Beauty standards. They can be cultivated in various ways, ranging from cultural and societal norms to personal preferences. Modern American culture amplifies these standards, increasing the pressure to look a certain way. Advertisements feature models with clear skin, no stretch marks, or scars. Online influencers seemingly have the perfect muscular build or proportions. Comment sections with loud opinions on topics like body hair or being a certain weight.
It makes it easy to feel insecure, like somehow your body needs to be changed or “fixed” to be good or ideal. These insecurities are the types of things beauty industries/influencers prey on, so that they can sell you a convenient solution. But many people outside of the industry get caught up in these standards and perpetuate them as fact. You may have heard one of these opinions from people you know, maybe an off-handed comment about how someone “should” look, or pointing out a perceived flaw. At the end of the day, these sorts of opinions of others on what features are good or bad tend to be superficial and rooted in a supremacist mindset, in which everyone should conform to what that “best” thing is. From the most objective standpoint, a body is just a body, no more and no less. External opinions are just that and don’t have any bearing on your worth at all, since there’s no one way to be beautiful. Beauty standards are temporary and shallow, but the body you live in will be yours forever.
Aside from all the external ideals, seeking change or improvement is a very human tendency. It’s normal to want to alter your appearance. The issue arises when it leads to unhealthy behaviors or decreases your feelings of self-worth. So, when thinking about features you may dislike about yourself enough to want to change or hide, ask yourself why. Is it because it will have a positive impact on your life (beyond temporary social acceptance)? Or is it because of something you saw, or read, or heard? If the decision comes from you and you only, then it’s worth considering. Otherwise, brush it aside.
It may not be easy to let go of all the external stuff, but luckily, it can be done with practice. Remind yourself when you feel insecure that you are wonderful as you are. It might feel silly at first, but even if you’re saying or thinking it without conviction, you’ll get to a point of believing it. Once you believe it, you’ll be left with something much more fulfilling than comparing yourself to others or trying to fit in. Another way to conquer negative body image is by treating yourself how you want to feel! Fake it until you make it, or try highlighting the parts of yourself you do like! But once again, it’s okay if, after all of that, you still have things about yourself you want to change, as long as it’s your own judgments influencing your opinion. Work towards your ideal, as safely as possible.
WRITTEN BY: Kris Sanders, Empowerteen Creative Writer Intern
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