“Trendy” Cosmetic Surgery Uses White Privilege to Influence Beauty Standards

Photo by ALEXANDRE DINAUT on Unsplash

In beauty, cosmetic surgery has become more and more accepted. Unsurprisingly, after Kylie Jenner’s lip injections, the world normalized the look of “plastic.”

Despite Kylie not being the first teenager to get her lips done, the Kardashian family is one of the most influential families in the world — whether they are liked or not. You may ask, what does the Kardashian/Jenner family have to do with beauty standards? They set them (or at least make them into trends).

Bias In Beauty

The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” has been heavily contested for years. To a certain degree, there is a level of truth to it. On the one hand, beauty is objective and changes depending on the person. On the other hand, where do these standards stem from?

Who decides what is “beautiful”? As mentioned earlier, Kylie Jenner is a public figure so influential with her aesthetics that she created her cosmetics line. Looking at the procedures she has undergone, one cannot help but wonder if she had a darker complexion, would there be a difference?

This is an essential question because it is no secret that Kiley is inspired by people of colour and is known for setting the expectation of body image. Her representation in social media where becomes controversial because many people are angry about the unrealistic beauty standards she is developing. Her representation is another issue entirely, but what is a more prevalent issue is the inspiration for her aesthetic, especially in terms of her cosmetic surgery procedures.

Beauty Of “Plastic”

Upon comparison of recent and previous photos, Kylie has undergone surgical procedures, and she has also openly admitted to them as well. From the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), lip injections, filler, and the popularized “Kybella” procedure (this is when the eyebrows are pulled back, creating a more seductive eye shape and the jawline is accentuated), these procedures are features that can be associated with certain races.

In terms of makeup and style, many makeup trends arise from Latin and African women. For example, having an hourglass-shaped body and full lips is common for many African and Latin women. Pulled-back eyes are familiar in Asian women, and so are high cheekbones.

The Kardashians have a past of using these styles or makeup trends on themselves and received public outrage. This begs the question, what does it say about beauty standards?

Women are the driving force of consumerism and, with time, find a plastic surgeon to align with their adjustments and needs. However, these beauty standards and trends are constantly inspired by people of colour; more often, white women get credit for it. On the one hand, it does create acceptance of these features and aesthetics. On the other hand, it still does not change that white women or white-passing women drive the acceptance.

As a consumer, it is essential to recognize the origin of trends, beliefs and standards because it often originates from racial groups. The media is overwhelmed with content, and being a passive viewer is no longer acceptable. When participating in social media, you must educate and hold yourself accountable.

The Truth About Beauty Standards

Inclusion and diversity have always been a problem in media, cosmetics, and the overall portrayal of women in magazines. When examining these procedures, many glamorize different aesthetics naturally dominant in certain races. If that is the case, why is it accepted in women of lighter complexion than those already born with it?

In my opinion, the beauty standard is not changing because of acceptance; instead, the incorporation of cosmetic procedures inspired by ethnic women on white women. This is a double-edged sword because although it broadens representation, it is an example of white beauty directing the standard.

This can explain women's constant dissatisfaction with their aesthetics because it is still insufficient, even if you are white. The narrative of being “not enough” drives the success of the beauty industry, but on the same note, there is always authenticity — if it is accepted.

Having a cosmetic surgeon is not problematic and does not mean getting these procedures is an issue. It just means that it requires thought when making these choices. Realize that these procedures are intended to enhance and not become another person. This is an important line to remember because some people unintentionally or intentionally go out of their way to like a particular race.

This becomes problematic for women and the overall people of colour community because it is incredibly degrading. When their beauty is accepted by another person who is typically white-passing or white, it is a reminder that the system is still at work.

Be-You-Tiful

Despite the toxicity of beauty standards, if the inspiration comes from people of colour, it is essential to remember to embrace yourself as a person of colour. In my opinion, “the beauty standard” is to be the standard that is authentically you. Anything from curly hair, big noses, darker complexion, petite features, and an average body is the standard of beauty. There is nothing wrong with cosmetic enhancement, either. Just remember to embrace yourself rather than change yourself in the process.

Conclusion 

Overall, women and beauty standards drive consumerism. There is a power in that because that also means that we hold the power of change. We must uplift and normalize the efforts of others to benefit themselves, even if they are still on their learning journey.

This is not to say that plastic surgery is wrong, more so that it should be done with empowerment and not from a place of shame or low vibration. As a collective, women can nurture the confidence and self-love we all struggled with because we were raised in a generation where mental health was not accepted. We can break the cycle of self-hate by uplifting one another, and realizing a win for one of us is also a win for all of us. 

To read more on beauty standards, read “Be An Ugly Trend Setter.”

To read more on beauty standards, read “Inner Beauty Is Outer Beauty.”

To read more on anti-aging practices, read “Anti-Aging Practices.”