The Surreal Celebrity Beauty Expectations 

Whether we notice or not, we secretly always want a life like a celebrity. We compare ourselves to them and try to imitate their lifestyle. Every celebrity has a fan following. Whatever actions they do, affects their followers. We even look up to them and set the beauty standards for us. But are those practical and real?

A study found that out of 10, 000 women, 96% do not feel beautiful. This is due to the constant exposure to the idea of perfect beauty. And social media has added to such dissatisfaction for our bodies. As we scroll through our Instagram, we see many photographs of various celebrities. We often look at those and wish of having such figures.

The beauty expectations that are developing in the minds of people are because of the ideal beauty depicted by a celebrity they follow. The pressure to have a perfect size is always there in everyone. Be it a woman or a man, everyone succumbs to these surreal expectations of beauty.

Change in the beauty expectations over time

However, these beauty standards also change with time. Though, mostly for negative. And people tend to follow all of these ‘trends’ with sincerity. For instance, in the early ’20s, short hair and tomboy look were very popular in women. It helped them display their stand against the suffrage of women. While for men, sleek hair parted in the middle described the word ‘handsome’.

Later, this trend changed to a military physique for men. Whereas large busts, thin waists, and wide hips for women. Even, this idea of beauty was over after a time. A new trend which advertised slender and thin bodies for women got its popularity. This was the time when unhealthy beauty standards started taking place in society. Models and actresses with very thin bodies were cast in movies and printed on magazines. While an image of an alpha male started taking rounds as a fashion.

Even now, there is always a constant change in the beauty standards set in society. And since celebrity is the one to adopt the trend first, so do the rest of the people.

Are the celebrities to be blamed for these surreal beauty standards?

How do you think people get to know about the ongoing trends? Or Who decides these beauty standards? Are these celebrities or society?

As we already know, celebrities have a huge influence on the audience. People admire them for their charm and beauty. So, people consider them as role models for ideal beauty standards. But is it okay to blame celebrities for the false expectations that we create?

According to a study in America, out of 1000 girls, 88% feel pressure to be thin. For them, it is due to the media exposure. Also, 65% of girls believe that women in the fashion industry are too skinny. Besides this, 60% of them compare themselves to the photographs of models in the magazines.

So, it can be said that celebrities are partially responsible for promoting these unrealistic beauty expectations. When they undergo cosmetic surgeries to enhance their beauty, it proves the idea of beauty standards. Thereby, promoting other people to do so as well. While we consider that for them it is a necessity in their profession, we also need their help to eradicate these unhealthy stigmas around the concept of a perfect man or woman. A celebrity has the power to bring in this particular change.

Are the times changing now?

Although there is a growing awareness on this issue. More and more adolescents are getting attracted to the false artistry of beauty. There is now an increase in the number of influencers that affect people’s lives in day-to-day activities. And therefore, the need for a rise in voice against such surreal beauty standards is also required.

There are several times when different celebrities spoke against the struggle they had to face and bashed the idea of a perfect image.

• Recently, Kim Kardashian shared her experience of body shaming. The media called out on her when she was pregnant. Read the news here.
• In 2017, Demi Lovato tweeted about being free of the thought of what people would think of her and rather enjoy eating.
• Similarly, Aly Raisman shared how her muscular arms were considered to be weird. She wrote on the Instagram post “to not let anyone tell how you should look and shouldn’t.”
• Ashley Graham also shared her thoughts on girls who are insecure about their bodies in an interview. She said that it is difficult to cope up with the societal pressure on you.
• In 2015, Amy Schumer tweeted her size and told everyone that she does not plan on changing it.

Many other celebrities also raised this issue. An upcoming change in perspective is seen in many people. People have started accepting their bodies. Many influencers are doing a great job in creating awareness among youth. They are teaching people to love and embrace their bodies no matter what. They are bringing light to all those factors that people feel shy about.

Remember that most people have stretch marks. It is not important to have abs for a perfect and healthy body. A lean body does not necessarily mean being fit. Even, you do not need to use makeup for a flawless look. Short people are also good-looking. The color of your skin is not what is important to you.

Do not fall into the traps of these silly beauty expectations. Embrace your body in every manner possible. Moreover, boost the confidence of other people as well. Do not downgrade or judge anyone if they are trying to break these beauty stereotypes. Beauty is nothing, but your happiness matters.

Data Sources: https://www.cobosocial.com/dossiers/beauty-of-women/