european beauty standards 6

more than one type of beauty anna liner editor-in-chief marissa mathieson staff writer

as society progresses, it is crucial that we recognize the standards we place on individuals as well as their roots

rom a young age, girls have often been taught to admire the white, skinny, perfect-looking models practically prancing across every fashion magazine. One must begin to wonder why these people are the ones that make the spotlight. With the beauty industry’s attempts to make changes by introducing plus-sized women, coiled hair and colored skin into the mix, progress in breaking traditional beauty standards is evident. Yet, as society continues to grow in diversity and acceptance, Eurocentric features continue to dominate fashion and social media.

These detrimental trends are extremely prevalent on various popular social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. With the help of Photoshop and FaceTune, unrealistically small

waists, upturned noses and even retouched thigh gaps can be seen across every Instagram feed. The sight of thousands of unrealistic models on almost every social media platform ultimately leaves people, especially young teens, feeling as if they aren’t “perfect” enough and don’t belong. The degradation of young girls and boys’ self-esteem doesn’t end there. Recently, a popular TikTok trend involved the endorsement and glorification of plastic surgery. More often than not, one finds TikToks of young girls getting nose jobs to attain a less “ethnic’’ and smaller nose, rather than keeping the nose they were born with. Whether it is via photo alteration or plastic surgery, it is evident that these standards only push young kids to change

themselves in order to fit into a western beauty stereotype.

The society that drives people to alter themselves in order to fit into a certain stereotype can be especially harmful to youth because of the physical and mental damages associated with such ramifications. When children are still growing and simply trying to find out who they are, the focus on European beauty standards only perpetuates lower self-esteem, promotes eating disorders and encourages teens to want unnecessary plastic surgery. Because of the continued pressure to fit into society, more and more people feel a need to modify themselves in order to feel confident and accepted by others, which typically causes more harm than good. Although, these trends are becoming more widespread, beauty still manages to break all

preconceived boundaries. From models with voluptuous curves, to those with disabilities and birthmarks walking the runway, its apparent that beauty can be found everywhere. Thus, in order to become a more accepting society and welcoming community, it is time we recognize the beauty in all of us.

We must cease to believe that someone can be too skinny, too fat, too feminine or even too white or black. Ethnicity, race, body and gender shaming only causes self-esteem and body image to worsen. As a result, it makes people feel badly about themselves and others — keeping a fear of uncommon and distinct features in existence. Thus, to put an end to the of the cause, it’s time we uplift each other and create our own acceptance. ✰

BLEACH featured artist:

For some teenagers, passion is developed through what they learn in school. However, for members of St. Louis youth band Bleach, passion came from an entirely different outlet. As mere underclassmen in high school, the three came together to form a group that has performed in numerous local venues. Drawing inspiration from Highly Suspect, the group performs a mixture of original songs and covers. Stream Bleach’s new single “Prove Them Wrong” on all platforms.

lance johnson, lead vocalist

jackson christopher stevens, guitarist

TOP: Guitarist Jackson Christopher Stevens stands over crowd at a concert at the Duck Room Jan. 10. MIDDLE: Caleb Mylembush screams as he plays the drums for the group’s closing song. BOTTOM: Jackson Christopher Stevens and Lance Johnson come together during an instrumental moment of the show.

caleb mylembush, drummer