beauty myth?

I agree with some aspects of the beauty myth. I agree that Beauty is definitely not biological or a sign of fertility, because the image of beauty varies so much all over the world it’s clearly a cultural issue. There has been an increase of eating disorders and cosmetic surgery clearly more concern with body image for females, but this concern applies to males as well. While women want to get skinnier to look like runway models men want to get bulkier. I think this might have something to do with feminist movements but I think its more increase in film and pop culture that puts more focus on the bodies of both men and women. I think it’s also the obesity issue in America and the increased health concern. For women today there is more of an interest in being fit and toned healthy than just skinny, living an athletic and healthy lifestyle is considered beautiful part of this is to counteract obesity issues, but I also think trying to lead a healthy lifestyle is often used cover up the superficial reasons, for exercise and diet like looking good in a swim suit. But I don’t think female beauty is purely a cause of the patriarchic society, it’s not just for men. Women like to feel beautiful just for themselves they search for the perfect pair of shoes or hand bag, knowing very well that men won’t really be concerned with a strappy gladiator sandal or a designer clutch but having something they think is cute gives them a sense of beauty and satisfaction that has nothing to do with men. Like offred's vegetable oil face lotion was'nt for anyone but her. Beauty while it might be taken too seriously by some doesnt need to be and definately wont be eradicated from society. And in handmaids tale we see a world with out objectification and its pretty grim we can also see this in 1984. while the feminists view beauty as something thats hampering women from attaining power, Attwood looks at it quite diffrently she suggests that objectification and sexuality is power for women. if you look at the girls at "the club" thier dressing in sexualized outfits and have alot of preasure put on thier bodies(if they gain ten pounds they go to solitary) but they seem much more powerful than the handmaids. you can see in the restroom scene thier loud they talk with authority and Moria, who Offred portrays as confident and powerful, is one of them. while i agree that the beauty obsession is unhealthy for women beauty can be seen as power will never be eradicated.