TOK - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

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Lara K.

Theory of Knowledge 11B

24th March 2008

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

        The well-known quote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” does not always apply to what factors people consider to be beautiful. Beauty is not defined by the opinions of individuals but by standards given by the society, media and movies. Even though everyone’s definition of beauty is different, the influences from media can not be disregarded.
        The media, which somewhat reflects the society, has become an influential tool in shaping culture. Advertisements are the foundation for mass media; they sell images, values and success. Every day we are exposed to written and commercial advertisements. Advertisements have social consequences and one of them is the portrayal of women and what are considered to be ‘ideal’ features. Society has created an environment that is image obsessed creating a generation of women so self conscious about their body image to the extent that it is affecting their health. It is difficult for women to feel beautiful in a world where the media influences what is considered to be beautiful and therefore make it impossible for women to feel good about themselves. Women look at everything with more detail so they are more vulnerable to attempting to be like media stereotypes and prone to compulsive dieting. Throughout the fashion industry, images of women are often displayed by the look of hollow cheeks and skinny bodies. Media images can have a powerful effect on young women because they are extensively reinforced daily.

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        The quote "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" indicates that everyone is beautiful in a unique way, depending on how others see them. A society sets certain

standards of beauty which are ideal features that specifically women should possess in order to be classified as beautiful. In some western countries, it is considered ideal to have a thin physique, a certain color eyes, a specific hair color and to meet the set measurements of different body parts. These standards are then constantly reinforced by the media and usually have a negative affect on women in some societies because they ...

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