How European Beauty Standards are Harming People Of Color
Beauty standards have been viewed through an Eurocentric lens for centuries, with features such as fair skin, straight hair, and narrow noses being considered the epitome of beauty. Unfortunately, this narrow definition of beauty has led to discrimination against people with non-European features and has created an environment where people feel pressure to conform to these standards. In this blog post, we will explore how Eurocentric beauty standards are harming people of color (POC) and what we can do to promote a more inclusive definition of beauty.
Skin Lightening Products and Harmful Beliefs
Skin lightening is a practice popular among POC in Asia and Africa, where lighter skin is associated with beauty and success. However, skin-lightening products contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin damage, liver damage, and even cancer. This practice perpetuates the belief that lighter skin is better, which leads to discrimination against people with darker skin tones. It sends the message to young POC that they are not beautiful enough the way they are, which can lead to self-esteem issues and mental health problems.
Hair Texture and the Pressure to Conform
Hair texture is another aspect of beauty that has been viewed through an Eurocentric lens. POC have resorted to straightening their hair to conform to these standards, often using harsh chemicals that damage their hair and scalp. This practice perpetuates the belief that natural hair is not acceptable, which can lead to discrimination against people who choose to wear their hair in its natural state. It sends the message to young POC that their natural hair is not beautiful enough, which can lead to self-esteem issues and mental health problems.
Narrow Beauty Standards and Discrimination
Eurocentric beauty standards have created a narrow definition of beauty, which excludes people with features that don’t fit into this standard. People with wider noses or fuller lips are often considered less attractive or less desirable. This narrow standard of beauty has led to discrimination against people with non-European features and has created an environment where people feel pressure to conform to these standards. This can be seen in industries like modeling and acting, where people with non-European features are often overlooked for jobs.
Media Representation and Reinforcing Stereotypes
The media is a powerful tool that perpetuates these narrow beauty standards. Advertisements, TV shows, movies, and other forms of media often feature Eurocentric beauty standards, which reinforces the idea that these standards are the only acceptable ones. This lack of representation in the media perpetuates harmful beauty standards and leads people to believe that certain features are more desirable than others. This can lead to self-esteem issues and mental health problems, as people feel like they don’t measure up to these standards. For example, how many times have you seen advertisements on TV featuring darker-skinned people? And when you do, how often do they have some Eurocentric features, like straight hair or narrow facial features?
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
To combat Eurocentric beauty standards, we must first recognize them and understand the harm they cause. Education and awareness are crucial in challenging these standards and promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty. We can start by celebrating diversity and promoting beauty standards that reflect the diversity of our communities. We can achieve this by featuring people with different skin tones, hair textures, and facial features in advertisements and media. We can also support POC-owned beauty brands that promote diversity and inclusivity. By supporting these brands, we can help promote the idea that there is no one definition of beauty and that all features are beautiful.
Finally, Eurocentric beauty standards have caused harm to POC for far too long. Skin lightening, hair straightening, and narrow beauty standards have perpetuated harmful beliefs and stereotypes, which have led to discrimination and negative self-image. We must take action to promote a more inclusive definition of beauty and celebrate diversity in all its forms. By doing so, we can create a world where all people feel valued and beautiful, regardless of their skin color, hair texture, or facial features. It’s time to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and promote inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry.
Here are 5 takeaways on how to combat Eurocentric beauty standards:
- Recognize Eurocentric beauty standards and the harm they cause. Educate yourself on the issue and how it affects people of color.
- Promote diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry by supporting POC-owned beauty brands and advocating for the representation of diverse beauty standards in media.
- Celebrate natural beauty in all its forms and challenge narrow beauty standards that exclude people with non-European features.
- Speak out against harmful beauty practices and products such as skin lightening and hair straightening that perpetuate Eurocentric beauty standards.
- Embrace and celebrate your own unique beauty and encourage others to do the same. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity, we can combat Eurocentric beauty standards and create a world where all people feel valued and beautiful, regardless of their appearance.
