Embracing Uniqueness in a World of Homogenized Beauty
Growing up, I was always self-conscious about a burn scar on the left corner of my mouth. The constant stares and questions from others made me feel like hiding behind my hair. But after undergoing minimally invasive surgery at four years old, I began to accept my imperfection. As I grew older, I realized that my scar was a part of me, and trying to change it wouldn’t make me any more beautiful.
The Rise of “Instagram Face”
Recently, I’ve noticed a trend on social media promoting cosmetic surgery as a means to achieve perfection. Influencers and YouTubers showcase their procedures, from lip fillers to breast augmentation, and their followers praise them for their new looks. This phenomenon, known as “Instagram Face,” has become increasingly popular, with many young women feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
The Unattainable Beauty Ideal
The Instagram Face aesthetic often favors “ethnically ambiguous” features, which can be problematic for women of color who don’t fit this narrow definition of beauty. As an Asian-American woman, I’ve struggled with feeling like my features aren’t considered beautiful by Eurocentric standards. The beauty ideal perpetuated by social media is not only unattainable but also exclusive, leaving many women feeling insecure and broke.
The Cost of Perfection
Cosmetic procedures may seem accessible, but they come with a hefty price tag. Even non-surgical options require regular touch-ups, which can cost thousands of dollars per year. This is a luxury many women, especially those from marginalized communities, cannot afford. Trans women who seek procedures to affirm their gender identity often face discrimination and lack access to affordable healthcare.
Learning to Accept Yourself
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to accept my scar and the uniqueness of my face. I’ve realized that perfection is not only unattainable but also boring. My scar may not fit the beauty standards imposed by social media, but it makes me more interesting – and maybe even more beautiful. In a world that’s constantly telling us to change our faces and bodies, it’s essential to remember that self-love and self-acceptance are the most beautiful qualities of all.
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