Imperfection is Beautiful

‘What a treacherous thing it is, to believe that a person is more than a person.’ – John Green, Paper Towns

Perfection.

It’s something that is so sought after, so deeply craved, so idolised. Something that has characterised the self-image of millions, changed lives and affected the confidence of a generation. Something that has been so heavily influenced by the media that it is now seen as desirable.

Perfection (noun)

1. conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type

2. excellence or wholeness beyond practical or theoretical improvement

The above definition is the dictionary meaning for the word perfection. However, as individuals, we all define perfection in a different way. Society tells us that perfection is merely physical; for girls, perfection is shaped in the media and fashion industries, where the average fashion model weighs 23% less than the average woman. Now, these women are the role models for thousands of girls across the world, whose biggest aspiration is to be as thin or as pretty or as attractive as they are. We are telling girls and boys alike to conform to the unbelievably unattainable standards of beauty through the popularisation and discrimination of the fashion and model industries.

Why are we as a society creating a world where the standards of beauty are so impossibly high that millions of both men and women feel they need to change an aspect of their appearance to be seen as attractive? Why has beauty been defined by physical appearance? Why are imperfections seen as weaknesses?

Personally, I believe that when it comes to one’s self-esteem, the biggest mistake we make is comparing ourselves to those around us. Whether it be at school, online, in the workplace or in print media, we are constantly making comparisons of physical attributes between ourselves and others. Although having an ideal weight or a body goal can be quite rewarding, society should be teaching us how to embrace our flaws, instead of telling us to change them.

For a long time, I wanted to be ‘perfect’. I wanted physical beauty; straight teeth, long hair, a slim figure. Subsequently, for a long time I was unhappy with my appearance; I only ever saw my flaws. Since entering high school, I have come to appreciate real beauty. I see beauty every day; I see it in my surroundings, in those I love. I have realised that being beautiful does not mean having nice eyes or thin legs; it means having positive thoughts, healthy interactions, and a beautiful attitude towards yourself and those around you.

Sincerely, Grace