Examining Beauty One Culture at a Time A multimedia presentation by Christopher Behrens, Maggie Donnelly, and Ryne Tate

Beauty “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Beauty, a subjective view, can be found by members of one culture in the length of hair, or by another culture in the tone of skin. Beauty itself is not a definition but a perspective. Those who seek beauty will discover it to be a definition all their own. Three cultures were closely examined, and their definitions were all different.

African American Culture in the Pre-Civil Rights Era

Conditions In a time of unequal rights and an obvious segregation the African Americans of the United States altered the cultural perception of beauty from that of their heritage toward a more submissive “look”. Although it pertained to beauty, the approval and respect seeking behavior of African Americans was not uncommon. Most African Americans sought acceptance in their communities.

A New Definition of Beauty Straighter Hair Lighter Skin Thinner Lips Smaller Noses European Aesthetic Ideals

Reasons African Americans were concerned with beauty and their presentation because it was disrespectful in white culture for them not to make an effort. For the sake of job mobility and acceptance in the dominating white culture of the time, African Americans sought out a new version of ideals in beauty. Those African Americans who would mimic the white view of beauty would get better jobs and reach higher up the social ladder. In seeking out acceptance from the “superior” culture many African Americans began to display self-hatred. Only two types of characters were represented by African Americans on television - 1. A domestic servant A sassy source of comedic relief.

Romanian Culture

Conditions In Romanian culture there is an emphasis on appearance and beauty in a social perspective. Looking beautiful symbolizes self-respect and most everyone in the society is aware of this. Although, its affect on any given group is different. Beauty is more important for women than men, men already have respect regardless of appearance. Older women seek out hair dressing, better hygiene, and cosmetics while younger women emphasize these as well as styled clothing, exercise and being thin.

Definition of Beauty Cosmetic Treatment Make-up Exercise (aerobics) Hygiene Clean Nails Clean Hair Styled Dresses

Reasons In Romanian culture beauty is important because it aids in gaining recognition. Beauty is important because it pleases the partner. Beauty serves personal well-being, social well being, and companionship. Beauty stimulates social mobility. An emphasis is present on the importance of marriage and family, two things that are aided by being attractive.

Today’s Youth and their view of beauty.

What does the perfect man or woman look like?

How does the perfect man or woman dress and present themselves?

Definition of Beauty Facial Features Proportional Anatomy Casual Clothing Hygiene Reserved Appearance Shorter Heights Not over-weight

Reaction It was apparent in interviewing the student body that no one person’s definition of beauty was completely the same as another. The surprising similarity between most all of the students who were asked, was that a casual yet classy representation of the self was emphasized. Formal, flashy, and form fitting clothing was not nearly as preferred as a “down to Earth” appearance.

Reasons The student body seeks out partners with attractive characteristics that in turn the partner will not flaunt in public to attract others. Most all individuals had different answers because although today’s society looks at a lot of sources that show beauty, these sources are so diverse in displaying what is beautiful by today’s standards that the viewer (the individual) may select an eclectic mixture of their own definition of beauty.

Comparisons The African American and Romanian cultures put a large emphasis on social and job mobility, they also seek acceptance and are seeking a near universal (in their culture) definition of beauty. All three cultures view outward appearance and self- representation as key when it comes to finding a mate. To look beautiful is to display self-respect. The current American youth culture differs in its plethora of aesthetic ideals, it completely lacks a universal set of guidelines for what is beautiful.

Conclusions Despite culture, time, and location, Beauty is important to society. Social well-being, even simply finding a significant other, is dependent on an outward showing of beauty. “Whatever their race, class or ethnicity, most women… learn to dislike their appearance and place a high premium on the cultural ideals of beauty. Underlying this concern is a strong cultural imperative for women to measure their value with physical attractiveness.” The above quote was found on an online text book, we believe it summarizes a self-fulfilling prophecy among women and even men of today’s society. It sets up a perpetual cycle of self-doubt, self-change, and a lack of self- worth that in turn gives a false sense of self-respect.

Works Cited Ain’t I a Beauty Queen? Black Women, Beauty, and the Politics of Race by Maxine Leeds Craig, Oxford University Press, New York, Personal Interviews conducted by ourselves + Kelsey Cole. Images Banya jpg Special Thanks to Kelsey Cole for aiding in the interview process.