The Effects Of Appearance In Society

In Jessica Bennett’s “Tales of a Modern Diva” and Daniel Akst’s “What Meets the Eye”, the focus highlights the effect of appearance in society and how it has caused a shift of focus among communities. Bennett’s and Akst’s articles focus on how the norms of society are changing and leaving consumers with addictions to things such as; perfection, youthfulness, and blending in. Although both articles focus on appearance, the two take a different direction with the reasoning behind this new trend. Bennett emphasizes how the younger generation is consumed with looking perfect because it is normal. Aksts’ approach emphasizes the need for more perfect appearances to ensure reproduction. Appearances have always been an evolving issue, but it

This creates an urge to spend everything they possibly can to correct their flaws. Having corrective surgery can play a toll on the body and mind, because essentially one is changing who they are and sometimes it might not be who they want to be. In contrast, Akst highlights the issue of obesity caused by the overwhelming nature of having the ideal image. People would much rather participate in
“aesthetic outsourcing”, or leaving the responsibility with people such as celebrities (193). The ability to give off responsibility has created a lazy society where people of all parts of life have begun “dressing down” (193). This trend creates a generalized society, allowing the lack of attention toward looks, even though deep down they still matter. Looks, even though thought of as not important, are important for many men when choosing a mate. Women who are less attractive, are less likely to get a compatible mate, resulting in a less likely positive future. Men rate women on their attractiveness and their status depends on a woman’s attractiveness to society (195). Societies evolving views have caused a rift in ideals, leading younger, school aged