The cultures in which we are raised have an impact on us all. With a topic like body image, it’s important to remember that what’s good or desirable in one culture could not be so in another.

Media portrayals, cultural norms, and centuries of European imperialism have all contributed to the widespread acceptance of European beauty standards over the world.

Especially in today’s age of rapid satisfaction, the media and culture are inseparable. The widespread coverage of issues related to self-perception in the media may come as a surprise to some. Both body-positive and negative narratives can be found here. The problem is that readers from all over the world are exposed to these accounts and are beginning to draw comparisons between themselves and the characters. How we perceive ourselves influences our thoughts and emotions, and making comparisons can be counterproductive.

The following are some ideals of beauty that are widely held in many different cultures, including those of western Europe, Asia, and even some parts of Africa.

Skin Tone

White vs. black

Simply put, you’re being brainwashed to value specific characteristics more than those shared by people of other races.

The first thing I want to talk about is how the media has, for generations, depicted people who are white and have smooth hair as the most beautiful people in the world. The media you consume has shaped your perception of black women, for example, painting a picture of them as fat, sassy, and unattractive. Because of your limited exposure to attractive black women, you tend to think of them as less attractive than their white counterparts.

Scarves were once a legal requirement for ladies of African descent in some countries. This represents a radical transformation in ideals of beauty. Slaves of African descent who married Native Americans or whites were also treated differently. Slaves with lighter skin tones were treated more humanely and given less difficult tasks. It all added credence to the notion that passing as European was an asset.

Standards of beauty weren’t just imposed upon the African-American population. Native American culture and society is rarely discussed. The Native American peoples all looked different before they were colonized. Perhaps you have seen parodies of this classic style in the form of Halloween costumes and the like. Well, the surviving Native Americans were civilized after being slaughtered in harsh and bloody fights; given ill gifts; enslaved; raped; and treated like animals.

Kill the savage, rescue the man was also a catchphrase that went along with it. The Natives were being given new names, their hair was being chopped short, and both sexes were being pushed into stereotypical gender roles as a result of contact with Europeans. They made them whiter by compulsion and, in doing so, reinforced the superiority of white people and white beauty.

Fair vs. tanned skin

In a similar vein, we are bombarded by messages promoting the ideal of a bronzed complexion, despite the fact that this is generally frowned upon in Asia. Tanned Asians were once thought to have been hard workers since they were constantly exposed to the sun while the wealthy tended to stay indoors. Asian culture places a premium on having fair skin because it is thought to make one appear younger. Whitening and sunscreen-focused cosmetics and skincare products tend to do well in Asian markets because they are less likely to be criticized there. Fair-skinned East Asian celebrities have a more favorable image than their tanned counterparts.

Face features

Double eyelids

Double eyelid surgery is very common in countries like Korea. Given that most Koreans have single eyelids by birth, the assumption that double eyelids represent the optimum body structure in Korea is perplexing. To what end is this happening? That’s right; we may thank outside influences for that. The fame of American superstars extends far beyond the borders of the United States. Double eyelids are a common feature among American celebrities. When Koreans observe their favorite celebrities being lauded for their double eyelids, they themselves begin to reevaluate what they consider to be beautiful.

An appearance of double eyelids is associated with a more youthful, alert, and energized appearance of the eyes. Double eyelids are the standard of beauty in South Korea, and double eyelid surgery is the most popular cosmetic procedure there.

Teeth

People in the West frequently get braces to close gaps in their teeth, but in Somali culture, a lopsided smile has long been regarded as a desirable trait. This quality was often praised in songs as being characteristic of the ideal woman. Indeed, it was an admirable quality.

Blue eyes

Blue eyes are a symbol of beauty in Western culture. People with blue eyes are often considered attractive. Although the vast majority of Somalians have brown eyes, blue-eyed individuals do exist. Unfortunately, such quality is widely derided. Blue-eyed Somalis are often referred to mockingly as goat eyes or cat eyes for their shared trait with these often mocked animals. Neither moniker is meant as praise.

These illustrations highlight the extent to which cultural norms shape our standards of beauty.

Skinny and Tall

An example of the huge disparity between East Asian and Western body type preferences is given by an anonymous comment online stating the preference toward males with fair traits as porcelain dolls and with abs firm as rocks. Meanwhile, the West loves immensely buff kinds that plainly tower over others. Women in East Asia are idealized as having a delicate frame, a porcelain complexion, and a diminutive stature. In contrast, Western societies tend to value tanned women with more athletic physiques.

It’s probable that you’ll discover that Asian sizes are substantially smaller than those in other regions; a S in Asia is equivalent to a M in the West. The lower size of most Asians can be attributed in part to the smaller meal portions and slightly different eating habits that are typical in Asia. Most Asian diets center around rice, with vegetables or soup served on the side.

The media contributes to the public’s perception of fit and attractive celebrities. It’s generally agreed that tall people look better dressed. While tall men are the norm, small women are often celebrated for their endearing qualities. Big thighs and curves may not be as attractive to most Asians as they are to Westerners.

The ability to carry a few extra pounds is seen as a badge of honor in some parts of Africa. Some African women are going on diets, which the men don’t like because of the status implications, but I think the world is finally starting to grasp that being overweight is bad for your health. To see some examples of countries where voluptuous women are emblems of success, just do a quick internet search.

In conclusion, whether via history, culture, or media, Europeans appear to have MADE themselves the beauty standard, eventually dominating the rest of the globe. Although we have successfully imposed our beauty standards on many of the countries we have conquered, we still must deal with other cultures that have vastly different ideas about what constitutes a beautiful physique.

Can you add some other different standards that you know of? Please write them down on the comment section below! Thank you!