Shaping the Beauty Standards Rhode(2010) focuses on the foundations of what shapes the beauty standards in America. The main factors shaping beauty, according to Rhode(2010), are: sociobiological, cultural, market forces, medical as well as media. Beauty is shaped by sociobiological foundations based on the theory that individuals whose genes have survived are who choose mates with characteristics conductive to reproductive success. Rhode(2010) believes that attractiveness is one of these factors because beauty is seen as signals of health and fertility, especially in females. The second factor shaping beauty is cultural values, status and identity. Rhode(2010) mentions that social status has a major influence on appearance. Wealth and
…show more content…
This means that the idea of appearance discrimination should be more focused on the individuals merit and performance rather than their physical appearance. Rhode(2010) expresses that in a recent survey, roughly ninety percent of obese individuals reported that they have been a victim of humiliating comments, jokes and nicknames in the workforce. Obese individuals lose job opportunities due to employers stereotyping them as lazy, sloppy and lacking self-discipline along with emotional stability. In successful companies, employers will not hire an obese person to work at an upper level position with the idea that if this individual cannot control themselves, how will they control a team and budget (Rhode, 2010). Rhode claims that “discrimination based on appearance unfairly stigmatizes individuals based on factors that often are at least partly beyond their control” (Rhode, 2010, …show more content…
Kimmel(1996) focuses on masculinity throughout history whereas Rhode(2010) explores the beauty aspect involving women. Kimmel(1996) mentions the hardships men have dealt with throughout time having to prove their masculinity as well as being afraid of being dominated by another male. Rhode(2010) focuses on what aspects construct the ideals of beauty within the American society. Both of these topics create issues within an individuals life. Issues such as; low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, feeling unworthy as well as one feeling shameful or guilty can all occur when society is a dominant force. These constructions of masculinity and feminism need to be deconstructed in order for individuals to feel at ease with themselves and to eventually learn how to self
This means that the idea of appearance discrimination should be more focused on the individuals merit and performance rather than their physical appearance. Rhode(2010) expresses that in a recent survey, roughly ninety percent of obese individuals reported that they have been a victim of humiliating comments, jokes and nicknames in the workforce. Obese individuals lose job opportunities due to employers stereotyping them as lazy, sloppy and lacking self-discipline along with emotional stability. In successful companies, employers will not hire an obese person to work at an upper level position with the idea that if this individual cannot control themselves, how will they control a team and budget (Rhode, 2010). Rhode claims that “discrimination based on appearance unfairly stigmatizes individuals based on factors that often are at least partly beyond their control” (Rhode, 2010, …show more content…
Kimmel(1996) focuses on masculinity throughout history whereas Rhode(2010) explores the beauty aspect involving women. Kimmel(1996) mentions the hardships men have dealt with throughout time having to prove their masculinity as well as being afraid of being dominated by another male. Rhode(2010) focuses on what aspects construct the ideals of beauty within the American society. Both of these topics create issues within an individuals life. Issues such as; low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, feeling unworthy as well as one feeling shameful or guilty can all occur when society is a dominant force. These constructions of masculinity and feminism need to be deconstructed in order for individuals to feel at ease with themselves and to eventually learn how to self