Typically, when we use the term beautiful we are generally talking about women, so that is primarily who I am going to focus on.
"You looked beautiful," a sentence that is actually quite discouraging when you really think about it. Looked; the past tense to appear to be; look like. So, is this really a compliment? Or is it an insult. When someone tells you that you looked beautiful, they are referring to a specific prior moment, event, or time in your life. They aren't saying that you are beautiful, now, but that you then. It's really sad when you dig deeper into the meaning of the sentence. That compliment is actually implying that you appeared beautiful on that day; and congratulations.
What really bothers me about this phenomenon is where our society uses it. We see this "compliment" on pictures posted from Proms, Weddings, Balls, Parties, going out, selfies...you get what I mean. But these are the times and events where we are all dolled up; hair, make up, clothes, jewelry, the whole nine yards. These are the times when we are putting on the costume that society defines as beautiful.
Unfortunately, when we only tell each other that we looked beautiful then, we are conforming to the idea that beauty is measured by looks. We encourage each other to keep up with these beauty standards because that is the only time that we will hear we are beautiful. And that is really sad. This “compliment” is one that reassures many with the confidence that yeah, "I am beautiful". However, in reality it is only heard when they are not being themselves. This is very dangerous territory because of the impact it has on an individual. It makes women and girls feel like they aren’t beautiful unless they dress and look a specific way.
We need to stop this before it is too late. We need to encourage each other that beauty is defined as the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind. We must share the idea that beauty is not comparing oneself to the photo shopped magazines or celebrities we see on TV. That beauty is being who you are, inside and out.
I pledge to reverse society’s definition of beauty. I want young girls and women to be comfortable in their own skin and feel beautiful while doing it. Now, in order to do that we need to reassure each other that we are good enough just the way we are.
I guarantee that 95 percent of you will not share this article because of the fear of what others might think or say. This is a controversial and serious topic; but, it is something that needs to be said. I went out of my comfort zone when I chose to write about this and now I am asking you to do the same. Join my pledge and share.
Remember: You are beautiful the moment you roll out of bed, and the second you step out of the shower.
