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In a world where we all compare ourselves to a very unrealistic ideal of beauty, do you find this refreshing?
How do you think the trend of airbrushing and computer retouching of photos in the media and in ads affects how we see ourselves and others?
I don't compare myself to those images because there is no comparison. I do too much in my day to day to be perfectly coiffed and made-up, it isn't my job to look good. I'd never compare a friend of mine to a model, because my friends just aren't models. Not that they're not beautiful, but again, we all have lives to lead that don't include personal trainers, personal chefs, and a manicurist on our staff.
Then again, I'm also someone who really likes tattoos, piercings, hair dye, all those kinds of things. For me, I find it "beautiful"/"appealling" when something has an element of unreality to it. When I see someone who's unreasonably pretty, almost a caricature of beauty, I definitely notice it more. If the purpose of the media is to sell itself, a product, or the person on the cover of the magazine, that tends to be what makes me part with my money, at least.
I believe that the message that even a gorgeous, healthy-looking, in shape woman needs an airbrush sends a crappy message to the consumer. But that being said, I think more people would be cultivating their own beauty ideal seperate from what media considers "attractive".
Photoshopped is a Hollywood Illusion....anyone can be made "beautiful" on the outside...by photoshopped touches....it is interesting that people sometimes only "see" the outside of a person....which is only part of them to begin with...and as the old saying goes....beauty is in the eye of the beholder....so what a person "sees" it just that....there is much more to a person than their looks....I have always heard...NEVER judge a book by its cover....
Now...I will also share this with everyone....I have 3 children...all grown now...1 daughter and 2 sons....when my daughter was 13....I sent her to a "beauty school"....for 12 weeks....I drove 2 hours one way and window shopped while she was in this school...learning how to "enhance" herself....she learned how to apply her makeup....which looks very natural, she learned how to do her hair...she learned how to be poised and she transformed into a "little lady".....right in front of me....I was amazed that these people could teach a young girl so much....this was the best money that I have ever spent....she learned how to do the things that young girls should be taught at this age....her education has stayed with her...and she will be 32 years old this year....
The men and women who go to Hollywood....and those who we see in movies and on run ways....are only people...just like the rest of the world....they have just learned how to apply themselves in a different way....it is a process....just like anything else in the world is...
I bet we would all be quite shocked to see just how these people look in person....instead of on the screen...
Interesting topic....
MiMi
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