Beauty and its Beasts | Aimie Navinda Prasan | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchool

TL;DR

Western beauty standards dominate social media, impacting self-esteem, especially in Asia.

Transcript

[Applause] I hate it I really do but the first thing I do when I wake up you guessed it I check my phone and no doubt on all across my feeds whether it be on Instagram on Twitter on Pinterest I see pictures of really beautiful women and what I can't help but notice is all of these beautiful women comply to certain beauty standards the Western women... Read More

Key Insights

• 💅 Social media perpetuates Western beauty ideals, influencing global perceptions.
• 💅 Asians often resort to harmful beauty practices to conform to Western standards.
• 💅 Historical perceptions of beauty have been shaped by various influences.
• 🤳 There is a need to prioritize self-acceptance over conforming to fleeting trends.
• 💅 Embracing diverse beauty representation can foster self-confidence and acceptance.
• 🤔 Critical thinking about beauty standards is essential to combat harmful practices.
• 🧡 Society should advocate for a wider range of beauty standards for a more inclusive environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who initially defined the concept of beauty before social media?

The concept of beauty has evolved through history, influenced by various factors like fashion houses, critics, and societal norms, rather than being based on a universal standard.

Q: Why do people blindly follow fleeting beauty trends?

Despite knowing that trends come and go, individuals conform to them out of societal pressure and a desire to fit in rather than focusing on long-lasting self-acceptance.

Q: How does the focus on Western beauty impact Asian societies?

In Asia, the prevalence of Western beauty standards can lead to insecurities and harmful beauty practices, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.

Q: What role does representation play in reshaping beauty ideals?

By promoting diverse representations of beauty, individuals, especially children, can learn to appreciate their unique traits and reject unrealistic standards imposed by media.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Social media promotes Western beauty standards of tan skin, prominent features, and slim physique, influencing global beauty trends.

• Asian beauty standards are shaped by popular influencers, leading to a rise in cosmetic procedures and self-harm to meet ideals.

• Embracing diverse beauty representation is key to fostering self-acceptance and combating toxic standards.