Reflexion

I can’t believe how fast these eight weeks have pass by. I still remember our teacher telling us that effectively the second part of the semester leaves you with this sensation. I have the pleasure of being part of the class of Professor Beverly Aronowitz for two consecutive semesters and the experience was simple wonderful. I remember walking into her class last semester but mostly I remember how scare I was for taking a writing class. I was simple terrified for coming back to school after 20 years.

But there was one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever met: making everything so smooth and easy not only for me but for the entire class. Suddenly, I found myself enjoying the writing process. The reason why I think is very important to mention this is because she makes me gain confidence while learning to write. This is not an easy task when your original language isn’t English. Slowly but firmly she was constantly encouraging my learning while building the foundation of my future as a college student. I make her directly responsible for any success that I accomplish at writing for my other classes.

This semester was not different but it was especially tough for me. A series of events on my personal life were taking me to my edge. I was seriously thinking on dropping the semester. But not only the making of the blog -- which I really enjoy – but reading the work of my classmates makes me realize that we all have problems that we have to overcome. This is life, it is not easy and we will fall as many times to gain experience but it is up to us to keep ourselves stronger.

Suddenly I started to think on my life in Peru and the chaos that my family and I have to survived and finally overcome. This single thought makes me come back up on my feet and while reading on my classmates experiences on life I promised myself to fight even harder.

This is how powerful writing is. For the lector, a specific piece of work can change his/her life. I strongly believed that the objective of this course is being largely accomplished.  I have learned that the development of a blog can make the process of writing -- and the subject – more intense, powerful and personal. Writing about one specific subject but at the same time splitting it in a few subthemes makes us take the research even further and as a result we became more informed. This method is definitely different to the traditional research project but I believe that it is extremely more effective when it comes to acquiring understanding.

Other techniques such adding images to our research to visually reinforce our thoughts were definitely something amazing. I have learned that sometimes an image can said more than thousand words. As a technology increases the possibilities of communication, we also learned that texting is also another type of literacy because involves our skills to communicate with each other. The only thing that is left for me to say is that communication is a very powerful thing. It is what keeps humanity together.

 The semester is one more time over, but the knowledge that we have acquired and the connections that we have made will last for the rest of our lives. I am sincerely thankful with all of you.

Citation 

Image (n.d.) Retrieved May 10, 2011 from http://123rf.com .

To be or not to be ………. Perfect?

I believe that sometimes is very difficult to be an objective person and mostly when the area under discussion makes no sense in our minds. For me such is the case of cosmetic surgery. However, I do not criticize the labor of plastic surgeons but I am definitely against unnecessary procedures. Daily, many women put themselves under this painful experience on their chase for physical perfection.

I am constantly questioning myself about who is the mind behind such ideas of perfection and beauty. When a plastic surgeon talks about symmetry, proportion, balance, and such and such in order to described someone’ physical features; I’m thinking in my Algebra class rather than another topic. Perhaps, no long ago I was watching a TV show about plastic surgery and there was this  beautiful young lady – minutes later I would learned that I was apparently wrong -- walking into the surgeon’ office to get some “work done.” I thought that the doctor was being “Punk.” However, after the doctor’s professional examination the diagnostic was that effectively she wasn’t symmetrical and suddenly a list of things to be “fix” appeared from nowhere. I still can’t process this madness.   

Image 1

Plastic surgeons considered “symmetry” as perfection

What is more disturbing is to realize how cosmetic surgery is becoming so popular among teenagers. In fact, it is no rare to see women under age 18 getting cosmetic surgery. Suddenly, a “cool” Sweet 16 present could be asking mommy and daddy to get breast implants (Friedman, 2005). There are so many reasons why cosmetic surgery for teens is a bad idea, but what is more important to consider is that at that age they still developing not only physically but also emotionally (Friedman, 2005). We need to understand that is normal for teenagers to be enormously concerned about their appearance and this in consequence makes them more vulnerable to the opinion of their peers (Friedman, 2005). But, instead of reinforcing these anxieties it would be more reasonable to endow our young women with the support and information so they can learn to appreciate themselves and create strong personal values (Friedman, 2005).  “Why not give a young woman a few years to decide if she actually is happy the way she is, rather than sending the message to her and every other teenager that if you don’t have a big bust or a perfect nose, then you are not built right?” (Friedman, 2005).

Perhaps, some organizations argue that any surgeon who does such unethical procedures on woman under 18 should be penalized and ought to lose their license (Friedman, 2005).

             Moreover, sanctions should also be applied to those called “doctors” who don’t even dissuade their clients from getting risky procedures when they are not even needed (Friedman, 2005). How many cases are exposed worldwide about plastic surgery going wrong? Other potential problems related with these procedures are also infections, blood clots, heart attacks, reactions to anesthesia (some people don’t even wake up after a being sedated for long hours), hematoma or pulmonary embolism. Many reactions happened instantaneously or in some cases days after surgery (Friedman, 2005). Only in America “Complete national statistics on deaths resulting from plastic surgery are unavailable because most procedures take place either in a doctor’s office or in a freestanding clinic, and only about a dozen states require doctors operating in private offices to report adverse outcomes” (Friedman, 2005).  

Image 2

Heidi Montag almost died after putting herself through ten surgeries in a period of 10 hours

                I also mentioned before in this blog how some women can easily become obsessed with plastic surgery and the devastating consequences that some cases have had. The following images, in my opinion, involved more than just a search for beauty because they have turned themselves into a twisted image of their own selves.

Image 3

Joselyn Wildenstein has spent about $ 4 million on plastic surgery

Image 4

This is the case of a beautiful woman who injected herself with cooking oil when she was unable to afford more cosmetic surgery

             Watching at these pictures I can’t stop wondering why a plastic surgery was necessary in the first place and why someone could even think on attempting a “do it yourself” procedure.  I also mention before in this blog about a condition that my little niece has. In her case a plastic surgery is highly recommended because of the impact that the growing bone on her face is doing to her health. As time passes, essential tasks like eating and breathing are being more difficult for her to achieve. The advances in technology and science are indeed amazing and I applauded the dedication of surgeons who are able to make a difference in someone’s life.

            The possibilities that surgery has accounted to improve the life of many people with physical afflictions is a truly miracle and I recognized it. Still, I believe that this practice –when unnecessary—must be regulated and closely follow by our authorities y order to prevent physical damage and pointless deaths.

Citation

Friedman, J. (2005, April 15). Cosmetic surgery. The CQ Researcher. Retrieved March 15, 2011 from CQ Researcher Database.

Image 1 (n.d.) Retrieved April 30, 2011 from http://dailymail.co.uk.

Image 2 (n.d.) Obsessed with being perfect. Retrieved April 28, 2011 from http://wikiality.wikie.com.

Image 3 (n.d.) No more plastic surgeries you’re cut off. Retrieved May 1, 2011 from http://theberry.com.

Image 4 (n.d.) Retrieved May 4, 2011 from http://plastic-surgery-cost.com.

How Images Communicate with us

I used this image in the blog I developed because it shows the devastating reality of anorexia. The image above is an example of how this eating disorder could physically and mentally destroy a person; indeed this picture talks for itself. This image is very powerful and it is intended to create awareness and also to establish a social message in people of all ages since there is not discrimination of age, sex, or social status to suffer from this illness.

Pathos describes how an image can address our emotions. Watching at this portrait many of us could feel shock and overwhelm with emotions.  It is almost impossible not to feel pain and maybe many of us struggle with the idea that she sees herself as the materialization of beauty. For many of us it is hard to believe that in order to achieve this image this girl has taken herself this far. That is why it is very important to understand that anorexia is a physical and a mental illness as well. We can clearly see that she looks almost lost, fragile and hopeless. I believe that this picture can transmit many different emotions to the viewers.

Logos describes how an image would look to the audience intellect and reasoning and I think this picture is making a clear statement and calling for our attention. Perhaps, this image might hurt the sensibility of some people it is more than evident that and action is needed if we want to stop the growing number of women suffering for eating disorders.

Ethos, describes how an image address our sense of trust and beliefs and this portrait is definitely the living probe that anorexia is a real illness and not just a matter of fashion. By looking at this picture we are definitely convinced that anorexia is extremely dangerous and deadly.

Mythos describes how an image appeals to our values as person in a community.  This picture is clearly calling to our sensibility and values as human beings to approach this problem starting at the heart of our homes and to extend to our community in order to drive consciousness in our society to become knowledgeable and take action to help those who suffered from this terrible condition.  

Citation

Image (n.d.) Retrieved April 5, 2011 from http://www.natural-holistic.healthsunion.com .

           This cartoon relates well with the section in my blog that describes obesity as one of the most common eating disorders in western culture. Perhaps, this cartoon displays with humoristic sarcasm how obesity is becoming the affliction of many Americans and how this numbers keep its increment. The cartoonist used humor to catch the audience attention and to direct this attention to visualize a real problem that is screaming for an immediate plan of action by the community and our authorities. I believed this sketch is intended to target different audiences but is principally directed to those who are victims of our culture of super sized meals and fast food restaurants in every corner.

This particular cartoon speaks to me in many different ways. The man in the drawing looks clearly unhappy, stressed, exhaustive, disgusted and even sick. It almost seems like he is carrying the weight of the whole world on his body as he weighted himself in the scale –even when he can’t really see the numbers in the scale-- his facial expression and body language can easily transmit all of these emotions to the audience (Pathos).

The image clearly shows a referential statistic (he is holding a sheet of paper on his left hand) of the growing number of obese people in America. Unfortunately this is the shocking and ugly truth of our actual society; and the cartoonist make an excellent job graphically displaying this reality with humor and sarcasm (Logos). This cartoon is also targeting the attention of the general community – specially the “consumers” -- as America is becoming one of the countries with the highest numbers of obese population in the world. I considered the title “Oh Say Can You See … your feet?” hilarious, but sad at the same time because this is a social epidemic that could be easily prevented specially in our children since the parents are the ones responsible to manage their nutrition and good health (Mythos).

By looking at this cartoon it is not hard to believe that certainly this statistics are true and we can corroborate this numbers just by looking over our circle of family and friends, for sure three out of ten of them are afflicted with a weight related problem (Ethos).

I chose this cartoon because I think that it could create awareness in the audience and maybe help us to realize that this is a problem that we can address by making responsible choices when it comes to what we eat. Not always what it tastes good is the best pick for our health. I strongly believed that an image can say more than thousand words.

Citation

Editorial Cartoon (n.d.) Oh say can you see? Factson File new Services. Retrieved April 28, 2011 from http://www.2facts.comezproxy.vccs.edu .

Is Big Always Better?

My last blog exposes how the attention to body stereotypes and the use of diets and other methods of weight loss could expose women to different eating disorders. Some studies have also probed that obesity and eating disorders are closely related to body dissatisfaction, unhealthy dieting practices, and other weight related problems. In western culture obesity is rapidly becoming a serious health problem.

It is very well known that we live in a country of consumers; in fact people enjoy getting more for their money and everywhere we go there are always offers, signs, and promotions of how to “get more for your bucks.”  I think it is all about retail and money; health is obviously a secondary issue. Therefore, it is necessary to seduce people with a diet base on humongous portions of food. People loves special offers like “buy one and get three,” and the always favorite 24 hours all you can eat buffets.” People are always excited to know that they can buy large with little money or in other words buying big for less.

Our society preaches on the beauty of thinness and condemns fatness; still unhealthy and high calorie foods are openly and broadly advertise everywhere. There are also other factors that play a big part on this out of control phenomena. Television and computers are a great way for entertainment but is making people stay in home more often and become seriously inactive. Walking is a choice that we don’t take in consideration anymore (that’s why we have a car right?) even if there is not a great distance to reach. I believe our youth could be more affected for the lack of activity since they are still growing and developing.

  

Image 1

Feeding cholesterol to each other

I strongly believed that the problem of obesity in our children should be a national concern because now more than ever we see kids between ages of four and twelve developing extreme obesity. Statistics indicated that overweight children who reach twelve years in age are more likely to be obese for the rest of their lives. So, what we are really feeding our kids with? Should the government and the school system make a strong compromise to keep a healthy diet choice for children? Certainly, if we keep this path our life expectancy would be dramatically reduced.

Image 2

Parents should be more aware of the kind of diet they provided for their children

Obesity means to have an abnormal high proportion of body fat (Prah, 2006) and it offers us a great risk to become seriously ill. Obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, cancer, arthritis, and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression (Prah, 2006).

Image 3

Obesity can make a person become seriously ill

            Even when some people claim being happy living a large lifestyle I feel very skeptic about their statements. As I mention before I considered myself an advocated of women and I considered beauty in all its extension, not just physically but also deeper inside; where our real value and assets really are. Still, extremes are never good. Keeping our bodies healthy is very important and maintaining a healthy weight is definitely essential. 

Image 4

Morbid obesity is an extreme form of obesity itself

            Sixty years ago curvy women were the ideal of beauty. By then the idea of flesh attached to bones was unattractive and undesirable (Amiel, 2010). But our times definitely have change and there is not room for a full figure woman. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) “takes on anti-fat discrimination cases” in an effort to take fatness into acceptance and a better approach (Amiel, 2010). Members were provided with encouragement and confidence to show themselves instead of hiding or isolating away from society (Amiel, 2010).

Image 5

Cover shoot of V Magazine “Curves Ahead”

            The V Magazine is another example of how women beauty is celebrated. Their slogan reads “Big is Beautiful.” Here the models are beautiful full size women (flesh stick to bones are prohibited). Still, their models maintained a routine that keeps them tone and healthy.

            Awareness is the key for women health. Our bodies are just the shell that keeps all the beautiful assets we have inside, but we shouldn’t just let ourselves go. It is said that “we are what we eat,” and I believed that this is a strong true statement. Life is the most wonderful gift and we must appreciate it as it is.

Citation

 

Amiel, B. (2010, March 22). Confident truly huge beauties. Maclean’s. Retrieved March 15, 2011 from Gale Opposing Viewpoints Database.

Prah, P. (2006, February 10). Eating disorders. CQ Researcher. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from CQ Researcher Database.

Image 1 (n.d.) Two thirds yuck!. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.france.blog.com.blogspot.com.

Image 2 (n.d.) Obesity in America. The latest anti-obesity ads in New York are designed. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.executivehm.com.

Image 3 (n.d.) An important article about obesity in America. Retrieved April15, 2011 from http://blogs.monografias.com.

Image 4 (n.d.) Obesity in America. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.kategale.wordpress.com.

Image 5 (n.d.) Big is beautiful at V Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2011 from http://www.examine.com.

How Thin is too Thin?

When Lucia was about seventeen years old, she started to gain weight. It wasn’t an extreme weight gain but she was obsessed with the way she looks. By then, she would enroll herself in all kind of sports and activities in order to burn all the calories and energies that she might have on hand. On top of these, she tried every single and possible diet available on the internet, magazine or TV program and even those recommended by her “friends.” I saw her doing the weirdest and most unimaginable diets in the world and obviously she did also bring into play starvation, purging, and exercising excessively (she runs for hours and didn’t stop until she was dehydrated enough to lose weight).

Eventually, Lucia experimented all of the different types and stages of eating disorders. Chasing after the image of the perfect thin, beautiful woman she desperately wanted to be (the one that is accepted and admire by many); she becomes the victim of her own self. It didn’t take long time, as everybody could imagine, for a family intervention to take place. It was absolutely necessary. Fortunately, she was smart enough to discourage herself from this destructive behavior. Although, in the past few years her personality has change a lot and I am always suspicious and scare about her old habits not being totally gone. I noticed that she has periods of dramatic gain and loss of weight.

But, why being overweight is so unacceptable in our society? I think that the concept of thin has been expanded to a twisted new level. You just need to check sites over the internet, portraits in magazines; I mean everywhere. The general message is, “Thin is beautiful” and the portraits just show pictures of women that are extremely thin (mostly if they are magazine’ models) and certainly our Hollywood celebrities are not the exception because many of them look anorexic.

Image 1

Media is being blame for the obsession with appearances and its relation with eating disorders.

Some people think that an eating disorder isn’t a real illness and they may also think that isn’t such a big deal, but the truth is totally different. In our days this is becoming a growing health issue that has already taken many lives (Prah, 2006). Victims of eating disorders have an obsession with food and they fear of getting fat. While, anorexics refuse to eat to the point of seeing themselves as fat even when they are extremely thin; bulimics used to eat compulsively and then induce the vomit, exercise excessively or use large amounts of laxatives, diuretics or enemas in order to lose the weight gain. Binge eaters eat compulsively but they don’t purge their food (Prah, 2006). Statistics also shown that while millions of Americans suffering with eating disorders are starving themselves, the United States is also facing an obesity epidemic (Prah, 2006).

In 1980 the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association finally recognized anorexia and bulimia as mental disorders. Still, obesity and binge are not recognized as eating disorders just yet (Prah, 2006).

“Eating disorders are considered serious mental illnesses” (Prah, 2006). In fact, anorexia has the highest rate of mortality in relation to any other mental illness and is often cause by suicide (Prah, 2006). Moreover, experts and further researches say that the causes for eating disorders are complex and related to many factors (social, psychological, cultural) and that genetics might also play a big role on the development of these illnesses (Prah, 2006).

Image 2

Anorexia is a dangerous self-destroy mental illness

Perhaps, I think that the real dilemma started from how we view ourselves. How or what do we see when we look in the mirror. Most women don’t love the way they look and this is when the ghost of an eating disorder could easily reach to them.

Image 3

Anorexics see themselves as fat even when they are dangerously thin.

I considered myself an advocate of women’ health and I agree that maintaining a healthy weight by exercising and keeping good eating habits is very important for our bodies. If losing weight is necessary there are a lot of healthy and natural ways to do it without harming ourselves. I also think that is necessary to educate and create and awareness on the young to prevent them from being victims of this nonsense.

We should become active critics of the media and its message and encourage ourselves to make use of this critical thinking to do what is good for us rather than playing their game as simple puppets. In my opinion, is essential for women not just to accept or follow the perspective and standards of others as our own. We need to have a voice against the pressure offered by media on their views of what a woman should look like and their constant messages on how we need to diet and be thin to “look good.”We need to understand that having a particular body size or shape doesn’t precisely ensure a life of happiness and self realization.

Certainly, women are much more than just appearance. Good looks are not what it gives us self-worth. Putting special attention to our own attitudes and behaviors about food, weight and body image can help us to avoid being a victim of an eating disorder. Building a strong self esteem is a very important part of creating an appreciation and respect to ourselves.

Citation

Prah, P. (2006, February 10). Eating disorders. CQ Researcher. Retrieved March 17, 2011 from CQ Researcher Database.

Image 1 (n.d.) Retrieved April 4, 2011, from http://www.findmeacure.com.

Image 2 (n.d.) Retrieved April 5, 2011, from http://www.natural-holistic healthsunion.com.

Image 3 (n.d.) Retrieved April 7, 2011, from http://www.blogtimesunion.com.

The Era of the Extreme Makeover

Watching at the television I can’t stop thinking about the perfect world that is constantly being offered to us. These advertisements promise to satisfy the needs of almost everything thinkable or even the unthinkable. Thus, when we purchase these products “our whole lives might change.”  You could easily become wealthy by buying a book with detailed instructions of how to accomplish that; have the perfect body or face (just pick who you are desiring to look like); you might be able to live happily ever after or just start developing some kind of super powers -- all you need to do is swallow some magic pills.

In other cases, extreme remedies are offered to drastically reverse the process of aging and become a perfect portrait. Plastic surgery is the perfect way to cheat the passage of the years and Mother Nature and the perfect way to reach perfection.  There are many reality shows linked with the magic of plastic surgery and even though the behind scenes are not revealed, most people are amazed with the before-and-after results.

Image 1

        

One of the participants of the TV show “Extreme Makeover “portraying the dramatic changes after cosmetic surgery.

Young girls are aware of these shows, and sometimes the idea of not being “perfect” can really make an impact in their self esteem. A few years ago, my little niece came to me and asked me about plastic surgery. I was really shocked because at that time she was only around eight years old. I did my best to try understanding the magnitude of her questions (because they were many) and the reason of her inquietude. Finally, she told me that a few days before she spent the night with her little friends in a pajama party, and they were watching a show on TV about extreme makeovers. Then she told me, “My friends said that I’m ugly looking, and I should get a plastic surgery just like the girl on the show.”

I just couldn’t believe my ears.

            I was determined to investigate a bit more about it and I decided to watch one of this reality shows. I can’t deny that I was impressed with the dramatic results that participants (man and woman) have after going through surgery. Throughout the program some of the participants were making specific request about the type of nose, lips, eyes, etc., that they were wishing to have. It was like purchasing body parts. After few months of recovery the big reveal is announce to the participants’ families. Their first impressions progress from a completely shock to an explosion of tears and an enthusiastic (almost frenetic) applause. Then they asked to each other “Who is this person?””Wow! She/he looks totally different.”

I think to myself, “Oh course she looks totally different, she is not herself anymore.”

The perfect beauty that many women are looking after with the help of cosmetic surgery is becoming some kind of body shopping. They are constructing their images in relation to the physical appearance of other women (Blum, 2005). The gorgeous women and the beautiful bodies of models and screen idols shown on the media are the “palettes of make-up …. Our doubles and our goals.” (Blum, 2005) In other words you can become her; you can become the “Other Woman,” a perfect puzzle of all the attributes you think you should have to be beautiful (Blum, 2005).

Plastic surgery can also lead to addiction or what is called “polysurgical addict” or “scalpel slave.” Many patients engage on repetitive surgeries in order to fulfill their dreams for perfection or just to keep improving what they thing they are lacking off. Sometimes, these patients are looking to fix a prior surgery they feel dissatisfied with (Blum, 2005). Surgeons are aware of this kind of patients: those that are never satisfied and are always looking for the minimal defect (Blum, 2005).

 Image 2                                     
 Media’ stereotypes could make women see themselves imperfect or unattractive to others.

                           

During the past decade women’ obsession with perfection have a dramatically effect on the fastest growing of cosmetic surgery as one of the top medical areas of expertise.

I am personally not against plastic surgery because I perfectly understand and know its benefits. Plastic surgery is performed not only as a cosmetic source; it is also use for medical reasons, on reconstructive surgery and other extreme situations. For example; some illnesses can make us lose a physical feature (a mastectomy could outcome after suffering from breast cancer). Breast reconstruction is a procedure that reverses this traumatic experience. This is just to mention one example.   

Although, I think that women should be aware of their real value and don’t let media’ to be the manipulator of our image. All women are beautiful on their own way; our unique differences are what make us beautiful. We can be much more that simple plastic clones. 

Citation

Blum, V. (2005). Becoming the other woman. Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies. Retrieved March 18, 2011 from EBSCO Database.

Image 1 (n.d.) Retrieved April 2, 2011, from http://www.headtotoemakeover.com.

Image 2 (n.d.) Retrieved April 2, 2011, from

  http://www.accreditedcosmeticplasticsurgeryinformation.com.

        

Are Stereotypes a Distortion of Our Vision of Beauty?

Certainly, there are beautiful people in this world but our perception of beauty may vary based on beliefs, race, cultural customs and the value that each individual gives to what beauty really means to him/her. Although, I believe that western media has manipulated our vision of what a beautiful woman should look like or must be. I believe that our attitudes about beauty are shaped by irrational ideals of perfection and the craze for plastic surgery, which is becoming an obsession for many women. Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery has already taken away the lives of many women around the world and in other cases has left permanent emotional and physical scars.

I am personally concerned about the overemphasis on physical appearance, and I constantly questioning myself about how real these standards are. I feel personally attached to this issue because I have two nieces who are very special to me. Yanelsi is 14 years old and a very smart girl. In fact, she is the first in her class. Yanelsi was born with a special kind of bone defect that is making her face gradually twist toward one side (left side).

My other niece, Lucia, has hypothyroidism (under activity of the thyroid), a condition that causes her to be very overweight. She is 26 years old and a very talented artist. I consider that my nieces are beautiful girls, but they live isolated in their homes because people used to make sarcastic comments about their appearances. On more than one ocassion they have make comments about getting plastic surgery in order to "fit" and feel more "normal" around other people. It really frustrates me when I witness people's incapability to see more than what is on the surface - and the media plays a major part in how we see and judge others.
 

Certainly, the media has a powerful influence in our society and during the past decade they have established different standards of what a beautiful woman should be. In our days, these new standards are so impossible to attain that many women are developing obsessive behaviors trying to measure up with these standards.

So, I constantly question myself about what beauty really means to us. Are we stuck on the delusional standard establish by our media? And, why are these standards of beauty imposed on women?

I believe that women’s beauty goes beyond their physical appearance; it goes beyond this ephemeral surface that is so hardly trying to be changed into perfection.   

25 most beautiful people (2010). Retrieved March, 15 2011, from

 http:www.bing.com/images/search.