing. True change requires policy. Anti-discrimination laws must extend to appearance-based bias, ensuring that no one is denied opportunities because they don’t fit society’s mold.

A Vision for the Future

What if beauty wasn’t a weapon but a celebration of diversity? What if we redefined attractiveness to include every face, every body, every story? To get there, we must challenge the status quo at every turn.

 1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the historical roots of beauty standards and call out harmful representations when you see them.

 2. Support Diverse Media: Seek out films, books, and campaigns that celebrate a wide range of beauty.

 3. Advocate for Policy Change: Push for workplace protections against appearance-based discrimination.

 4. Reclaim Your Narrative: If you’ve ever felt “less than” because of your looks, know this: your value isn’t skin-deep. Share your story. Be unapologetically you.

The Challenge

I challenge you to look beyond appearances, to see the humanity in everyone, not just those who fit a mold. We must create a world where beauty is expansive, not exclusive—where no one is judged or valued based on something as fleeting as a face or figure.

As I write this, I feel both hope and exhaustion. Hope that we can do better, exhaustion from the years spent proving my worth beyond the surface. But I refuse to give up. I ask you not to, either.

True beauty lies not in perfection but in authenticity. Let’s build a world that recognizes that. Let’s start today.