Perceptions Of Beauty...

[Grrrl]

Throughout time perceptions of beauty have evolved and what is desirable in a woman physically have altered along the way. But what is it that provokes these changes? And what is beauty? Can beauty be constant? Or is it condemned to it's own rigid petrification? Is beauty percieved differently amongst different cultures or can it be widespread? How are the difference in perceptions of beauty amongst individuals decided or explained?

If we are to look at just the latter part of the last century the difference in what was perceived as beauty, and the evolution of these perceptions will become more apparent. For example in the 1950's-1960's women with curvy figures and a vulumptuous appearance, around size 12-14, like Marilyn Monroe were considered to be of a greater physical appearance, whereas if we flash forward to the late 80's early 90's, women who were extremely thin, about size 6-8, with little chests, petit figures, like Kylie Minogue or Courtney Cox were more desirable. Whereas from the late 90's large chests, thin waists, and big bums have become more waton from a female, eg Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Brook or Beyonce Knowles. Please note I used these names as examples that people could recognise easily, I don't necessarily believe them myself).

I believe that beauty is not constant but their is still always appreciation held for the time period where it was considered beauty, and that beauty if vast enough can be appreciated worldwide throughout various cultures.

But that is just my opinion, I welcome any others...
Peace

[Dr. Greenthumb]

I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder and other factor effect beauty and attraction, but don't quote me on that because my views on beauty, love, and women my views are constantly evolving.

My statement just came to mind while I was remember a female anthropologist I met the other day at the bodies exhibit. When I first started speaking to her, I didn't find her that attractive, but we managed to get into a very interesting conversation about hallucinogens, religion, and Christianity. By the time I was done talking to her I was really turned on and it wasn't just what she was saying but she became physically attractive to me.

[Ziggy]

I hate to sound cliche, but the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is true in this case. Beauty differs from every culture. In china tiny feet and pale skin are signs of beauty. In some tribes, the more facial piercings is a sign of beauty. But i think worldwide a slim girl is always considered better.

And im no different. I would prefer a slim girl over a beefy girl. But there is more than just one kind of beauty in our world (north america).

Theres the:

Classic beauty.
Beauty Queen
Barbie look
Exotic foreign beauty
Athletic Beauty
etc...

But i dont think beauty is just confined to a girls physical looks (unless thats all we're discussing in this post) but if i get talking to a girl and shes funny and fun to be around a moderately good looking girl who has these characteristics would become more appealing to me.

But if thats not the case in this posting then back to physical beauty. My preference on physical beauty is pretty weird. My friends and i will be out somewhere and they'll point to a girl who, ye i guess is good looking but only because thats what media dictates. Im talking about long blonde hair, face plastered with makeup, skinny body (and in most cases dressed much too revealing). Where as for me, i like distinguishing looks. Looks you dont find on most girls that may not be too appealing to some ppl but really catch my eye. Im not talking about a 3rd eye or anything that eye catching lol. But this girl that works at a restaurant in toronto is half asian half white and just has breath taking physical characteristics that pretty much made me stop mid step when i looked at her. My other friends i was with didnt think so as much but boy was i glad when i found out she was the one waiting on our table to take out order

So i think overall there are steretypes for beauty that girls can fall into, but only beauty, that doesnt mean that ppl will find them attractive, they just have certain characteristics that ppl associtate with beauty.

As for Rasta Girls final quote about how different times in the past have different definitions of beauty. Ye thats true. Way back, women were desirable when they had meat on their bones because they were considered healthy and perfect for child bearing, but thats because child bearing was important back then. Now a days being hot and showing skin is good enough to get you a man most of the time. So i guess beauty changes because of what society dictates is important at the time. Today, being thin and looking pretty is what is important (sadly enough). But maybe that will change someday.[/b]

[Ninelives]

beautyful,shezzz sexy.

[Fanya]

I think everyone has slightly different opinions and perceptions of what beauty is. I mean, a lot of times I will say to my friends, "Hey guys did you see that cute girl over there?" and they will have no clue what I'm talking about because they didn't think she was attractive at all or something. I find girls who are really athletic and have visible muscle on them attractive whereas my other friends are into large boobies, the whole blonde thing, etc. I find more unconventional physical traits appealing, sorta like Ziggy was saying. I also love curves, especially below the waits (butt, legs).

I also don't understand the current obsession with tall(er) women, I prefer smaller builds mainly.

[Ziggy]

I feel the exact same way Fanya. Alot of the steretypical beauty types dont do as much for me as the ones with unconventional physical traits as you put it. I mean why would you want to go with something you see everyday when you could choose to have something that catches your eye cause it stands out in the crowd. That didnt come out the way i wanted it to but i dont know another way to put it.

Oh and by the way Ninelives. You have my vote, DAMN! that is B-E-A-Utiful !

[Grrrl]

what is blootiful?

[Certified-Nutter]

beautiful is personal preference in my mind
also, beatiful (to me anyway) doesnt describe physical appearance, to b beautiful is both mentaly and physicaly (to the person)
if ur talking about physical attractiveness, well, i dont really see that as beauty, well, at least i dont think beauty is the word for attractiveness alone

[cutthecashflow]

Bueaty is culturally significant. What one cultuar finds beautiful the other finds repulsive.

Then theres always the halo effect.

[Rory]

It totally variable from person to person. Me and my friend both had very similiar upbringings and (for the most part) in the same countries, yet we have extremely different views on what makes a woman attractive. In fact, our views are almost polar opposites. 'nuff said

[Gorecore]

I am beautiful, no matter what they say. Words can't bring me down. Oh no, no. So don't you bring me down tonight

[Dr. Greenthumb]

They always play that song at my job.

[cutthecashflow]

They always play that song at my job.

I know this is completly off topic, but what happened to all your seeds Dr?

[SpRi7e]

He planted them

[FIRE!!!]

Beauty has no limits at all. It's a very broad thing which cannot and should not be defined. Rasta, what you said about changing and evolving forms of beauty only proves my point further. All beauty is, is sensory pleasure, things which our senses show to us that evoke some sort of emotion, even at times negative emotions. Therefore I think the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder could not possibly be more true. It is simply something we find pleasing in our own heart, and in every person beauty and love are not the same. The things I find beautiful in women are-

Physically: Thick curves all over, however particularly ass and thighs, pretty eyes always turn me into a sucker, dark hair is something I have always found irresistible.

Mentally: Some degree of maturity, I hate stupid bitches who are all about the drama, a bit of loyalty, hate shallow whores, open-mindedness, confidence (they say girls like confidence but I guess it goes both ways, a woman who is proud of who she is fucking turns me on beyond belief).

However beauty is not just limited to people, or romantic attraction. You can find beauty in the simplest things, it's everywhere in the world. People usually just fail to recognize it. Beauty shouldn't be dictated by mass media or your friends, that's just stupid. To submit your opinions to the majority is just feeding it power, like a rabid dog chewing out the meat of a helpless animal.

Damn, is it obvious to you guys that I am completely fucking wasted????