We are always told that differences make us stronger, more unique. They are what makes an individual an individual. Despite this we are grouped by these differences. Interests and abilities are used in school but appearance is more commonly used in normal encounters. One of the most prominent perpetrators of widespread stereotypes is the media.
As the world shrunk with the discovery and exploration of new lands, the Europeans who conquered the new places established their dominance as ruling power. Their places at the top of the hierarchy spread new ideologies including the white beauty standards that were popular in their home continent.
The conquerors may have spread the new beliefs to other countries, but mass media has allowed beauty standards to circulate the globe with speed and effect never thought possible. The documentary "Dark Girls" explores "...the roots of classism, racism, and the lack of self esteem..." that is experienced by dark skinned women and men today. In one scene there was mention of women (with dark skin) in a developing country that wanted to have a skin whitening treatment to undergo the transformation that Michael Jackson experienced. In a third world country, women saw that a person of color, like them, who changed skin color as he was met with success. To them, this was their idol succumbing to white beauty standards.
As the world shrunk with the discovery and exploration of new lands, the Europeans who conquered the new places established their dominance as ruling power. Their places at the top of the hierarchy spread new ideologies including the white beauty standards that were popular in their home continent.
The conquerors may have spread the new beliefs to other countries, but mass media has allowed beauty standards to circulate the globe with speed and effect never thought possible. The documentary "Dark Girls" explores "...the roots of classism, racism, and the lack of self esteem..." that is experienced by dark skinned women and men today. In one scene there was mention of women (with dark skin) in a developing country that wanted to have a skin whitening treatment to undergo the transformation that Michael Jackson experienced. In a third world country, women saw that a person of color, like them, who changed skin color as he was met with success. To them, this was their idol succumbing to white beauty standards.
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Sources
"Dark Girls" Directed by D. Channisin Berry, Bill Duke
It was interesting how you evaluated the history behind white beauty standards. I also liked your reference to the documentary-- I watched it on netflix a few months ago!
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