Appearances Matter

Dixya Poudel

It goes without saying that outer appearances matter. From skin, hair and body, appearance bears a significant aspect in our lives. And today, body image is a growing concern among the youth. 

For many, weight is an unrelenting issue that hinders their self-esteem and confidence. Particularly girls and women are self-conscious about their bodies. Growing up, girls take in the subtle messages about their bodies and appearances as people are likely to comment on them. Such messages might be innocuous or just a passing statement but they still affect the sensibilities of young teenage girls. 

As such, body image refers to individuals’ feelings, thoughts and perception of the attractiveness of their bodies. People want to look their best, especially on social occasions. It helps them feel better about themselves. Further in choosing a partner, a beautiful appearance plays a crucial role. 

ince it helps cement a relationship, brings forth accolades and compliments and even helps increase popularity, it isn’t surprising that people want to look beautiful. Worldwide, billions of dollars are spent each year for beautification through skin care products, hair products and weight and body training equipment.

 Physical appearance is valued as it builds into a person’s confidence and even helps create a confident life. 

However, body image can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it fosters a healthy relationship with ourselves while on the negative scale, it hampers our confidence even leading to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Again it is young girls and women who are most afflicted by eating disorders as they are led to believe that their bodies aren’t up to the canons of the societies. 

There are subtle unwritten and unspoken rules when it comes to bodies. Toned, sculpted and lithe bodies are in vogue. But even body norms change according to the times. 

Centuries ago, it was in vogue to have curves and be a little overweight which is now frowned upon. Today entertainers, media personalities and public figures have to watch their weight like a hawk. 

Behind their flawless appearance is hours of training, cutting down on calories and pampering skin and hair treatments. 

Then there is the matter of photoshopped images and videos that make rounds on the social media, news sites and magazines. 

Laden with cosmetics and enhanced by photoshop filters and edits, such images and videos of celebrities send a wrong message to the masses. Beauty is a highly sought after attribute but to what effect? It is important to realise that appearances matter but only to an extent. A beautiful appearance can only take one so far. 

There are other attributes such as inner principles, values and beliefs that matter even more. One can be affected as much by personality as by an outer appearance. 

Thus, teenagers who are growing into their bodies must be taught to value not just their appearances but also their personality and temperament. The mirror doesn’t reflect inner self. The weighing machine doesn’t scale attributes such as kindness, empathy and compassion. 

The truth is one must invest in one’s personality as much as into outer appearance. We are born into our bodies and grow old in it. And as a vessel for life, both inner and outer self should be fostered with love and self-compassion.