What is Beauty? & My Happy Medium

I have recently started two networks through ning.com, which I LOVE, btw...but one of my new members on B.YOUneek (the network) has brought up a really interesting discussion that spurred me on to write this post. What defines beauty? Who defines beauty? To me, it seems that there's an overwhelming answer: the media. I'm not the only one who thinks so...

Posted by Julie LaFerrera on September 10, 2008 at 11:34pm

I am pretty much convinced that you cannot be an mtv reality star without a huge set of fake boobs. It's starting to get ridiculous now.

Comment by Graziella Baratta

Sadly enough, I think you may be right Julie...this is what the cameras focus on, jeez! What's our society coming to? If it makes you feel better, I was on MTV a number of times (but not as a reality star), and I certainly don't have fake breasts :)

Comment by Julie LaFerrera

And you look amazing and confident! This subject always bothers me b/c it seems like the media aways focuses on trying to make yourself happy from the outside in rather than the inside out. They make it seem that being tan with a perfect body is all a woman needs to be happy in life.

Comment by Graziella Baratta

Thank you, Julie! You are sooooo right about this. I think being happy with oneself is two-fold. When you feel good, you look good...but when you look good, you also feel good. Defining what "looks good" is where the discrepancy is... Each person has their own unique look, and people don't seem to embrace that, but rather try to fit themselves into a mold that does not work for everyone. I'm all for the "YOUneekness" in every woman and man, for that matter....nothing beats authenticity.

Let's just say that for the sake of entertainment, this is the reason most networks focus on the sex appeal of the body. This is how they make their money. However, I don't think that the media takes enough responsibility for how our society is affected, particularly children. There's really no consciousness for what is put out there as "entertainment." I'm not one to argue that beauty is entertaining, but there is also a limit of "appropriateness" that needs to be drawn.

The old cliche saying holds true; "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Beauty really does come from within. If you're a happy, fulfilled, healthy person you are going to exude beauty. There is something to be said though, for not being happy with one's looks. That issue may be deep- rooted beyond it's face value. However, I also feel that the media plays a part in helping breed insecurities on how one looks.

With that said, and being a woman who is subjected to "beauty pressures," I have found my happy medium...B.YOUneek! B.YOUneek, pronounced be unique, is a brand (name of my image consulting & grahic/web design companies) I created a few years ago that to me means to bring out the best in an individual without conforming to a stereotype. There's nothing more rewarding to me than to know I've helped someone achieve confidence while still remaining true to oneself; that is their natural beauty & personality. Beauty does not mean looking like Barbie- it means being the best YOU that you can be, inside and out. I love helping others bring out the best in themselves, and knowing that they feel truly beautiful inside and out. :)