By youth Perspective
AS sad as it is to admit, some people are insecure and even sometimes ashamed about certain aspects of their physical bodies—myself included. The most common and present reason for this is the fact that we grow up in societies that have a standardised version of what a human being should look like. From a very young age, I noticed that many animated films and children’s shows incorporated these standardised beauty and body standards. Even most of the toys such as dolls or action figures girls and boys play with come with a “standard” concept of beauty and physical appearances. Parents may also unintentionally pass down perspectives of beauty and body standards to their children in their informal teaching. In schools, children might also learn about the anatomy and functions of the body from a specific standardised type of chart or model. We learn what and how humans should look like, even before we can comprehend that our bodies are susceptible to ageing, body hair, weight gain, weight loss, scars and even disabilities.

From a very young age, we’re taught about the standard of what a woman and man should look like. In certain societies or perspectives, a body type outside of the standardised type is not shamed, but that doesn’t mean that it’s “liked” either. In certain societies, body types even come with privileges as well. Certain “privileges”, such as being more appreciated and liked by family members—may be shown to women of a more slender, curvier build rather than a short, “chubby” woman (based on the culture that is). It disgusts me even writing that but sadly, that is how some societies are, even in this supposed era. The older we get, you can even start to point out the use of this “perfect” physical image in the mass media, marketing and even the cosmetics industry. In advertisements, a muscular, tall man is often shown to show what masculinity looks like in the physical form. The cosmetics industry constantly uses the “flaws” of women and even men and uses that to market products and services. High tummy with rolls? “Buy this product to help”. Broad nose? “Come in for a rhinoplasty consultation”. Dark skin? “Time to lighten it with this lotion”. They seem to answer every question about your physical “flaws” by advertising how you can “fix them”. As a beauty and skincare care enthusiast, I absolutely despise this.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy certain products or even use them. I’m merely trying to emphasise that you can be told about certain products and services without having your natural physique belittled and shamed. We can still also choose to accept and love both versions of ourselves. Love your acne skin and your clear skin after. Love your tummy rolls and your abs after. Love your curls, and then love your straight hair after. This goes for every other industry related to body type/images and beauty standards. The notion that you need to “fix” your flaws and natural appearances is completely absurd. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t always have these thoughts or comparisons of our own accord. When unrealistic expectations and standards are praised and glorified constantly in societies, one can only be left to wonder, “Is my body good enough?”.

I wrote this article to remind you all that your natural physical appearances should never be classified as “defects” or “flaws”. Whatever and however you choose to do to your physical appearance, ensure that you accept and love every version, age and even weight gain/loss period of yourselves. It’s the right, self-conscious, loving thing to do.