Beauty - How To Succeed 4

Inner Beauty This is a particular concept which is commonly used to describe the distinctive characteristics of a specific subject or object that cannot be studied or observed physically. In the natural world, most species of animals rely on physical traits or, in some cases, a chemical signal, called a pheromone, which instigates a natural response in another member of the same species, to attract a mate. On the other hand, in the case of humans, the attribute that is often ascribed to in respect of “attraction” is the quality of inner beauty. And what is the nature of this imperceptible form of appeal? Since the dawn of creation, qualities that have aspired to satisfy such appeal include, amongst others, kindness, sensitivity, tenderness, compassion, creativity and intelligence. In recent years, researchers have studied the claims made by respondents which characterise those qualities that are paramount in the quest for human attraction. On the other hand, the studies have also embraced an analysis of their actual mating habits in order to derive a comparison between apparent and actual aspirations. The outcome of such research has, to some extent, pointed to an underlying superficiality in the concept of inner beauty. It would appear that, just like other animals, humans rely on physical traits and pheromones in their hunt for a mate. Such findings may be applicable to the society of today. However, even though the identified characteristics associated with inner beauty may not currently be regarded as perceived dominant traits in the mating arena, some have certainly provided an evolutionary survival advantage, be it in respect of an individual, or a mating couple, or even in a group situation. Effects on Society Social Comparison is a theory put forward, in 1954, by the social psychologist Leon Festinger. The essence of this theory is that individuals evaluate their own opinions and desires by comparing themselves to others. Festinger suggested that the tendency to compare oneself with another particular person becomes less important as the difference between his opinion or ability and that of one’s own becomes greater. His idea was that should there cease to be a comparison between one’s self and others, then this would lead to hostility and a reduction in the value of opinions. He went on to state that those people who are similar to an individual are more likely to produce accurate evaluations of abilities and opinions. According to Festinger’s theory, the concept of beauty presents a yardstick for human comparison. One such parameter related to the fact that resentment and dissatisfaction can set in should a certain standard of comparison not be met. In this respect, individuals who do not fit into the aspiration of the “ideal beauty” may, in some instances, be subjected to the humiliation of being ostracised from their peer groups. Ugly Betty is an American television sitcom series which has, as its focus, Betty Suarez, an unglamorous but well-meaning girl, out of place in her job at the society fashion magazine, Mode. The programme recounts the life of a girl faced with interminable hardships owing to her peer group’s unwelcoming attitudes toward those who, in their eyes, are deemed to be unattractive. Beauty – How To Succeed