002. Challenge the Image of Beauty

This week, look at beauty under a different light.

We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded by images of beauty from the media. Turn on the television, computer, open a magazine, drive down the street and we are continuously being told what is beautiful and which product to buy in order to achieve this narrow definition of beauty. If the advertisement causes us to question our appearances, then the company has done their job. Their main goal is to make money and they do this in extremely creative ways. Many beauty practices that women follow have not been around very long and their origins can be disturbing. Understanding where these practices originated from can help us challenge the narrow image of beauty. Once we become more informed about these practices and products and if we choose to still participate, at least we are not blindly following. 

This week we want to change the narrow image of what is considered beautiful in the media. We decided to research the origin of breast implants. Please understand that we are not judging those with breast implants because it is your right to choose.  We all have the right to choose and we should do this with as much information as possible. Breast implants became popular during the 1940s following WWII. Japanese prostitutes who were pursuing American servicemen, began injecting their breasts with silicone, sponges and paraffin. These women risked their lives by having this new procedure done because they believed all American men were attracted to large breasts. This is obviously not the case with all American men or society as a whole in neither 2011 or in 1940. Unfortunately, this narrow "Westernized" image of what was perceived to be beautiful caused many Japanese women serious injury and even death. 

It is vital to be informed where beauty practices originate from. It is also important to ensure that narrow focused views of beauty in the media are challenged. Beauty should be subjective and to each their own. We are all beautiful regardless!

This week research something that you use to "improve" your appearance. Razors, hair dye, make-up, hair straighteners and etc.

Post what you have learned in the comment section. We are interested to hear your responses. 

People truly do come in all shapes and sizes. Take care of yourself and remember that you are enough. Tune out those ads that are primarily focused at making you feel bad about yourself and selling you a product. Do not be passive. An educated society is an empowered one.