Redefining Beauty: ASL Project (2024-2025) PDF

1  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It gives me immense pleasure to acknowledge the guidance, motivation and support extended by my teachers and friends in the completion of this project work. I am extremely grateful to our Principal Smt. Remadevi K P, Vice Principal Smt. Smitha Jayaraj a...

1  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It gives me immense pleasure to acknowledge the guidance, motivation and support extended by my teachers and friends in the completion of this project work. I am extremely grateful to our Principal Smt. Remadevi K P, Vice Principal Smt. Smitha Jayaraj and Asst. Vice Principal Smt. Sindhu C Nair for the support given to me. I also extend my sincere gratitude to Smt. Mily Susan Paul for her guidance and constant encouragement which helped me to complete the project work successfully. My sincere thanks to my classmates supported me throughout the project with their valuable suggestions. 2  INDEX Sl no. Title Pg no. 1 Objective 4 2 Abstract 5 3 Introduction 5 4 Effects of Unrealistic Beauty Standards 6 5 Influence of Social Media 7 6 Influence of Advertisements 8 7 Influence of Movies 8 8 Beauty Standards in India 9 9 Research Methodology 10 10 Results 10 11 Suggestions 12 12 Limitations of our Study 12 13 Conclusions 13 14 Evidences 14 15 Reflections 19 16 Action Plan 20 17 References 21 3  OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to explore the origins and societal impacts of unrealistic beauty standards, focusing on their effects on self-esteem, mental health, and body image. By raising awareness, the project aims to promote discussions about diversity, self-acceptance, and the need for more inclusive representations of beauty in media and society. This research aims to analyse: Unrealistic beauty standards and their effects in everyday life. The Media's Role in Shaping Unrealistic Beauty Standards. Beauty ideals shaped by Indian culture Steps to combat unrealistic beauty standards These resulting findings will highlight the impact of unrealistic beauty standards and aim to inspire awareness and discussions that promote diversity and healthier representations of beauty, ultimately empowering individuals to embrace self-acceptance. 4 REPORT: ABSTRACT. Unrealistic beauty standards have become a defining aspect of contemporary culture, heavily shaped by media, advertising, and social media platforms. This fosters comparison and dissatisfaction, leading many, especially young people, to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt in the pursuit of these elusive ideals. This project investigates the effects of unrealistic beauty standards on individual well-being and societal perceptions. It examines how media portrayals and cultural norms establish unattainable ideals that lead to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The research highlights the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes and the marginalization of essential qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and creativity. This project explores how unrealistic beauty standards impact our relationships and community dynamics. It emphasizes the need to value authenticity and diversity. By encouraging a culture that appreciates individuals for their unique qualities, we aim to create a healthier society where people are celebrated for who they are, rather than judged by unattainable ideals. INTRODUCTION “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” — Coco Chanel. This quote encapsulates the essence of our project, which seeks to address the pervasive issue of unrealistic beauty standards in contemporary society. Heavily shaped by media, advertising, and social platforms, these standards create an idealized image of beauty that most cannot attain, leading many to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the origins of these beauty ideals, and how do they shape our perceptions of ourselves and others? 2. How do they impact our relationships, self-esteem, and overall mental health? 3. In an age where social media amplifies these standards, how can we navigate the constant comparisons and pressures? 4. How do celebrity endorsements and lifestyles shape public perceptions of beauty? 5. What strategies can lead to a sustainable shift in societal beauty standards over time? By addressing these research questions, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural impacts of unrealistic beauty standards, ultimately fostering a dialogue that promotes body positivity, self-acceptance, and the celebration of diversity in beauty across all communities. 5 This project explores the effects of unrealistic beauty standards on mental health, focusing on body image dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression, particularly among vulnerable teenagers. We will examine the dual role of social media in shaping self-perception, highlighting its potential to both harm and help. Additionally, we will analyse how advertising and film reinforce stereotypes and narrow ideals, contributing to these challenges. Our research will also address how beauty standards can be curbed through education, awareness campaigns, and community support. Initiatives that promote media literacy and encourage critical thinking about beauty can empower individuals to challenge societal norms. By reviewing existing studies and research, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic and its far-reaching implications. This project analyses the effects of unrealistic beauty standards on interpersonal relationships and societal dynamics, aiming to advocate for a cultural shift that values authenticity and diversity. By examining root causes and consequences, we aspire to foster a healthier society where individuals are appreciated for their unique attributes rather than their conformity to narrow ideals. Through research, discussions, and community engagement, we seek to inspire change and promote a more inclusive understanding of beauty, ultimately contributing to a culture of authentic self-acceptance. Effects of Unrealistic Beauty Standards Unrealistic beauty standards have profound and far-reaching effects. Numerous studies link exposure to idealized images with increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These standards perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce societal norms that prioritize certain traits over others. Beyond individual impacts, they influence how people perceive themselves and others, affecting interpersonal relationships and community dynamics. The focus on physical appearance often overshadows essential qualities like intelligence, kindness, and creativity. Dismantling these harmful ideals is crucial for fostering a culture that values individuals for their unique qualities. By doing so, we can create a healthier society where everyone feels valued and accepted. 1. Teenagers Society has set the bar high on the beauty standards for teens and anybody who fails to uphold or maintain these standards are judged by others. We are pressured to look like the edited and unrealistic models on magazine covers or the Instagram models we see online. Children grow up thinking that society’s definition of “beautiful” is what they have to look like in order to fit in or be accepted by their peers. Adolescents in today’s world grow up surrounded by social media, magazines, television, music, etc. that promote unrealistic beauty. The media implies that everyone should look like models in magazines. These standards pressure young girls to live the way these models live; dieting, excessive exercise, etc. Many teens who try to look like these 6  models end up developing eating disorders. Eating disorders negatively impact the organ systems in your body, including the neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine system. In some cases, eating disorders can lead to death. Negative body perception is a serious issue and the media focusing on women who have the “ideal body” is a big contributor. The pressure that society puts into the media to look “perfect” is causing many teens to be unhappy with their appearance. Altogether, mass media plays a large role in how adolescents see themselves. It is important that we as a society pay close attention to how we sculpt teens perception of the world’s beauty standards. 2. Mental Health Unrealistic beauty standards from society and social media can greatly affect mental well- being, fostering a cycle of self-criticism and comparison that leads to low self-esteem, negative body image, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and eating disorders. Low Self Esteem Vague beauty standards can undermine confidence and self-worth, leaving individuals feeling inadequate when they don’t meet unrealistic ideals, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression. Eating Disorders and Body Image Unrealistic beauty standards can lead to eating disorders, characterized by disturbed eating behaviours and distorted body image, as the obsession with an ideal body often results in restrictive eating or purging. It's crucial to recognize that beauty comes in various forms and that unrealistic beauty standards are not representative of real diversity. Promoting body positivity and embracing diverse beauty standards can help challenge and counteract the negative effects on mental health caused by unrealistic beauty standards by helping people develop a healthier relationship with themselves and their bodies. Influence Of Social Media Social media has significantly influenced how we connect and communicate while also profoundly influencing our views of beauty, but it also exposes societal pressures and unrealistic expectations. A study found that 5 out of 10 17-year-olds are addicted to it, leading to issues like online harassment, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and poor body image, which in turn increases depressive symptoms. According to the information, teenagers are not the only ones affected. In a study looking at the relationship between social media addiction and body dissatisfaction, it was observed that undergraduate women who had more symptoms of social media addiction were more aware of appearance pressure and more likely to internalize the beauty ideal. 7 Social media requires our undivided attention. It works by encouraging us to scroll, like, comment, and compare ourselves to others. Social media algorithms constantly serve up idealized beauty content, particularly for young women, promoting unrealistic looks and bodies. This content is widely popular and unattainable, making it nearly impossible to avoid consuming beauty content in the visual world. Influence of Advertisements Ads play a significant role in shaping beauty standards in India, often promoting specific ideals that can influence societal perceptions. Representation: Many advertisements feature models who fit a narrow definition of beauty—fair skin, slim bodies, and specific facial features. This can reinforce the idea that these traits are the standard of beauty. Colourism: Fairness creams and products promoting lighter skin tones are prevalent in Indian advertising. This not only perpetuates the preference for lighter skin but can also marginalize those with darker skin tones, affecting self-esteem and identity. Body Image Issues: Continuous exposure to these standards can lead to body image issues, especially among young people, contributing to mental health challenges related to self-worth and body perception. Overall, while ads have the power to perpetuate certain beauty ideals, they also have the potential to challenge and redefine them, reflecting the evolving landscape of beauty in India. Influence of Movies Throughout the twentieth century, movies have been a primary driver in shaping beauty standards. Movie stars were often seen as the epitome of beauty, and their images were idolized and emulated by the mass. Films portrayed idealized body types that were unattainable for the majority of the population, creating unrealistic beauty ideals and reinforcing stereotypes. Both men and women face unrealistic beauty ideals perpetuated by the media, including magazines, websites, movies, music videos, and TV shows. These forms of media often showcase idealized male and female bodies that are cosmetically altered and unattainable for most individuals. In recent years, there has been a growing movement within the film industry to challenge traditional beauty norms and promote body positivity. While cinema has played a role in perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, it has also been a platform for challenging and subverting them. Independent and art-house films have explored unconventional body types, celebrated diversity and questioning traditional norms help to break stereotypes and represent a more diverse range of body types on screen. These movies offer refreshing narratives that prioritize character depth over physical appearance, fostering a more inclusive understanding 8 of beauty. By showcasing characters with different body sizes, shapes, and abilities, these films aim to empower individuals and challenge societal beauty ideals. Beauty Standards in India Indians curate their beauty standards just like they cook their food, with a lot of spices (standards) but only a little bit of everything, not too much. The body beauty standards are so unrealistic and disturbing that discussing them in detail seems immoral. They lower self- confidence, invite unsolicited comments, and lead to the manufacturing of harmful skin and hair products with dangerous side effects. Here are some of the common beauty standards: Pale and even skin tone Flawless skin which doesn't even have a single acne, body hair, mole, dark spot etc Slim body yet not too skinny Long hair Thin nose Oval, round face or a really pointy chin Sharp jawline Big almond-shaped and double-lidded eyes Long eyelashes Thick eyebrows Long neck No epicanthic folds or mono-lids These standards, often perpetuated by media, advertising, and cultural norms, create a narrow definition of beauty that excludes diverse representations. Promoting positive body image and embracing diversity can create a healthier society where individuals feel valued for who they are. 9  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research design and approach: The research adopted a mixed-method approach. A questionnaire was conducted among a variety of crowds through the google forms online platform and the results were utilized as the primary research base of the project. Other methodologies include personal knowledge base of friends and families and tapping various online library sources regarding this topic. A qualitative interview was also administered. The methods of research adopted were: 1. Online research on unrealistic beauty standards: Online research for this project was conducted through a comprehensive review of academic journals, articles, and reputable sources related to unrealistic beauty standards, supplemented by analysis of social media trends and relevant surveys to gather diverse perspectives on the issue. 2. Google Form Survey: A google form survey was conducted to further increase the validity and accuracy of the project. The polling results were compiled in the evidence section along with a screenshot of the data. Ethical Consideration The google form circulated to the crowds had a field to fill in their consent to fill the same. Thus, the survey was conducted with full permission from the people filling out the form. The entries were completely anonymous and hence leakage of any sensitive data was impossible. Thus, all ethical concerns were properly considered throughout the course of this project. RESULTS The results of our survey, conducted among a diverse group of participants, reveal key insights into the pervasive effects of unrealistic beauty standards, highlighting significant trends in self-esteem, body image, and social media influence. On analysing the data from the google form survey conducted, 1. Are there moments where you held negative perceptions about your self- image? Responses - 61.7% of the respondents said that they have and 38.3% responded that they have not. 10 2. Have societal beauty standards ever made you feel inadequate or insecure? Responses - 60% respondents said yes and 40% said no. 3. Have societal beauty standards ever influenced your self-esteem negatively? Responses - 61.7% respondents claimed no and 38.3% said that it has. 4. Have you compared your body with that of the models? Responses - 55% answered yes while 45% answered no. 5. How often do you encounter beauty standards in media (TV, social media, magazines)? Responses - 31.7% responded with always, 58.7% said sometimes and 11.7% said never. 6. Have you ever engaged in harmful behaviours (e.g., extreme dieting, excessive exercising) to achieve a certain appearance? Responses – 20% responded yes and 80% responded no. 7. Do you spend much time and effort on your appearance? Responses - 10 answered yes, 43.3% answered maybe and 46.7% answered no. 8. Do you feel that beauty standards impact your relationships with others? Responses - 8.3% answered “yes very much”, 48.3% answered with “somewhat”, 43.3% answered with “not at all”. 9. Do you ever worry about the shape of your body and compare it with others you see (both online and offline)? Responses – 50% replied yes while 50% replied no. 10. Do you experience anxiety in social situations due to concerns about your appearance? Responses – 25% responded “yes”, 36.7% responded “rarely” and 38.3% responded “never”. 11. Has anyone you know or yourself altered a photo to make themselves/yourself more beautiful? Responses – 45% answered yes and 55% answered no. 11  SUGGESTIONS There are several strategies we can adopt to challenge and combat unrealistic beauty standards. Here are a few key suggestions that can help promote a more inclusive and healthy definition of beauty: Individual Efforts: Challenge negative self-talk. Limit exposure to unrealistic beauty standards. Focus on inner beauty. Seek support. Collective Efforts: Promote body positivity. Support inclusive representation. Educate others. Support body-positive movements. Industry and Media Influence: Encourage diversity in advertising. Promote healthy beauty standards. Support ethical fashion practices LIMITATIONS OF OUR STUDY During the course of this project, we faced some hurdles, which we have attempted to overcome to the best of our abilities. 1. The respondents of the survey conducted mostly belonged to the age group of 10-20. 2. Different participants interpret the concept of "unrealistic beauty standards" in varying ways, which lead to inconsistent responses. 3. Beauty standards change over time. A survey like ours conducted at a specific moment may not capture evolving societal perceptions. 4. Many people filling out the survey were hesitant to give out their honest opinion, due to lack of knowledge or due to sensitivity of the subject. 12  CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this project has illuminated the far-reaching impact of unrealistic beauty standards on individuals and society as a whole. Through our exploration of various influences—from social media and advertising to cultural norms and media representation— we have seen how these ideals can shape perceptions of self-worth, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing these standards, particularly among vulnerable populations like teenagers, who are most susceptible to their effects. By promoting awareness, fostering discussions around body positivity, and encouraging diverse representations of beauty, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and create a more inclusive understanding of what beauty truly means. Ultimately, the journey toward redefining beauty is a collective effort that requires education, advocacy, and a commitment to celebrating individuality. As we continue to engage with this topic, we hope to inspire a shift towards a culture that values authenticity and diversity, allowing everyone to embrace their unique qualities without the weight of unrealistic expectations. 13 EVIDENCES: Google Form Survey: 14 15 16 17 18 REFLECTIONS The pervasive influence of beauty standards on our worldview is an open secret. My engagement with this project has heightened my awareness of its profound impact on our daily lives. A significant takeaway has been the recognition of the potentially negative consequences of unrealistic beauty standards. Reflecting on the project, a sense of pride swells within me for the collaborative spirit, unwavering dedication and resilience displayed by my team. The virtues of patience and understanding cultivated during this endeavour are enduring lessons. This project has spurred me to reassess all advertisements and billboards around me, fostering a new lens through which I perceive beauty standards. 19 ACTION PLAN 20 REFERENCES /BIBLIOGRAPHY https://chat.openai.com/ https://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/1045664/Unrealistic-Beauty- Standards https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6061013/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/beauty-standards-and-mental-health https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/awesome-reads/dominating-beauty- standards-4-reasons-why-high-beauty-standards-are-dangerous-50709/ https://fherehab.com/learning/beauty-standards-mental-health 21