Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (or perhaps beer-holder if you’ve had one too many), and although this rings true most of the time, there are times when a girl (or a guy – Bruce Jenner?) has to do something about her looks either by enhancing(make up) or drastically altering it (plastic surgery).

This is by no means an attack on beauty – it does prove handy in certain situations, such as getting away with a ticket by being coy and demure (the perks of a girl), or being the handsome guy everybody loves despite his arrogance and stupidity.

What exactly is beautiful? Who determines this? The concept of beauty is different for every country. Take for example:

China/Korea - Snow white skin, long silky hair, big eyes.

The market is flooded with whitening products, and why so? The tanned look is looked down upon as signs of someone doing outside labor, ergo poorness. Aside from whitening products (as if they weren’t white enough!), millions of dollars are spent on plastic surgery – the most popular procedure, the Double-Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty). Most Chinese women are born with small slits for eyes, and in order to  make them bigger, Blepharoplasty is necessary.

There had been issues with several of their pageant contestants who were accused of going under the knife for several procedures,

and a government official having this procedure because his drooping eyelids obstructed his vision (do you really believe that?)

American – slim & tan

On an opposite track, American women & men spend hours on tanning beds hoping to get that perfectly burned look. Don’t you wonder why most successful models in the US are Brazilians? Because of their naturally tanned/olive skin. On the other hand, cases of anorexia are prevalent because of the desire to look thin. But then again, Whitney – the plus sized model who won in America’s Next Top Model just might change all that.

India – Rubenesque or full figured women

Thin? This ain’t your country. In the land of Bollywood, to be full figured is beautiful and is a sign of prosperity (although their beauty pageant contestants beg to differ…).This belief can be witnessed in some ancient cultures, and can be seen in other art pieces as well (Peter Paul Rubens paintings). Ahh, the freedom to eat and still be beautiful.

Burma – long neck is in

In the east mountains of Burma live the Padaung Tribe where women wear brass rings around their necks to make their necks look longer or have that “giraffe” look. As young as 5-6 yrs old, girls are given their brass rings, coils, or neck rings, and every 2 years one is added until they get married. What exactly does this signify? Beauty & Social status. This is also practiced in some African tribes. Looks painful eh?

I think it’s safe to say that indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – wherever you come from can and will influence your concept and standard of what is and what is not beautiful.

From where you are right now, what is considered beautiful? Do share.

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