When the beauty sucks

( The infernal journey through the circles of aesthetics tout court...thinking about the girl who died in Italy for wanting a perfect nose.)

“Girls, don’t get work done and don’t let yourselves be altered!” … this is opposing the pursuit of beauty at all costs, which often hides the fragility of many women.

The statement raises an important conversation about societal pressures on women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The phrase seems to critique the pervasive idea that women need to “fix” themselves to be accepted, successful, or worthy, often at the expense of their mental, emotional, and even physical health. Cosmetic enhancements, while a personal choice, can sometimes reflect deeper issues tied to self-worth or societal expectations. The idea of rejecting these pressures encourages women to embrace their natural selves and focus on inner strength rather than external validation. However, it’s also essential to approach this topic without judgment—every woman’s choice is personal, and empowerment comes from supporting autonomy over one’s body. The critique of “being beautiful at all costs” invites a broader reflection: Why does society place such a disproportionate value on women’s appearance? Shouldn’t we prioritize qualities like intelligence, kindness, and resilience? Addressing these questions is key to dismantling systems that perpetuate fragility under the guise of perfection. Criticizing the system that imposes rigid beauty standards is a powerful and necessary stance. This system thrives on making women feel inadequate, creating an endless cycle of consumption—whether through beauty products, cosmetic procedures, or trends—that ultimately profits from their insecurities. By perpetuating the notion that a woman’s value is tied to her appearance, the system undermines her individuality, capabilities, and confidence. It also masks the broader societal issues at play, such as sexism, ageism, and the pressure to conform. These pressures are not just superficial; they can have real psychological consequences, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even harm to physical health. Criticizing this system means calling out not only the industries that exploit these insecurities but also the cultural norms that sustain them. It means advocating for representation that celebrates diversity in body types, skin tones, and natural beauty. It also involves empowering women to define beauty on their own terms, rejecting the one-size-fits-all narrative. The fragility mentioned—the hidden vulnerability of many women—is a reflection of how this system erodes self-worth. To dismantle it, we need to challenge the messages we consume, support education that builds confidence rather than conformity, and prioritize self-acceptance over societal approval. This critique isn’t about rejecting beauty outright—it’s about reclaiming it as something personal, free from external pressures. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram amplify the phenomenon of unattainable beauty standards in unprecedented ways. These platforms often present curated, filtered, and highly edited versions of reality, creating an endless stream of “perfection” that fuels comparison and insecurity. On one hand, they offer a space for creativity and self-expression, but on the other, they reinforce narrow definitions of beauty through trends like extreme contouring, cosmetic procedures, and even digital editing tools that alter body shapes and features. Algorithms prioritize content that aligns with these ideals, perpetuating the cycle and making them appear aspirational or “normal". The constant exposure to this type of content can have a profound psychological impact, particularly on young people. It reinforces the idea that self-worth is tied to appearance and pushes many toward cosmetic enhancements or unhealthy behaviors to achieve these looks. The rise of hashtags like #GlowUp or #PerfectBody showcases how deeply ingrained these pressures are. Critiquing this phenomenon means recognizing how these platforms exploit human vulnerability for engagement. It’s not just about personal choices; it’s about how social media environments are designed to perpetuate insecurities for profit. While influencers who challenge these norms and advocate for authenticity do exist, they often struggle to gain visibility compared to those who conform to the dominant trends. The solution lies in a cultural shift. We need more voices calling out these toxic norms and more platforms celebrating diverse, unfiltered beauty. Education on media literacy—teaching users how to critically analyze what they see online—is also crucial to resist these pressures and reclaim authenticity.