A Brief Study in Beauty Standards through History: Changing Influence and Timeless Beliefs

Beauty standards have shifted dramatically over time, historically migration, warfare and conquest were the prevailing catalysts; in the last century, culture, technology, and media. What we consider attractive today differs from past millennia. By understanding this evolution, we can reflect on their own perceptions and the forces behind them.

Historical Influences: Warfare, Migration and Slavery

During times of conflict societal norms change. Cultures adapt to a warfare mentality which often alters thier perception of beauty. Some are predictable as history often repeats itself; here are some commonalities:

• Heroism and Strength: In many cultures, the traits associated with warriors, such as strength and resilience, have been idealized. This can translate into beauty standards that favor physical prowess

  and a robust physique.

  
  

• Survival and Scarification: In some societies, scars or marks from battles are seen as symbols of survival and valor, contributing to a unique standard of beauty that values these physical manifestations of experience.

  
  

• Propaganda and Aesthetics: Governments have used propaganda to promote certain beauty ideals during wartime, often depicting individuals who embody nationalistic ideals, which can shift public perceptions of beauty.

Migration has been a significant factor in the evolution of beauty standards across cultures. The implications can be complex. Here are some examples:

• Cultural Exchange: Migrants bring their own beauty ideals, which can intermingle with those of the host culture, creating a hybrid perception of beauty that incorporates diverse features and practices. The slow and thoughtful integration of differing practices and physical presentations among converging groups has resulted in incredible glamour, innovation and inspiration.

  
  

• Isolation and Appropriation: When groups coallesse and intermingle there is an exchange that occurs but often to the detrement of both groups. One is has been deprived of thier own identity and one discards thier own. There can be a real feeling of theft and loss when one group appropriates another's decorative practice.

  
  

• Globalization: Increased migration contributes to the homogenization of standards of beauty, where certain traits become idealized across different cultures, often influenced by media representation. The universal standard or idea of what is attractive or attainable for all people is quite possibly one of the greatest downfalls and deceptions of our modern society. Simply put, we are encouraged to be individuals in our minds and thoughts but blend and follow the trends with our bodies and outward appearance.

Throughout most of history, conquest has led to slavery. In their pursuit of dominance, humans have consistently subjugated each other. This quest has influenced our perception of beauty in various ways:

• Racialized Beauty Standards: When the world was much larger due to peoples general inability to move form thier place of birth, the most closely held standard of beauty would have been refelcted by specific genetic features that more closely reflected one's own. Tribalism by definition valued or disdained certain characteristics of peoples from any given place. Our smaller gene pool would have dictated that which we found attractive.

  
  

• Commodification: Enslaved individuals were objectified, and their physical appearance was commodified, equally in men and women, impacting how beauty was perceived and valued in society. What was considered valuable was inherently then considered attractive.

  
  

• Resistance and Redefinition: Many enslaved peoples chose to redefine beauty standards on their own terms, usually emulating the characteristics of the society in which they now existed as it would have made their lives much easier, and sometimes celebrating features that were denigrated.

Modern Influences: Art, Culture and Technology

Art has long been a mirror reflecting society’s beauty ideals. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, artists captured the traits admired in their time. Here are some relevant examples:

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Sculptures emphasized symmetry, proportion, and muscular yet balanced bodies. The ideal was athletic and healthy, symbolizing strength and virtue.

  
  

• Renaissance Era: Paintings favored fuller figures with soft curves, symbolizing fertility and wealth. Artists like Botticelli celebrated natural beauty with delicate features and flowing hair.

  
  

• 17th Century Art: Beauty was often linked to moral and virtuous attributes, with symbols embedded in the artwork that conveyed deeper meanings related to beauty and character. Individuales were depicted with symetrical features and smooth skin.

  
  

• 19th Century Portraits: Romanticism brought more emotional and individualized depictions, but still often idealized smooth skin and clear eyes as signs of beauty.

  
  
  
  

Media is a direct reflection of culture but it also has a powerful influence on how society views beauty. "Life imitates Art imitates Life" as the saying goes. Cinema has been especially influential because of its wide reach beginning in the early 20th century.

• Golden Age of Hollywood: Actresses like Marilyn Monroe popularized the hourglass figure, combining curves with a youthful face. This ideal became a global standard.

  
  

• Photography’s Arrival: Early photos captured the real likeness of people but as photos began to be used for advertising they were often retouched to fit contemporary ideals. Photography and the mass distribution of printed media made beauty a new commodity.

  
  

• Modern Cinema: Diverse body types appear more often, but blockbuster films still often highlight lean, toned bodies as ideal. Actors will often spend months in physical training and adhere to strict diets before filming begins. Make-up and the artists that apply it also play a major role in our view of a chartacter. Different style choices are intentionally used to emphasize features or alter appearences completely.

  
  

Technology has undoubtedly played a major role in modern society. The advent of the internet, social media and AI has transformed how beauty is presented and perceived.

• Image Manipulation: Filters and editing apps allow users and media producers to alter their appearance instantly, often smoothing skin, changing body proportions and removing imperfections.

• Curated Identities: While style and fashion have always been followed by cultures, this is something different, it isn't just about what is being worn. People construct idealized versions of themselves, creating pressure to conform to certain looks and behaviors.

  
  

• Viral Trends: Beauty standards can spread quickly through challenges, hashtags, and influencer endorsements on social media platforms.

  
  

• AI-generated Images: This new tech has become widely accessible to almost anyone. These pictures and videos have as many negative implications as new possibilities. When one blends and alters features to produce idealized faces it becomes difficult to know what is real. It isn't difficult to make the argument that when our media is all being artificially generated, AI becomes the deciding force on what is the new standard of beauty.

  
  

The Link Between Beauty and Health Over Centuries

• Historical Associations: In many cultures, clear skin, bright eyes, and a balanced figure indicated good health and fertility. For example, plumpness in the Renaissance suggested wealth and access to food.

  
  

• Changing Views: In some periods, extreme thinness was seen as unhealthy but fashionable, while in others, it was a sign of discipline and control.

  
  

• Modern Science and Beauty: Today, research shows that certain features like facial symmetry and skin clarity can signal health. However, media often promotes unrealistic body images that do not reflect true health due to the ease of manipulating video and photography. Photographs in magazines used to 'airbrush' or paint away flaws. With digital photography and it's ability to be altered, one can really never be certain if what they are viewing is real.

• Health vs. Appearance: It is important to distinguish between looking healthy and being healthy. Some beauty trends are insane and will cause physical harm. Some will simply continue to propagate an unattainable standard and diminish our mental well-being.

Conclusion

Beauty will always be in the eye of the beholder. Each of us is genetically and fundamentally built to prefer the characteristics that most closely resemble our own. When we are bombarded by media that says otherwise, it flips our perceptions upside down, often to our detriment. It can and does create unrealistic standards of beauty, leading to feelings of inadequacy and envy. This constant comparison can distort our self-image and how we view others. The mental health implications have been clear, especially for young women. Self confidence now stems not just from an outward appearance but from digital approval and validation.

After in-depth evaluation and reflection beauty through the ages one must conclude that societal norms and standards of beauty have historically been reflective of health. And it would be deliberately obtuse not to mention wealth. Money has always afforded more access to fresh food and water, to live in better housing, ability to practice better hygiene and therefore be healthier and more beautiful overall. We use skincare products because we love them and because we are trying to achieve specific results. All the concerns about our appearance really stem the desire to look young and healthy and dare I say wealthy?

Good diet, excercise, mental engagement; these are the things that we should focus on. When we do the right things we usually get the right results. And while feeling good in your skin isn't an easy ask, it's a worthy goal. It is what our God, our Universe, Karma, natural order and your fellow man demands of us. Why? Because when we act badly, treat others less than or envy those who have more, we become ugly.

Beauty is not skin deep; it encompasses our actions, thoughts, and how we treat one another.

Embracing our individuality and recognizing the beauty in ourselves and others will always lead to a more positive perspective and I pray, with all the grace abundant, a more beautiful world.

It's not a competition. Don't Envy. Just Be.

Iconic beauties from three decades. Generations of pioneering women that all set standards of beauty; a golden age forever gilded, glamour is immortal...