Written by: Farin Somani
Inner beauty is the main source of attraction within individuals, however within contemporary life there is much emphasis placed upon physical appearance. If an individual is wearing scruffy clothes or they have not spent time doing their hair, a perception of the individual is formed int the mind of others. It is an indication to others, as physical appearance provides an insight to how an individual views themselves and offers a snapshot into the individual’s personality. The way an individual presents themselves creates a foundation for others within society, to create an image and pass judgement on what they see. Physical appearance seems to have an impact upon individual self-esteem and confidence levels.
It is believed that physical appearance contributes towards an individual’s personality. Those reaching societal standards of physical beauty are perceived to have an upper hand within societies. Millions of pounds are spent on individuals who undergo plastic surgeries to improve their physical appearance. Some visit their beauty parlours while others undergo natural treatments, all with the intention of improving their physical appearances. The reassurance individuals receive when they are deemed as attractive and physically admired provides a confidence boost. It is common for individuals to feel relaxed when they are surrounded by beauty and the physical beauty of a person achieves this. However inner beauty is more important, because physical beauty fades but inner beauty can never be taken.
Any studies?
Within the UK research carried out by YouGov Body Image study has revealed that 89% of people believe that physical appearance matters in contemporary life, while 46% of people believe that physical appearance matters and great deal and 43% of people believe that it matters somewhat. When comparing the genders, 39% of men believe that physical appearance matters a great deal, while 52% of women believe the same. The same question was asked to females aged between sixteen and twenty-four and 61% of them thought that physical appearance mattered a great deal. In contrast only 9% of Britons feel that physical appearance does not matter in contemporary life. People believe that they are treated differently due to physical appearance, hence this could affect individual personality. 68% of Britons believe that their physical appearance impacts their personality and 16% believe that physical appearance has a great impact upon their personality. Interestingly, 69% of people over the age of forty think at their physical appearance has an impact upon their personality in comparison to 61% aged between sixteen and twenty-four.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder
Individuals place immense importance upon their physical appearance however, interestingly within the same study a whooping 69% of Britons had said that physical beauty is subjective. This means that beauty is dependent upon the person’s own feeling and opinions, in contrast to 18% who feel physical beauty is objective. 75% of men on the other hand over the age of sixty believe that beauty is subjective while 65% of men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four believe that physical beauty is subjective.
As beauty lies within the eye of the beholder, we can understand that the definition of beauty differs between individuals. Every human is physically beautiful through their personal traits, however inner beauty radiates outwards. When an individual is beautiful from inside, they uphold ethical values, principles, good behaviour and help each other and they are happy from within. The individual’s personality, mind and character will outshine physical appearance and work in unison.
