As I was scrolling through Facebook this week, finding out what is going on in the life of my friends and family, I came across a very exciting article on Cosmopolitan.com. The article was titled, “Meet the First Model With Down Syndrome to Be Featured as the Face of a Beauty Campaign.” This article immediately caught my attention as it was very different than the typical articles that were posted on models. Seeing that this beautiful, young girl, Katie Meade, is going to be the face of a beauty campaign teaches us all a lesson that needs to be taught more in today’s society. The lesson that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
I, just as many other, if not all, girls, have been jealous of models. With their beautiful blonde hair, skinny bodies, and long legs, I couldn’t help but be jealous. "Why can’t I look like them?" I would think. But reading this article, I have learned that just because you do not look a certain way does not mean that you are not beautiful. Beauty cannot be defined by one certain look, just as models cannot be classified as one type of girl.
The question that popped into my head was, “Why does a girl who looks a certain way have to model this article of clothing?” What I mean by this is that an article of clothing does not change if it is placed on someone else. Yes, it may fit differently, it may be a bigger or smaller size, but it is still the same article of clothing. Because this is true, do all models have to look the same? This young model with down syndrome is teaching us that no, all models do not have to look the same.
Realizing this can teach us so much about ourselves and about others. There is no need to be hard on ourselves, or others, just if we do not look a certain way. It is imperative that we keep in mind every day that looking in the mirror can remind us how beautiful we are, not how many flaws we have. Focussing on the fact that who we are is good enough is what can teach us the most. Being different from the person who you think is “perfect” (and remember, nobody is perfect), is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be proud of. You can contribute to the wonderful diversity in the world.
Anyone can be beautiful, regardless of shape, size, height, hair color, skin color, and every other factor of appearance. We as a society must all remember that while it is wonderful to have someone call you beautiful, calling yourself beautiful is just as important. Beauty cannot be defined because beauty is different in every situation. A flower is beautiful, but so is a girl. A girl is not a flower, and beauty is not one single image. If you are ever doubting the fact that you are in fact beautiful, remember these inspiring words of Audrey Hepburn, “The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”
