This is so effed up.
Tulips, originally uploaded by Seashu.
You know what I always wondered? Why does American society treasure beautiful people over smart people? And I don't know about other countries, but I know this is in America, definitely.
In science class, we have to write a science paper throughout the whole year based on a topic we chose. For example it could be The Effect of music on memory and other things. Well, my science project is The Effect of Gender on the Perception of photoshopped/nonphotoshopped images. Basically, comparing before and after pictures of people used in photoshop.
Anyway, I never fully knew about this problem until my project. I acknowledged the fact that it existed, but I never fully realized what it was. Then, when I did learn about it, I got pissed.
So many girls are suffering from anorexia or bulimia because they're trying to be pretty. Honey, you looked great before your bones were sticking up all over the place.
Now, why is it that we treasure beauty over brains? Why is it that we admire those who look pretty, yet don't give a second glance to someone who could actually contribute something to the world? Finally, why is it that we actually fall in love and wish to be like these false images?
I'm pretty sure you know this, but if you don't, the photos in magazines are photoshopped. And many times, it's not actually possible to have that type of body. They made someone too thin and many people don't realize it's actually not possible, so they try to be like that. Even if they do know, they still try to be like that. THAT, I don't get.
Now, this doesn't apply to everyone, but I have noticed the girls are more targeted than the guys. I read that this is because people couldn't handle women getting more power, so they tried to put them back where they "belonged."
I've always felt a bit left out on this because nearly everyone I know is trying to become skinnier, complaining that they're too fat, and etc. They're pointing out every flaw. I feel kind of left out because I believe I'm pretty (not like I'm the hottest thing on Earth, because I'd be WAYYY over my head) and I don't like to complain that much. I'm content, yet no one else is and that makes me sad. :( It's like they're programmed to be this way and they won't let their true beauty shine.
Now, every time someone complains they are too fat when they perfectly fine, I blame them for believing that, but I mainly blame the media. :)