As writer Sheena Holt interestingly puts it, “the problem…is that this female sexuality isn’t actually about female sexual power. Still, it makes me uncomfortable that the most omnipresent forms of “feminism” in our culture imply that we have to be conventionally beautiful in order to access social and financial autonomy. There’s undoubtedly power in reclaiming an asset that’s historically been used to objectify us, and making bank while doing it is an impressive feat. Consider the countless self-proclaimed artists, creatives, and influencers who aren’t really known for anything, yet boast millions of followers and steady incomes just for being pretty. Consider the few female rappers that manage to battle their way into the mainstream conscience, and the very specific, sexualized aesthetic many of them share. You know, the ones with hourglass figures and paid partnerships with fast-fashion houses. Somehow, our culture has reached a point where physical attractiveness feels like a prerequisite for success, and anyone aligned with these ideals is placed at an economic advantage.Ĭonsider the reality-stars-turned-businesswomen that form a huge chunk of most social media platforms. On Instagram, TikTok, and even YouTube, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the people with the most lucrative careers tend to be closest to the Western beauty standard (read: white, cis, and thin). Yet, after spending a little too much time on social media, I got thinking about our perceptions of beauty and why they actually hold any weight. Growing up across different cultures, I never really understood why a specific sort of girl was always deemed the most desirable, and I guess this left me with a broad view of the countless ways beauty can manifest. I’m not talking about cliché inner beauty, but rather pure physical attractiveness -the kind that makes me stop and stare. My friends joke about my ability to find beauty in almost everyone. “Thank you so much! You just made my day.” She left a little surprised and with a glow that wasn’t quite there before. She was flustered, but immediately started beaming.

Like, I see you all the time and just, wow.” “Oh my gosh, I just have to say that you’re so gorgeous.

I was in line to fill my bottle at the water fountain, standing behind a girl in the grade below me.

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