Well, that's the last time I try to be arty with a photo on here.... mira hindley indeed!!! (yes that's right... a delightful comment regarding the photo on the above named entry) Albeit a rude and disturbing comparison it did start me wondering about 'beauty'. What it is and how it is perceived by others in order to create attraction.
Like the statement 'there is absolutely no, absolute truth', having only one definition of beauty seems wholly inadequate... I for one am thankfully for this!
cos if there was only one I'd be in trouble!...
I believe that beauty depends on place and time.
During the middle ages and renaissance the beautiful woman was plump and pale. Being plump and pale during those times meant that you were 1) well-fed and 2) not forced to work out in the fields. In China, during the Manchu Dynasty, people thought that women with infant-sized feet were beautiful because women with feet that were basically forced to be that size (through breaking the foot), couldn't move around a lot. (not the biggest advantage if you're looking for a partner to cook and clean the house tho'). In Africa, scarrification, where you intentionally scar your body, is considered beautiful. Whilst in other parts, a woman with extreme curves and very broad hips (child rearing hips) is considered attractive.
In western societies thin is a symbol of health and, more importantly, a symbol of being able to maintain a disciplined balanced approach to life's indulgences. Similarly, a tan means that you have money to go outdoors often and tan yourself. (or that you like to spend your free time standing upright in a 'stand and tan')
I personally think that beauty is inherent, and unlike sex appeal, which is a function of attitude. Sex appeal is a chemical interaction; a spray of Pheromones that are secreted and received between two people which dictates sexual behaviour and attraction. Both the conditions and individual attitudes become matched and the result is a lustful attraction. It is a subconscious decision to be appealing or be receptive to another's appeal.
Beauty, by contrast is less decisive or intentional... one can be viewed by others to be beautiful or have beautiful traits without being consciously aware. Out there must be enough people with differing tastes that there is indeed someone for everyone. So by my reckoning.. all we have to do is have a massive game of pick up pairs!..
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