reflection 2
Book: The beauty myth
Wolf, Naomi. 2015. The Beauty Myth. London, England: Vintage Classics.
Summary of the book
This book is written by Naomi Wolf, and it is about the idea of beauty myth and how this myth perpetuates in society, which lead to sufferings of women both emotionally and physically. The beauty myth is an ideology of pursuing physical perfection, which is a standard set by male as an implement to manipulate women. Women, who are trapped in self-doubts and self-deprecation because of the idea of beauty, are the victims of this cultural and political oppression. Commercialism and pop culture accentuated this issue as magazines, movies and commercial advertisements are all promoting the image of “the flawless beauty”.
There are six sections of this book, work, culture, religion, sex, hunger, and violence. The six sections faithful describe different aspects of the beauty myth and how it impacts women in their everyday life. Naomi dug deep into how this beauty myth concept contribute to torture against women both economically and personally. She also revealed the whole system that drives women to be meticulous about their appearance and makes a profit out of it.
Some critics such as James (1991) and Long (1992) argue that Naomi herself can’t make a solid conclusion according to the evidence she found. Others may consider this book outdated since it was written 30 years ago. However, I think Naomi did cast light on the beauty myth and provide a multidimensional analysis that is still relatable to us.
The pedagogical use of the book: If you can consider using it for language teaching purposes, and if so how. If you think you can’t, then articulate your reasons for why.
Some parts of it can be used as language teaching materials but mainly for students who are in an advanced level. Otherwise there needs to be some adaptations to fit students ‘level. A plethora of sentences in this book are long, complex sentences that need to be cut down and there also exist many terminology words related to feminism that also needs to be explained to students.
This book also wrote about several waves of feminism movements and how those feminism movements lead to changes in mainstream dogma, which I think also require some background knowledge. Supplementary materials need to be selected according to students’ level as well. However, some chapters of this book can be utilized to train students to grasp the main idea of a text and be integrated into formative assessment.
Also, this book can be a good source for those students who wants to take TOEFL or IELTS tests. It is important to get them exposed to unfamiliar topics of science, social science, history, and other branches of knowledge that may appear in the test. It can also be adapted to listening materials such as lectures to practice their listening skills. Students can also do follow-up activities such as group discussions, which includes summary of the text and open discussion.
Discussion points in the book for your students to reflect on
- Students can reflect critically on the concept of beauty and how the cosmetic industry as well as pop culture construct the concept of beauty: What is beauty? Does beauty have a certain standard? How is beauty depicted by cosmetic industry and pop culture?
- Students can also draw connections between what they read with reality of thousands of girls who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder and body shame: Have you experienced or witnessed body shame? How do you feel about the lean, gorgeous images on Instagram and other social media? How do those images contribute to eating disorder and other psychological issues?
- They can also discuss about commercialism, male gaze, and misogyny related to the beauty myth: Do you know about plastic surgeries? Why do people pay a lot of money to do plastic surgeries/buy cosmetics? Whom to please during those processes?
How the book embodies/reflect the core concepts and issues we discussed in the class
We talk a lot about misogyny, patriarchy, inequality and how women are disciplined under this system structure which includes the everyday language we use, the stereotypes that are implemented and narratives that associated with feminists and feminist movements. This book focused specifically on the beauty myth and criticized how the concept of beauty is constructed by cosmetic industries and media, which cause physically and psychologically trauma for women. The idea of pursuing beauty paralleled with the path of feminist movement and as more and more women come to realize that beauty standards set by men are restraining women from liberation.
Citations
James, C. (1991, May 7). Critic’s notebook; feminine beauty as a masculine plot.The New York Times. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/07/books/critic-s-notebook-feminine-beauty-as-a-masculine-plot.html.
Long, K. M. (1992). [Review of The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty are Used Against Women, by N. Wolf]. American Periodicals, 2, 151–153.
Wolf, N. (1991). The Beauty myth: How images of beauty are used against women. London: Vintage.
Mujun, thank you so much for sharing your reflection on a topic that is so impactful and important to talk about. Like so many others, I have spent what I consider to be an unfortunate amount of my life worrying about my appearance. For me, it started in eighth grade when one of my then-best friends said “Steph, my mom and I were talking last night about how you would be so pretty if you wore makeup, put highlights in your hair and tried a little harder with your outfits.” I brushed this comment off at the time because I didn’t (and still don’t) believe that my friend had meant harm; instead, I think she was genuinely trying to help me, without considering the consequences of her words. This was the start of a long personal battle of “pursuing beauty” so that I could be seen as worthy in the eyes of society. While I am in a better place now, it’s something that still affects me and I sometimes need to catch myself and remind myself that my worth is not dependent on my appearance. I can only imagine that this is an issue that continues to be present, and perhaps has even increased with the rise of social media, which is really worrying (and is a reminder of why it’s more important than ever that as a society, we keep having these conversations and dismantling the harmful ideology that people should look a certain way, because as you mentioned, it has the potential to be physically and psychologically traumatic). Your reflection really hit home for me, Mujun–thanks again for sharing!
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your comment. I find that it is sometimes toxic to pursue “perfect beauty” and I feel extremely nervous when some friends tell me that I become fat. Now I embrace the fact that it is okay to have some fat as long as you are healthy (physically and mentally). And I find that US and European counties are more tolerant than Asian countries about weight or body shape, and that what I really like about.
Hi June,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book. The book seems interesting and is relevant to today’s society as many people want to become like those they see on the media. For example, having a “perfect” body and trying to look a certain way to achieve this idea of perfection. Your first question in your discussion questions section reminded me a lot about my experience in Asia. I remember being abroad and seeing a lot of skin care advertisements that advertised skin bleaching products to make one’s skin lighter. As someone who grew up in Southern California, where the sun is out year-round, I felt a bit self-conscious about my skin color. I think it was a bit difficult to embrace my appearance when there were many advertisements that emphasized lighter skin color is better.
In your reflection, you mentioned that there are six sections in the book. Which section was your favorite? Do you see any ideas from that section that reflect East Asian values?
Hi Sharon , thank you for sharing your experience. It is so true. The beauty standards are so different between Asia and US. What you said just reminds me of a piece of news on social media, https://www.yahoo.com/now/dior-sparks-local-controversy-over-233913008.html. In fact, many Chinese girls choose to do double lid eye surgery to look like Europeans more. I think I like the section “Hunger” most because in Asia we are always told to stay slim and it is the section that I resonate most. Many teenagers in China induce vomit to lose weight, which is not healthy at all.
I have heard about the double lid eye surgery that many Asian people undergo just to look more Western. I think it relates a lot of how many Asian countries glorify the West.
Thanks again for the reflection and insight!
Hi Mujun, thanks for sharing this thoughtful reflection on “The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf. I am adding it to my list of books to read!! Like others who have commented this book hits me personally. At about the age of 11, is when I started worrying about my weight and looks. I remember going to summer camp and the news people showed up to talk to pre-teen girls about body image. I was chosen to be interviewed and they were asking me some questions. I told them I was dieting because I needed to lose weight. (Back story) Some of my friends were smaller in size then me, so I thought I was overweight and needed to lose some. Obviously, when I look back at pictures, I was not but now I think what was influencing me to see myself like that. There was no social media or cell phones but, the media, tv shows, and teen magazines still had a big impact! I think about young girls today and how much more they are impacted because it’s at the tip of their fingers. This makes me think about the documentary on Netflix called “The Social Dilemma”. They suggest that young people especially teenagers don’t have access to social media because it causes depression.
I like the discussion points you suggested for students. I think it’s important to talk about how different cultures view beauty. This also applies to your comment reply to Stephanie. Some countries view heaviness as beautiful. Someone in South Africa called me fat, and I wanted to burst out crying. After, I was made aware that it was not meant to be hurtful but it’s important to talk about these topics.
Dear Yanci, I am sorry to hear your story in South Africa. I feel that teenagers really need support and love from their family and friends when they are in self doubts about their body. Social media and TV industry also need to stop promoting unhealthy body image. Also, thank you so much for sharing your story and the documentary.
Hi Mujun, thank you for this thoughtful reflection. Like other commenters, I also feel a personal connection. I was amazed when I taught a food-themed writing course how many of my students ended up researching and writing about fad diets, eating disorders, and body image. I remember as a little girl having to “pass inspection” by my dad before leaving the house. It was meant (I think) as a cute family sort of thing, but it was never something my brothers had to do, and when I became a preteen and then teenager, there was sometimes conflict about what I wanted to wear.
Like Yanci suggested, I wonder about how much more intense this beauty myth can be for young girls and teenagers today – I was thinking that the recent debates about the effects of Instagram and other social media on young women and body image, etc., would be an interesting resource to supplement with if you used the beauty myth book in the classroom.
Dear Mollie, thank you for your comment. And I like the point you made about how boys and girls are perceived differently by their appearance or clothes they wear etc. I was also thinking about male gaze and how it forces us unconsciously to be meticulous about beauty and appearance.
Hi Mujun! Thank you for such a great reflection. I really enjoyed reading your post and can relate to much of what my classmates said above. Especially as someone who did ballet very seriously at a relatively young age, this idea of bodily perfection equalling thin-ness is something that really resonates with me. We literally had a class every month called “Perfection” where we were required to wear white leotards and pointe shoes and were filmed at very unflattering angles and then had to watch the video and critique ourselves with our teacher. It was deeply problematic and I think played off of the ways young girls are socialized in American society. Young girls are taught to be quiet, not take up space (in this case, literally), and conform. That was really the message this class sent- not that we were improving as dancers, but that we needed to fit the ideal body type and if we didn’t, we were fundamentally flawed as people.
I want to highlight as well, that not only is this beauty standard a result of colliding patriarchy and misogyny, it is also deeply based in Whiteness and euro-centric beauty ideals, inherently sending the message that folks who do not have euro-centric features do not fit into this standard. While I definitely agree that this beauty myth is objectifying and most visibly and intensely present in the lives of young women, men are also victims of a beauty myth. The male gaze is a powerful one and much of the male beauty standard are just as harmful and present in social media as those placed on young women. I’m curious, did the book touch on this at all?
Lastly, I really like your specificity that this could be a good text for someone preparing for either TOEFL or IELTS exams. I had not thought of this but can see how some of the nuanced vocabulary and exposure to diverse subjects could really help someone prepare!
Hi Sydney, it is so interesting to hear an opinion from a ballet performer. It is so strict! Thank you for pointing out patriarchy and misogyny, this book did touch it. But when it comes to men as victims of beauty myth, this book only puts it in a context of gay relationships but did not extend it to a broader sense. Also, echoing your point of “it is also deeply based in Whiteness and euro-centric beauty ideals”, I also want to share this news with you, https://www.yahoo.com/now/dior-sparks-local-controversy-over-233913008.html. What many Chinese girls are pursuing is double lid eyes and white skin, and they are all based on a western aesthetic. Someone even advised me to do double lid eye surgery so that I “can be more pretty”, I refused and remained one single lid eye, one double lid eye.
Wow so much has been shared in relation to this topic! This is why I like these short books reflections because we get to touch upon hot topics and issues that don’t necessarily make it to class discussions but are definitely related to our themes. It’s however interesting that the book didn’t touch upon patriarchy and misogyny, maybe it’s done more implicitly? How about capitalism?
Dear Deniz, thank you for the comment. I agree with you that it is done more implicitly and it also address capitalism along with commercialism and advertisement. Again, I really appreciate that you gave us a chance to read a book we like and I enjoyed it very much.
Alliant Powder – Herco 1 LB (Copy)
Hodgdon Varget Smokeless Rifle Powder (1 lb or 8 lbs)
WINCHESTER SUPER HANDICAP 8lb
WINCHESTER SUPER HANDICAP
H322 Powder HODGDON
12 Ga. 2-3/4″ Steel Shot Wads (100 Wads)
WINCHESTER WINCLEAN 244
Steel Shot #7 (bag/10#)
IMR 4831 Smokeless Powder
Winchester 231 Smokeless Gun Powder 8lb
Hodgdon H50BMG Rifle Powder
760 8lbs – Winchester Powder
Winchester Powder – 296 8Lb.
Winchester Powder – 296 4 Lb.
Winchester Powder AutoComp 8lb
Hodgdon Powder – H-4350 8lb
Hodgdon Powder – H1000 8lb
Hodgdon Powder – H-4350 1Lb.
Hodgdon Powder – BLC-2 8lb
Hodgdon Powder – 800-X 8lb
Hodgdon Pyrodex RS Black Powder Substitute 1 lb
Hodgdon Powder Int.Clays 14oz
H4831SC 8lbs – Hodgdon Powder
H4831 1lb – Hodgdon Powder
H380 8lbs – Hodgdon Powder
CFE-223 8lbs – Hodgdon Powder
Hodgdon #800X 8 Lb. Keg
800-X 8 lb – Hodgdon Powder
Red Dot 8 lbs – Alliant Powder
700-X 4lb. – Hodgdon Powder
Re-16 8lbs – Alliant Powder
Herco 8lbs � Alliant Powder
Green Dot 8lbs – Alliant Powder
Bullseye 8lbs – Alliant Powder
BE-86 8 lbs – Alliant Powder
Alliant Powder – Unique 8lbs
Alliant Powder – Steel 1lb.
Alliant Powder – Sport Pistol 1#
Alliant Powder – Re-33 1lb.
Alliant Reloder 22 Smokeless Gun Powder
Alliant Reloder 16 Smokeless Gun Powder
Alliant Green Dot Smokeless Gun Powder
Alliant Powder Reloder 33 8lb.
Alliant Powder – Promo 8lbs
Mossberg Maverick 88 Field Shotgun 12 Gauge 3″ Chamber 28″ 5-Round
Panzer Arms BP12 Semi-Automatic Shotgun 12 GA 20″ Barrel 3″-Chamber 5-Rounds
Remington 870 TAC-14 Black 20GA 14-in 4rd Pistol Grip
Remington 870 Tac-14 12-Gauge 14″ Barrel 5 RDs Blued/Hardwood
Remington Model 870 Tac-14 Black 12 Gauge 14 inch Barrel 5 Rounds with Magpend and Arm ul M-Lok fore-Brace
Remington 870 Express Black 12 GA 3-inch Chamber 18-inch 6Rd
Mossberg 590 Shockwave Blued 20 GA 14-inch Barrel 6 Rounds
Remington 870 TAC-14 12-Gauge 14.5″ Barrel 4 RDs
Dickinson Defense Black 12GA 18.5-inch 5rd
Mossberg Maverick 88 12GA 20-inch 8Rd
G-Force GFP3 12 GA 20″ Barrel 3″-Chamber 4-Rounds
Silver Eagle RZ17 Tactical Shotgun 12 GA 18.5-inch 4Rds
Savage Stevens 320 12/18.5/3 inch 5rd PG Ghost
Mossberg 500 ATI Scorpion Pump Shotgun Flat Dark Earth 12 Ga 18.5 inch 6 rd
Standard Manufacturing Company DP-12 12GA 18.875in 14rd
Kel-Tec KS7 Tactical Pump Shotgun 12 GA 18.5-inch 6Rds
Winchester SX4 UPLAND FLD 12/26 BL/WD 3
Kel-Tec KSG 12 GA 18.5″ Barrel 14-Rounds Optics Ready
Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12-Gauge 14″ Barrel 6 RDs with Bead Sight Blue
Pointer SCT Basic Trap Walnut 12 GA 30″ Barrel 3″-Chamber 1-Rounds
Glock 19 Gen 5 9mm 4.02-inch Barrel 15-Rounds
Glock 43X 9mm 3.41″ Barrel 10-Rounds Fixed Glock Sights
Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Centennial .38 Special 1.9″ Barrel 5 RDs Stainless Steel
Heritage Firearms Rough Rider Blued / Cocobolo Grip .22LR 6.5-inch 6Rd
Q Mini Fix Pistol Gray .300 AAC Blackout 8″ Barrel 10-Rounds Optics Ready
Cobra Firearms Derringer .22 Mag Black Wood Grips
Bond Arms Snake Slayer with TG 45/410 3.5-inch
North American Arms Ported Snub 22/22M 1.125-inch 5rd
Bond Arms Rustic Defender Stainless .45 LC 3″ Barrel 2-Rounds Holster Package
Glock 43 Flat Dark Earth 9mm 3.39″ Barrel 6-Rounds
Ruger American Compact 9MM Black 3.55-inch 17rd with safety
Sig Sauer P226 Full Size Single/Double Black 9mm 4.4-inch 15Rds
Beretta A400 Xcel Multitarget Walnut/ Black 12 GA 30-Inch 4Rd
Federal Premium Gold Medal Small Pistol Match Primers #100M
Federal Premium Gold Medal Large Rifle Match Primers #210M Box of 1000 (10 Trays of 100)
CCI Percussion Caps #10 Box of 1000 (10 Cans of 100)
Hevishot 28004 Hevi-Hammer 12 Gauge 3″ 1 1/4 oz 4 Shot 25 Rounds
Glock 19X Gen 5 Flat Dark Earth 9mm 4.02″ Barrel 19-Rounds Streamlight TLR7A
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M 2.0 Black 9mm 3.1″ Barrel 8 Round MA Compliant
Sig Sauer MPX Copperhead Coyote Tan 9mm 3.5-inch 20Rds
Ruger EC9s 9mm 3.12″ Barrel 7-Rounds Hogue HandALL Grip
S&W PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 M2.0 9MM 5″ 17RD NO THUMB SAFETY
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm 5″ Barrel 17 RDs Flat Dark Earth without Safety
Alliant Powder – Ex.-Lite 1 Lb
Ruger AR-556 Flat Dark Earth .223 / 5.56 NATO 16-inch 30rd Magpul M-LOK
Ruger AR-556 Magpul MOE Black AR-15 .223 / 5.56 NATO 16.1-inch 30RdR
Hornady Custom ammunition 405 Winchester 20rd Ammo
CZ 75 TS CZECHMATE PARROT (9MM) C-MORE RED DOT
Sig Sauer P210 Carry Pistol 9mm 8 RD Night Sights
Glock 19 Gen 5 9mm 4.02-inch Barrel 10-Rounds Fixed Sights
Glock 30 Gen 4 Black .45ACP 3.78-inch 10 Rds
Glock 45 Gen 5 9mm 4.02-inch 10Rds
Glock 19 Gen5 Flat Dark Earth 9mm 4.02″ Barrel 15-Rounds
Sig Sauer P226 Full Size Legion RX Gray 9mm 4.4″ 15-Round Night Sights
Sig Sauer P938 9mm 3-inch 7rds Black Siglite Night Sights Massachusetts Compliant
AUTO-ORDNANCE THOMPSON 1927A-1 DELUXE 45ACP 16.5-INCH 50RD DRUM 2 REVIEWS 6 QUESTIONS 8 ANSWERS
Colt Anaconda Revolver 44 Rem Magnum Stainless Steel
Ruger LCP II .22 LR Pistol
Rugar Wrangler OD 22LR Barrel 6-rounds
Sig Sauer P322 22LR 4″ 20Rd, Black
Colt 1911 Government Pistol 5″ Barrel Black Picatinny Rail Checkered Gray G10 Grip Novak Sights
Springfield Armory Mil-Spec Defender 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol 45 ACP 5″ Barrel 7-Round Parkerized Wood
Girsan MC P35 Hi-Power Semi-Automatic Pistol
Q Honey Badger SD 7″ 300 BLK SBR w/ Silencer
FN FNX-45 Tactical Pistol 45 ACP 5.3″ Barrel Night Sights Polymer
Walther CCP M2 9mm Concealed Carry Pistol
FN 502 Tactical 22LR Pistol With Threaded Barrel – (1) 15 Round and (1) 10 Round Mag
Girsan MC P35 Hi-Power Semi-Automatic Pistol
FN 509 Tactical 9mm
NEW COLT PYTHON 2022 3″ .357 MAGNUM 6RD STAINLESS WOOD GRIPS
Sig Sauer P322 Magazine 22LR 20rounds/25rounds
Sig Sauer P365XL Spectre Comp Semi-Automatic Pistol
Sig Sauer P320 Spectre Comp Semi-Automatic Pistol
Kel-tec P17
FN 502 Magazine 22LR -15 Round and 10 Round
Sig Sauer P365 Magazine 9mm 12-Rounds
FN FNX-45 Tactical Pistol 45 ACP 5.3″ Barrel Night Sights Polymer
Sig Sauer P320 X-Five Legion Pistol 9mm Luger 5″ Barrel 17-Round Polymer Gray
Charles Daly AR 410 Complete Upper .410 GA 19″ Barrel 5-Rounds
Sig Sauer P320 AXG Equinox Semi-Automatic Pistol
Sig Sauer P226 MK25 MA Compliant Semi-Automatic Pistol 9mm Luger 4.4″ Barrel 10-Round Nitron Black
Sig Sauer P320 Compact Semi-Automatic Pistol
IMR Enduron 4451 Smokeless Gun Powder
Titanium Gold Desert Eagle Pistol 50 AE
9mm 9×19 Ammo 115gr FMJ CCI Blazer Brass (5200) 1000 Round Case
9mm 9×19 Ammo 124gr FMJ Federal American Eagle (AE9AP) 1000 Round Case
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press Ammo Plant
Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 Complete Lower Receiver
BCM AR-15 Complete Pistol Lower Receiver Forged
Alliant Powder – Bullseye 4lbs
9mm 9×19 Ammo 115gr FMJ Remington Military LE Training (B9MM3) 500 Round Case
CCI Blazer 9mm 115GR FMJ 50Rds Aluminum case
Winchester Ammunition 115 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass 9mm 50Rds
Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics FMJ 124 Grain Brass 9mm 50Rds
Remington UMC 9mm 147GR FMJ 50rds
Winchester USA Ammunition 40 S&W 165 Grain Full Metal Jacket Flat Nose 50rds
Federal Champion Ammunition 40 S&W 180 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Case
Federal Champion Ammunition 40 S&W 180 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Case
Taurus TX22 Compact
Hi-Point JXP 10 Pistol
Kel-Tec KSG 12 GA 18.5″ Barrel 14-Rounds Optics Ready
Ohio Ordnance Works H.C.A.R. Flat Dark Earth .30-06 16″ Barrel 30-Rounds
Sig Sauer P238 Semi-Automatic Pistol 380 ACP 2.7″ Barrel 7-Round Cerakote Black
Canik TP9 Elite Combat Semi-Automatic Pistol
Diamondback Sidekick Combo Revolver 22 Long Rifle 4.5″ Barrel 9-Round Black
Sig Sauer P229 M11A1 Semi-Automatic Pistol
CMMG DISSENT Mk57 20th Anniversary Semi-Automatic Pistol 5.7x28mm FN 6.5″ Barrel 20-Round Northern Lights Black
CMMG Resolute 100 Mk4 .22 Long Rifle AR-15 Upper Receiver 17″
Ruger AR-556 Lower Receiver Black .223 / 5.56 NATO