Explore the five continents to discover the beauty stereotypes of each area.
We travel the globe to investigate the beauty stereotypes prevalent in some fascinating cultures. Continue browsing with us!
America
The beauty stereotype among indigenous peoples has remained unchanged over the years. The fight for the survival of these nomadic communities has resulted in a feminine image of a strong woman, able to bear her children and endure long work days. In terms of clothes, harmony with nature is sought. This is why bones, teeth, feathers, seeds, and other natural elements are incorporated into their attire.
The contrary is typical in most westernized regions. The resemblance between Europe and North America is pursued. That is tall, thin women who are always curvy. 61% of a Gallup Institute survey respondents believe that physical appearance is the most important factor in determining social success. Brazil is second only to the United States in terms of surgical procedures. In Argentina, one out of every thirty individuals undergoes surgery at least once due to this obsession. There are vacation packages in Chile that include aesthetic treatments.
Asia
Similar to the United States, significant cultural diversity exists on the same continent. In southern countries such as Burma, the defining characteristic of beauty is a thin, extended neck. To do this, individuals such as the Kerenis adorn it with metal rings that press the shoulder down rather than stretching the neck.
According to an old Chinese saying, the mouth is as little as a cherry. In contrast to Europe, the beauty ideal in more developed parts of Asia is built on an obsessive obsession with skin whiteness. In the summer, women avoid the sun’s rays by wearing hats and huge umbrellas and covering their legs with thick stockings. In China, habits such as bandaging the feet of young girls to stunt their growth have been abolished.
Africa
A slender, sculpted female form is favoured in most parts of the world. However, in many African nations, the opposite is preferred. The beauty ideal consists of broad, even obese women. In Mauritania, girls are forced to consume large quantities of fatty foods to gain weight. Lip deformation is the primary beauty ritual in other cultures, such as Ethiopia. It begins at the age of fifteen when girls are considered women. The Mursi tribe, for instance, installs large wooden or ceramic discs in the mouth.
Oceania
The most peculiar case in Oceania is observed among New Zealand Maori descendants. This ethnic group is distinguished by its tribal tattoos created using the ancient technique known as “moko.” Women only have tattoos under the lip and on the chin, whereas men can tattoo their entire face, as well as their arms and chest.
Europe
From the second part of the 20th century, the pursuit of thinness as a beauty standard for women has grown increasingly apparent. The era in which voluptuous women like Marilyn Monroe ruled the West has long passed. As a result of pathological weight control, a significant number of women have developed severe eating disorders. It is estimated that between 4.1% and 4.5% of the youth population in Spain suffers from this ailment.
Stylized bodies with ample breasts, full lips, and tiny noses represent the concept. British psychologist Susie Orbach states, “there is a real aggression against women that prevents them from accepting their bodies, and it is pushed by commercial interests alone.” Thanks to the scalpel and retouching applications such as Photoshop, we live in a modified world where everything is possible. Consequently, women create a false image of their bodies and face in their brains.
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