Thirty-three instances showcasing the disparity in beauty standards for women and men as they age, illustrated.
In today's society, it's pretty evident that the standards for beauty and aging differ significantly between men and women. Let's take a closer look at this issue, focusing on the fascinating subject of aging and the varying expectations it has for both genders.
Pedro Pascal and the Silver-Fox Look
For instance, have you noticed how Pedro Pascal, star of The Last of Us, has been admired for his 50-year-old looks, being labeled as a man who "ages like a fine wine"? I mean, come on, he totally rocks the silver-fox look!
Jennifer Aniston: The Age-Old Pressure
On the other hand, Jennifer Aniston has been unfairly branded as "aged out" by the media, facing the daunting pressure to look ageless as soon as she turned 50. Not cool, guys!
Cameron Diaz on the struggles of aging in Hollywood
Cameron Diaz isn't afraid to dish on what it's like to grow older in the glamor industry. In her bestseller, The Longevity Book, she opened up about the challenges and outright heartbreak of realizing that she might be discarded from the industry just because she's no longer 25. Ugh, ageism sucks, right?
Beauty Standards: A Playground of Gender Bias
The beauty standards we follow are subjective, but when it comes to age and gender, they sure lean heavily towards one sex. In case you missed it, these standards apply equally to the size, shape, and features of our bodies. Yikes.
The Good, the Bad, and the "Ugly" - Aging for Women Versus Men
When it comes to aging, the treatment toward men and women is night and day. Women are often shamed for embracing their age, while their male counterparts are praised for it. Forget that double standard! It's high time we raised awareness of these unjust expectations and maybe, just maybe, someday they'll shift.
Sources:[1] Beauty Ideals, Gender Ideals, and Adolescent Health. (n.d.). Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved June 12, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673380/
[2] Gross, C. P. (2016, January 28). From Man to Man-Chest: The Changing Cultural Politics of Masculinity and the Women's Movement. University of Chicago Press.
[3] Kimmel, M. S. (2013). Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era. Oxford University Press.
[4] Sedki, B., & Kouz, R. (2018). Arab Women's Beauty Standards as a Social Barometer. University of Manitoba.
[5] Tiger, L. (2008, February 15). The female gaze. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/fashion/15designers.html
[6] Tong, R., Fitzgerald, S., Waller, W., & Chou, A. (2010). Feminist Lens for the 21st Century. Routledge.
Science and health-and-wellness experts often study the impact of beauty standards on the mental and physical health of individuals, particularly women. For instance, research has shown that unrealistic expectations for women's health and appearance can lead to increased stress levels, low self-esteem, and even eating disorders. In the realm of lifestyle, it's crucial to promote a holistic approach that champions body positivity and celebrates women in all stages of their lives, fostering a sense of wellness and empowerment.
