On beauty and double standards

At 24, it still baffles me how society defines beauty.

I understand the importance of physical appearance, but to glorify it to the point of disregarding content? Of overlooking skills and capabilities? Of pushing aside reason to look harder and analyze deeper? I don't think that's justified.

As a silent observer of my surroundings, I've encountered cases where these attractive human beings get their special treatment - on my daily commute to work, on the long ticket lines, inside the classroom, and even getting job offers from companies. It's everywhere and perhaps there's nothing we could do about it because that's how the world works (Okay, I can't be the only one enraged with this kind of reasoning). Anyway, I'm not gonna lie. I act really weird around hot people sometimes. I guess that's a natural human reaction. How is anyone supposed to act around someone they find really hot anyway? I know it depends on our own definition of what "hot" is. But let's face it, we have common ideas: a defined jaw line, big eyes, prominent nose, thin lips, white proportionate teeth, sexy hair, fair clear skin, lean / gym-built body, tall... should I go on?

It's been a common misconception for as long as I can remember that perfection equates to beauty. Anyone can look flawless, especially with the help of today's modern technology and camera filters, but should that automatically mean they're beautiful?

The Double Standard

I remember this one thing my professor used to say: "Our eyes are naturally attracted to light, that's why we;re easily drawn to look at white-skinned people compared to the dark-skinned ones. It's science." Of course my 20-year-old mind was occupied for the next three hours of class. So what does my asian brown-skinned self gotta do? Is he implying that dark-skinned people are just not attractive enough?

1.) I have no f*cking clue. Maybe I'll buy three bottles of glutathione so I can be white and attractive too?? 2.) Maybe not, but white-skinned people sure get the most attention than anyone else in the room. Again, because that's what we've been taught on what "beautiful" or "attractive" is supposed to look like. At least in our culture. You should be white, your skin must be smooth, you should have perfectly trimmed brows and hairless legs, they say. But does it end there? Have most people been this superficial all along? 

Sure, having the looks and the right bod, or even the right skin color, is definitely an advantage but I seriously believe none of it matters if you don't have the personality to back it up. I've met some really good-looking people with strong sexual appeal and long lists of fans and admirers, but still end up being blah. They can't even pass their exam or keep their job or hold an interesting conversation. On the other hand, I've met people who may not score as high on the physical attractiveness level, but were funny as hell as they tell stories about their midnight road trip and are not scared to share their honest opinions to anyone about the latest book they've read.

It's the little, non-physical related things, is basically what I'm saying.

You can be pretty. Hell, you can put on as much makeup or get as much plastic surgery as you want if that's what you believe is going to make you look better. Just don't let it end there.

Beauty is not something you can merely see with your eyes, and especially not what the media or your friends or family has led you to believe. Wake up. Dig a little deeper. Break the stereotype. Feed your soul. Redefine the word.