Beauty and the beholder
They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Who is the beholder, we ask? Who defines beauty? According to Dr Syed Md Saikh Imtiaz, Chairman of the Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka, it is the time and era that defines what beauty is.
And in our day and age, media plays a huge role in setting the perception we hold. "The media defines and redefines it. For example, a few decades ago, heroines were relatively plump, and the few extra pounds were found to be attractive. On the other hand, nowadays it seems being skinny is in," Imtiaz opines. But he doesn't stop there.
Engulfed by the messages delivered in the media that portray certain shapes, sizes and colours as desirable, many women strive to conform to them. Therefore, it is no surprise that many women who cannot meet that set definition are low on confidence and self esteem.
Imtiaz believes that more region-specific research regarding the issue needs to be conducted in order to properly tackle the situation.
Meanwhile, he urges women to believe in themselves and be comfortable in their own skin. Proper parenting is important. A girl, when growing up, needs to be reassured that it is not outer beauty that determines who she is.
"To me, beauty is all about self-confidence," Imtiaz shared. "Being comfortable about who you are makes you beautiful." Self-esteem and happiness radiate beauty.
So we go back to where we had started: beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. And who ought to be the beholder, then? It is the woman herself, and not the media or the trends or the era we live in. "It is for you to decide the definition of beauty, and no one else," Imtiaz concluded.
Of course, there will be people who will say what they have to say. Do not pay heed to them. The authority of being the 'beholder' rests on you; and you can see yourself as beautiful and confident, or, you can fret about what others have to say.
Take a closer look at your inner self. Be your own judge.
By Sazzad Ibne Sayed
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