The Many Definitions of Beauty

I have been thinking about beauty lately and what the beauty industry and advertising industry have done to young women. Sure there is the Dove campaign, there are the Vagina Monologues, self-esteem workshops etc. but I think that we are missing an important point.

In my lifetime the definitions of beauty have expanded. When I was a young woman there was a very narrow definition of beauty. It was an upper crust white woman with long straight blonde hair. The ad of the time said it all: "Blondes have more fun". Even the ones who I did not think were beautiful had a confidence in being on the right team that helped others see them as beautiful and I learned something from that radiation of confidence.

Everyone who was not in that image was not beautiful by societal standards. When I look through a magazine today, it gives me joy to see black women, Indian women, white women, and faces that were never represented before. Just take the time to look at the diversity of people and you will be encouraged too because you will find someone who looks a lot like you.

That's because you are beautiful. Now you get to choose if it will be skin deep or soul deep by your actions and relationships with other people. I'll be cheering you on!