The Beauty Myth

"There are only two questions that human beings have fought over, all through history. ‘How much do you love me?’ And ‘Who’s in charge?’"

- Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert

I feel that this quote from Eat Pray Love exemplifies the underlying concept that determines all actions of women. Call it a biological instinct, but the majority of women’s’ decisions and actions are based on gaining the love of a man, or men in general. The Beauty Myth demonstrates both these issues regarding women, in a very logical outlook. It is in fact a woman’s need for a mans attention that takes away this power they are fighting for. The influences that men and society have over women are strong enough to toy with their self-esteem, thereby removing a large aspect of their power.

Although this essay provides many viable points, I do not think it is merely women’s increasing power that has led to this new form of ‘private reality’ as a form of influence. I feel that this aspect of feminine nature has always been prevalent- the need to please men and look pretty. Although it has found many forms throughout history, it has always been a woman’s aim to get a man to answer the question ‘How much do you love me?’ and not as much ‘Who’s in charge?’. Women of all statuses and beauty levels face this insecurity, whether men desire them or not.

I found Wolf’s economic and history connections to the ‘beauty myth’ very interesting. When looking at history, the differences in ideals are quite surprising. It is sad that women are viewed as such objects of power in so many cultures, yet the common stereotype of man holding power still prevails. Wodaabe men, as Wolf described, would be seen as ‘gay’ or ‘homosexual’ in modern society, even though this behavior is what is expected out of women. The use of women’s insecurities as an economical tactic I also found interesting, for it is common in society to link sex, money, and politics.

Even though I completely agree with the notion that women are brought down in society by this ‘beauty myth’, I don’t feel that it only applies to women. Although status and money are a greater part of defining a man, the male youth are still influenced by this beauty myth. Boys are also looking to impress girls, constantly feeling insecure about how muscular they are, often resorting to steroids or excessive work out patterns. This is similar, although not as extreme, as what women go through to gain the acceptance and love of a man.

These two questions, as Gilbert said, have defined human behavior both emotionally, politically, and economically. Humans have learnt to play on the insecurities of the opposite sex in order to get what they want- both men and women. The women are just more emotionally and economically affected by it- being seen as the inferior sex. Perhaps it is necessary for society to have some influence over its society, in order to maintain some sort of organization.