Barbie Doll
A glance and then my attention was had. Have you ever noticed someone, that by sight your attention was instantly had? This past Thursday I was having a dinner with vendors and colleagues, and within moments noticed two women in the restaurant. Keep in mind this was a very highly rated restaurant on the water in Annapolis. The type of people this place attracts are very well off and give a polished persona. This woman physically attracted every ones attention. After our dinner a couple of us invited the two ladies to join us at the bar.
Her words were heard and we all were individually and consciously critiquing her. I mean when you meet someone that just has that much of a physical appeal you wonder, ‘what is it about her’in my case? She carried herself very well and was drinking a great choice of wine. You could tell an outing like this, at a nice venue as this, for her was routine. The more we chatted the more we realized she had to be older, but she looked too flawless to be that mature physically. This is when I realized.
The smile too perfect, the skin too smooth, the body… well you get my point. I had realized that the same girl that caught the attention of nearly every male and mostly every female may have had a little help. Why was this person so attractive to the eye? I mean the more she spoke the more superficial she sounded. ‘Barbie’ was seeking an audience. I guess I wonder at what extreme do we cave into the pressures of our culture. I understand that it is more demanding on women, but where do we as a society, cross the line?
Thirty minutes after the conversation began, my thoughts moved from how beautiful she was, to the many ways she didn’t appeal to me. Strange, but true, I guess it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Her words were heard and we all were individually and consciously critiquing her. I mean when you meet someone that just has that much of a physical appeal you wonder, ‘what is it about her’in my case? She carried herself very well and was drinking a great choice of wine. You could tell an outing like this, at a nice venue as this, for her was routine. The more we chatted the more we realized she had to be older, but she looked too flawless to be that mature physically. This is when I realized.
The smile too perfect, the skin too smooth, the body… well you get my point. I had realized that the same girl that caught the attention of nearly every male and mostly every female may have had a little help. Why was this person so attractive to the eye? I mean the more she spoke the more superficial she sounded. ‘Barbie’ was seeking an audience. I guess I wonder at what extreme do we cave into the pressures of our culture. I understand that it is more demanding on women, but where do we as a society, cross the line?
Thirty minutes after the conversation began, my thoughts moved from how beautiful she was, to the many ways she didn’t appeal to me. Strange, but true, I guess it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
posted by Jonathan at 5:55:00 PM
6 Comments:
I've thought about this before. When we were kids we gave no care in the world. As we grow up we look at others. Celebs in general set the standard. When Avril Lavigne busted out. Everyone wore the white shirt and black tie for example.
It seems we concern ourselves about being different from everyone else. But when it comes to things that are standard to a lot of people that we have to HAVE those things they have. Which doesn't make us different, it makes us fake and the same.
I blame also Celebs for the hype of the whole plastic surgery things. Celebs started getting it done. Then others found out about it. Found out how much it improves them they believe even though it doesn't change anything but their physical features and decide that they want that...which soon changes to that they think they NEED it.
It's quite annoying and sickening.
I don't blame celebs for that - their only doing what it takes to get work. We're the ones who decide that only the pretty actors get paid, every time we buy a movie ticket.
Likewise, when men stop honing in on the prettiest girl at the bar, the other girls will stop believing that how they look matters.
But for now this blog itself is evidence that looks DO matter. She may not have walked away with the guys' approval, but the pretty lady had a chance at it - which is more that the less attractive women had.
no offense, banks - i think your one of the least superficial people i know. mostly. :)
Tali,
Good thoughts... as for your comment:
Likewise, when men stop honing in on the prettiest girl at the bar, the other girls will stop believing that how they look matters.
Women create standards for men as well. My blog was not to point out women, but what we as a culture finds beautiful, and possibly why.
the appearance issue is the obvious standard for women - the one most commonly wrestled with.
what's the corresponding issue for men? or issues?
as to why - "beauty" is whatever we as a culture perceive as the outward manifestation of inward physical & emotional health or wealth.
we judge by clothing (modest/fancy/flashy), carriage (modest/confident/arrogant), skin tone (pale/natural/tan), body shape (slender/curvaceous/obese), activity level (relaxed/active/hyperactive), etc.
so in an economically impoverished culture, flashy clothing or obesity can be considerred a sign of wealth and therefore be attractive. or in a culture that values sobriety of character, modesty and slenderness can be seen as emtionally healthy (exhibiting self-control)and be attractive.
dunno - food for thought
Tali wrote:
what's the corresponding issue for men? or issues?
(IMO)I think most men seek to have qualities that women want in men. I think it is our impression that women are seeking qualities as, wealth, athletic build, attractiveness, intelligence.
My guess would be that we as a culture have a perception of what the opposite sex is seeking and we want to strive for that.
Good thoughts Tali...
Mary thanks for input!
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