What Is Beauty?

"Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder"

British and American Idea of Beauty : "Thin is IN"

In my honest and humble opinion this is gorgeous! I would die to have this figure. Yet, as I say I would die, many young girls do. "A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover " Even after these shocking statistics where published, super models are still only given jobs if they are size 0. Does true beauty for young teens/adults have to result in death? Is this the true extent we will go to, to become picture perfect?

 Characteristics: 5ft 7 or above, "flawless" skin,  abnormally skinny, and tanned skin.
Alannah : FAIL!

The Asian See Beauty More Naturally

Opposing the British and American, you are more beautiful the paler you are. I am sure I read up that it is Phillipian people that state the darker your skin the poorer you are seen to be. Traditionally it is the poor people that work out in the farm, under hot suns with no form of protection. Therefore they would have darker skin. Just a little fact thrown in there. In all honesty their idea of beauty is far easier to reach, because they aren't attempting to hurt themselves. The only plastic surgery they have is for the double eyelids to make their eyes bigger. They are obviously sensible people. Sadly, they are quite unsensible ... even though foot binding is illegal in China. In some remote areas they still practise this, because small feet is still seen as a beautiful thing [there goes my size eighs..]

Characteristics: pale skin, dark hair (long for girls), big noses for guys, double eyelids, large eyes, small faces, small feet, tall (guys to be tall), and long legs.

Alannah : FAIL!!

African Idea of Beauty.. The Bigger The BETTER

This woman is seen as beautiful within traditional African tribes. Her necklaces are to make her neck longer because long necks are seen as appealing("Iindzila"). This tradition is started at thr age of 5 years old. However this isn't actually practised as commonly anymore, they are more likely to wear many beads to give the impression of neck stretching. Other harsh/painful ways to make themselves more appealing to men, if by having a large bottom lip, starting from puberty by a large disc.

The women in the Karo tribe in Southern Ethopia allow their elders to cut scars into the stomach throughout their childhood. This is, again, to attract men. Once they have recieved the last of their scars they are then allowed to marry and have children.

In Guyana (South America), the Wauwai people practice a form of “body swelling” that would inspire a boa constrictor. The Wauwai bind their young girls’ legs below the knee in order to create a swelled calf, an attribute considered highly attractive. Similar practices are seen in Asia and Africa, such as that performed by the Dinka people of southern Sudan. Using tightly-coiled gold and silver wire similar to the coiled necklaces worn by the Karenni, the Dinka wrap bracelets around their arms and legs so tightly that the flesh swells around the coils. In addition, Dinka men wear ultra-tight corsets of beads that cause their buttocks to swell in a manner that emphasizes their thin waists. The corsets also carry special symbolism—the color of the beads indicates the wearer’s age and status. Red and black colors are worn by 15 to 25-year olds, while yellow is favored by those over 30. The corsets can fetch a high price if traded—one corset may trade for a head of cattle!

Characteristics: Just read the dam thing.. too much to type =P

Alannah: FAIL!

Reflect:  In my own opinion these beauty rituals are pretty messed up. Even the British and American one isn't healthy for our natural body. I see beauty through a smile. If you smile then I think you are beauty, no matter whether you are fat, skinny, ugly or pretty. Seeing a smile is the most beautiful thing in the world to me. Also kindness goes nicely with a smile... ALSO! Someone's eyes. Honestly... evil people do have evil eyes I think. In all of these cultures, any normal person would never be seen as beautiful. You would have to go through plastic surgery to get that done. But what is the need in changing yourself for other people? Why not just be happy within yourself.

I must admit I'm not happy with myself, so I am critical to why I am telling other's through this to be happy with themselves if I find it difficult myself. HOWEVER unlike most, I'm not going to extremes to feel beautiful. I work hard to lose weight and I use natural methods to make myself feel better. A quick fix, is not always the best fix. You don't get the same feeling of accomplishment you get when you do things the hard way. You see the transformation gradually which is exciting =3

Toodle pips hunny bun.
Alannah is out.
<3