What is Beauty?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

We’ve all heard this cliché before countless times, however, how much do we believe it ourselves? Society is obsessed with beauty and perfection. Plastic surgery is one of the most lucrative medical industries right now, grossing several billion dollars each year. TV shows like Dr. 90210, America’s Next Top Model, and even Deal or No Deal stress the idea of beauty and perfection. However, who defines what is beautiful and what isn’t? In society today, many women (and men) wish to change their own features to fit into the norms. From bigger breasts, to smaller noses, and even more defined jaws, people seem to want something they don’t have.

In Pecola’s case, she desires to have blue eyes because she feels pressured by society. From the Shirley Temple cups to the little girl on the candy wrapper, images of little white girls with blue eyes surround poor Pecola. She feels ugly and is constantly referred to as “an ugly little girl” (Morrison 138). Pecola has been told that she is ugly. That idea has been engraved in her mind that she is so convinced she is a “nasty little black bitch” (Morrison 72). In some way, Pecola is our hero. End the end of the book, Morrison describes a scene where Pecola actually has blue eyes. However, she discovers that she will never be satisfied. “Suppose my eyes aren’t blue enough? / Blue enough for what? / Blue enough for… I don’t know. Blue enough for something.” (Morrison 161).

Our society is plagued with perfection and the desire to be beautiful. Pecola’s indirect realization that she will never be perfect or ideal proves her to be the hero. She has self-sacrificed herself for humanity in the name of beauty. In other words, her story is a testimony for others to learn and truly be content with who they are. I’m not sure if we can call the ending happy, though. Her story is not happy at all. It is depressing and horrible. However, because we can learn from Pecola, she is a hero. Life in Lorain continues. After Pecola’s baby dies, and Pecola drops out of school, life goes on. I would say the ending reflects life in that after a tragic event, you simply have to keep on living for your own sake.

I believe that everyone is beautiful. In society, people get so caught up with impressing others and trying to be something they aren’t that they forget about themselves and their own happiness. Morrison, in the novel, contends that “romantic love [and] physical beauty [are] probably the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought” (Morrison 95). Granted, everyone see different physical features and characteristics in different people, and thus, evaluate people as more attractive than others. Never the less, people are beautiful in their diversity. It is vital to value Pecola for her strengths as an individual and what she has to offer society rather than impose on her what society expects of her.

Society indirectly forces people to conform. The need for satisfaction and happiness is high on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and people seek approval from others. In general, I try to avoid making comments to people like “you look pretty today” or “you look nice today” because it implies that material objects like a dress or a shirt make people beautiful. In reality, however, it is their people and their inner attributes that really matter. Obviously, being born/fixed to be “pretty” or “beautiful” according to society’s standards doesn’t hurt too much. Studies have shown that taller men and prettier women simply garner better treatment from society simply because of their looks.

The Bluest Eye was depressing because it showed how much beauty and perfection can hurt someone. I feel that Pecola is a hero and should be respected because of her innocence. When a child feels she is ugly because she is not like the rest of the girls, it signifies to adults that we have to change the mind set of society to value people not for their looks but for them as a person. For me, I’ve always wanted dark red hair just because. Not from pressure for society or from my peers, but because I think that dark red hair would look interesting. Does that mean that I am relying on society for approval? I’m not sure. Obviously, I wouldn’t see my own red hair when I walk around on campus. Only others would. So is this a cry for attention and approval. I’d say no. But at what point do we draw the line on individuality and call it conforming to society?