Beauty and the Beast

3/9/2020

Beauty is defined as “a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or for, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight” or “a beautiful woman”.

Beauty has always been a word geared towards women and society. But, it truly can be appreciated in any form at all. It is important that we recognize the beauty in our own life such as within different cultures, behaviors, societies, Etc. Society constantly suggests as humans we have to be beautiful to be accepted as who we are. For example, some people may think of beauty as physical features. Some people will go to extreme extents to feel beautiful and get cosmetic surgery to enhance their physical features. We see the people we define as beautiful and tend to gravitate towards who they are, wishing we could be more like them. But some romanticize the beauty of life and nature. They may think of beauty as a gorgeous sunset at the end of the day, or seeing the beautiful blue oceans. Or even just little things, like seeing someone you really connect with after a long time or making someone else smile.

Not everyone thinks of beauty in the same ways, but most everyone can agree that they have had some sort of beautiful moment or experience within their lifetime. In a society full of harsh judgmental people, the ideal of inner-beauty is being tarnished by the idea that it is centered around physical features entirely.

My questions for you are: What is beauty? What is inner-beauty What are your thoughts on cosmetic surgeries (plastic surgery)? Do you think society emphasizes the idea of beauty? What do you find beauty in?

35 Comments

Erykah Foss

3/11/2020 09:25:55 am

Beauty is what we humans see as attractive, either a physical thing or an idea. For example, I find the mountains surrounding Salmon to be beautiful, and I think the thought of spreading kindness is beautiful. Beauty gives us pleasure, which is why it is different for everyone. Inner beauty is the goodness in someone’s heart. When someone selflessly does good deeds just because it is the right thing to do, they are beautiful on the inside. Recently, the definition of beauty has been changing. Many big-name companies are starting to become more inclusive in their advertisements, showing the beauty in physical differences, such as body type and race. This influences their audience to think that beauty can be found in any person.

Personally, plastic surgery does not appeal to me. However, I do not care if others make the choice to change their appearance. It is important to find a certified, experienced doctor because botched surgeries can lead to a number of complications. These include hematoma, a solid swelling of blood clots; seroma, pain caused by sterile body fluid that collects just under the skin; blood loss; infection; deep vein thrombosis, blood clots form in deep veins; and pulmonary embolism, blood clots in deep veins get into the lungs (Anna Schaefer, “10 of the Most Common Plastic Surgery Complications, written on healthline.com). Of course, these can be mostly avoided: “If you don’t want to become a bad plastic surgery statistic, patient education is key. You can greatly minimize your risk by doing your homework and taking responsibility for your own care” (Natalie Kita, “Bad Plastic Surgery Complications and Realities” on verywellhealth.com).

Andy Gebhardt

3/15/2020 01:34:30 pm

I like your view on the issues of plastic surgery. I think it is often regarded as an easy, quick fix. You show that there are also many issues and some of them are very dangerous. What do you think is the main reason people get plastic surgery?

Madicyn

3/15/2020 02:07:45 pm

I find the small changes in advertising, and the encouraging of self-love and acceptance very good. I think the media is doing some good for our society and hopefully helping others be more confident with who and what they are.

Alyssa Farnworth

3/15/2020 06:09:23 pm

I liked what you said about good deeds. You also mentioned that beauty standards are changing, why do you think it has taken so long for the standards to change? Are beauty standards actually changing? Just curious because I have seen a lot of plus size influencers discuss their experiences with bullying.

Andy Gebhardt

3/15/2020 01:32:49 pm

Beauty is often described as having special physical features that are different and above another person. However, I believe beauty is all based on perspective. Many times we think a person is beautiful but someone else does not. This can also apply to areas other than people. Nature is one of these other areas and yet there are still differences in how people view nature and how cool they think it is. Personally, I love nature and see the beauty in a lot of it but there are many people who do not.
As far as inner beauty and cosmetic surgery go, that is based upon a person’s view of themselves. Most of it comes down to confidence with your own body and believing in yourself. The way you treat yourself shows how much you value yourselves and your skills and if you love yourself there is no need for modifications. Oftentimes, society puts these qualities of confidence and loving yourself in the wrong place because “everybody should look perfect.” That is not true though because no one has the same skills, ideas, parents, backgrounds, or beliefs that make them who they are.

Madicyn

3/15/2020 02:12:33 pm

I find nature to be extremely beautiful as well. The huge amount of variety, how different places are a separate kind of beautiful is astounding to me. The oceans are beautiful in a different way than the mountains, and I think the deserts even have their own type of beauty as well.

Kately Cockrell

3/15/2020 03:45:08 pm

Earth’s landscape is truly beautiful, sometimes in different ways. A small and delicate stream can be pleasant to look at, and Mt. Everest, with how massive it is, can inspire and overwhelming sense of awe. Do you think beauty can sometimes be intimidating?

Brax Kauffman

3/15/2020 04:58:58 pm

Nature can be one of the more beautiful things in our lives. There is so much of it and no matter who you are you can usually find something that amazes you.

Ezra

3/15/2020 05:08:25 pm

Seeing beauty from different perspectives is a very interesting point and I've never thought of it that way.

Madicyn

3/15/2020 02:05:24 pm

Beauty can be defined in billions and billions of different ways. Each and every person sees beauty in their own personal opinions and views. I find beauty in people, nature, science, and had a moment of clarity this weekend finding beauty. Now I know it sounds morbid, but this weekend I was at a funeral for my great uncle. During the service, I leaned to my mom and told her that life was beautiful. People were sharing stories, crying, hugging, and all were present in this moment, celebrating someone's life. They had gathered and felt the love for a singular individual they all knew personally. The gathering made me ponder life, and to think of how beautiful life really is, and can be.

Inner beauty, this is something we can all find in ourselves, and in other people. It is on a more personal level, and I like to believe everyone has it in them, even the toughest, and more heartless, seeming people. It is hard to define, like many things, just because it is different in everyone.

I think plastic surgery is okay, if the person really feels the need for it in order to love themselves. I find it kind of sad, that people tend to want and spend tons of money on changing their physical features in order to fit in with society's unreal beauty standards. Then, some people can go super extreme with it, which seems unnecessary and intense to me.

Andy Gebhardt

3/15/2020 02:37:06 pm

That experience you had is neat. I also agree with your view on plastic surgery. It is sad that some people go to such extreme lengths but they have to do what is right for them. Do you think plastic surgery really changes how other people view them?

Kately Cockrell

3/15/2020 03:41:44 pm

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I agree that inner beauty is on a personal level. Do you think that someone’s inner beauty can change another person for the better?

Brax Kauffman

3/15/2020 04:55:35 pm

Would you think the cosmetic surgery would be less sad if people were doing it simply because they want a change of appearance instead of trying to meat beauty standards.

Faith

3/15/2020 05:06:46 pm

I like how you saw people gathering together for your family member’s death as something beautiful rather than solemn. Death is something people generally can’t find the beauty in, even though the idea of that sounds somewhat disturbing.

Kately Cockrell

3/15/2020 03:39:04 pm

We perceive people through their looks all the time, through their behavior and body language. Beauty is an attribute that has different definition depending on the person you ask. Beauty on the outside is the first thing everyone sees, and is quite literally surface level. Inner beauty has to be experienced over a length of time spent with another person. Plastic surgery is an option that people can choose to feel more comfortable, it doesn’t appeal to me however. The society we live in emphasizes physical beauty, and revels in it. Though lately they’ve shown that beauty comes in different forms. True beauty to me, is how someone treats the people around them, the sacrifices they make, and how they show their appreciation for kindness.

Erykah

3/15/2020 04:13:49 pm

I completely agree that true beauty is based on one's character. Plastic surgery is neat and has the ability to make people feel confident. I think confidence is important to having a happier life.

Ezra

3/15/2020 05:10:44 pm

I agree with your look on plastic surgery I do not think it is necessary to be beautiful, and people go over board.

Tori Weir

3/15/2020 06:26:17 pm

I like your definition of inner beauty because I had not thought of it. It is interesting how when we spend time with other people we find more things we like and find beautiful.

Brax Kauffman

3/15/2020 04:51:59 pm

Beauty can be defined in many different and I personally do not have an exact definition. As far as cosmetic surgery goes, I believe that it can be a beneficial thing depending on the person who is looking at getting it. For some, I could see how it would be seen as a waste of money and that altering your appearance goes against many of their morals and beliefs. However others can actually see the positives to it such as a boost of self esteem or maybe just wanted to alter their physical appearance. As far as actual beauty goes, it can be seen as something that is pleasing to look at. These can be acts of kindness or any kind of scenery such as something in nature or even something man made.

Faith

3/15/2020 05:08:03 pm

You mentioned a few examples at the end of your post of what some may find beauty in, but what is one thing you could find beauty in?

Alyssa Farnworth

3/15/2020 06:14:16 pm

I agree with your statements regarding plastic surgery. Do you think there is such a thing as taking plastic surgery too far?

Ezra

3/15/2020 05:05:21 pm

People can be beautiful, but beauty is not a trait that describes another persons physical appearance. It can be used in so many other places and in different situations. The world we live in is beautiful and everything arounds us. People can be beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside. I believe in inner beauty because everyone is beautiful in their own way. I don't like the idea of plastic surgery or covering up with makeup. It is just setting up a wall around insecurities, and there is no point. Society forces the image of skinny and really thin models but it's not realistic. I like people for who they are rather than their outer image.

Erykah

3/15/2020 05:43:52 pm

I also like people who have nice personalities. I agree that the unrealistic ideals many people have spreads self-doubt and self-hatred, and it is bad for society. Do you think there is a way to get rid of these unrealistic ideals?

Paige

3/15/2020 06:07:35 pm

I also find the world we live in to be beautiful. I like your views on beauty and how we all have beauty in our own way.

Aiden

3/15/2020 08:12:18 pm

I agree with the surgeries. Do you know anyone who has had such altercations?

Alyssa Farnworth

3/15/2020 06:02:01 pm

Personally, I do not have a set definition of what beauty is, but I can find it in most everything and everyone. I believe every person has a quality that makes them beautiful personality, intelligence, skill, whatever else. Of course there is beauty in more than just humans. I find beauty in nature, humans, animals, acts of kindness, volunteering etc.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery I can see a lot of value in it. It helps people to build confidence and be confident in their own body. Personally, I don't see any problems with it as long as everybody is safe about it and makes sure proper care is taken.

Paige

3/15/2020 06:05:14 pm

I like how you noted personality and intelligence. These are both inner qualities that make a person beautiful but are not as focused on in society.

Tori Weir

3/15/2020 06:23:02 pm

I liked that you mentioned how cosmetic surgery is there to help build up confidence in the person. I feel like plastic surgery is more accepted than what it used to be. Do you think society had an influence on people wanting cosmetic surgery?

Sabrina

3/15/2020 08:21:37 pm

I think that there is a certain change where you start to recognize beauty in everyone that comes with maturity. I'm not sure I've reached that point yet.

Paige Hilton

3/15/2020 06:03:35 pm

I recognize beauty not only in physical appearance but in nature. I love the way trees and mountains look and I consider them beautiful. I also see beauty on the inside. I think loving and caring individuals are beautiful, I also believe writing can be beautiful. I do not have an exact definition of beauty but I believe it to be something that we find satisfying and appealing.
I am indifferent on plastic surgery. I understand why people get plastic surgery but I do not necessarily agree with it. I find it sad that people want to change their appearance and I wish that society would focus on the beauty within personality rather than appearance.

Aiden

3/15/2020 08:09:51 pm

I enjoy the beauty of the Earth as well. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Tori Weir

3/15/2020 06:19:50 pm

Beauty varies from person to person because everyone has their preference when they see ideas, people, and places. For example, I find beauty in simple things like when it is snowing or the clouds in the sky. As for inner beauty, I believe it is similar to how we define beauty, except it is seen inside the person. People can find beauty in others and most times it is from their personalities and their actions. It depends on person to person what they see is beautiful.
Cosmetic surgery, in my opinion, is something that not necessary to have to look beautiful because what really matters is their personality and their actions. It is an option for those who do believe that they need it to become more beautiful in their eyes. This does seem to be the cause of society’s influence because of how social media, movies, and t.v. shows portray the looks of beauty. However, this is slowly changing with showing more of a range of everybody’s beauty.

Sabrina

3/15/2020 08:19:18 pm

I didn't even think of comparing beauty to flowers and such. It makes me wonder if we would ever have a flower positivity movement and sell flowers that didn't look "pretty."

Aiden

3/15/2020 08:08:24 pm

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone sees beauty differently. Everyone has different taste in people, art. and the way we see the world. I think cosmetic surgery is unnatural and unattractive. There is also health risks and other problems that affect people undergoing such surgeries. I think it isn’t worth it and if the surgery is successful the person becomes more unattractive.

The world definitely emphasizes physical beauty. People enhance their bodies through editing on technology to make money or gain followers. I find beauty in small things. To me the game of basketball can be a beautiful and poetic thing to watch. It could be a cool night or a nice sunrise. Beauty is everywhere.

Sabrina

3/15/2020 08:18:18 pm

Being beautiful is such a broad idea. There is the standard definition, having an attractive face and body, and then there is the perhaps more important definition, a person that makes others happy and has a beautiful soul. There is no getting around the fact that some people will be characterized as more beautiful than others based on their physical qualities. Once you get to know someone, this doesn't matter as much. I think it's safe to say that beauty does matter in this world, at least for first impressions, but it doesn't define your worth unless you let it. In the end, your personality will make people either love or hate you.
While I would never get plastic surgery, I don't blame those that choose to if they really aren't happy with the way they look. I think it's sad that they feel like they have to and I wish that they could learn to accept themselves, but I can completely understand the decision. Some are obsessed with being perfect. Those that know they are beautiful but want to be even more superior bother me.
There will not be a change as far as what the world thinks is beautiful any time soon. It is built into our culture. There have been body positivity movements, but there is a difference between what you see physically and the happiness you see emanating from someone who accepts themselves. That is the difference between inner and outer beauty.

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