Introduction
The 10-point plan of the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) outlines a psychological rehabilitation program for communities impacted by past injustices that extend beyond monetary compensation. It is a thorough procedure meant to correct systemic prejudices in modern society, regain identities, and change public perspectives. According to Rahman (2020), examining the impact of beauty standards—especially those that prioritize Eurocentric features—and comprehending their substantial impact on the self-image and psychological well-being of people of African origin is a crucial aspect of this rehabilitation. The CRC’s demand for psychological rehabilitation touches on some current concerns, and examining beauty standards’ impact through this lens offers a comprehensive viewpoint on the long-lasting effects of past injustices. This analysis seeks to explore the complex connection between beauty standards and the psychological effects on people of African descent, taking into account both historical roots and modern expressions. Comprehending this dynamic is crucial to appreciate the intricacies of psychological rehabilitation within the framework of historical legacies and their influence on the formation of contemporary society norms and personal identities.
Beauty standards and psychological implications
The maintenance of certain beauty standards, which are mostly Eurocentric ideals, has a significant effect on people’s mental health, especially African Americans. These standards impose a limited concept of beauty that marginalizes other physical attributes and upholds an aesthetic value hierarchy (Baqer and Taher, 2021). They are frequently spread through the media, fashion, and social conventions. Research in psychology has repeatedly demonstrated the negative impacts that tightly defined beauty standards have on people’s perceptions of their bodies, their self-worth, and their general mental health (Health and Social Care Committee, 2022). The gap between the standards of beauty that are widely accepted and the physical characteristics that African-Americans possess causes them to feel inadequate, which in turn makes them feel inferior to others and has a detrimental impact on how they view themselves. Paschal (2012) assert that, people whose physical characteristics differ from the ideal standards experience higher levels of body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem as a result of internalizing Eurocentric beauty standards, which causes a dissonance between personal identity and society norms. This psychological effect is a direct result of historical legacies that excluded a variety of representations of beauty and imposed and reinforced particular values.
Historical roots of beauty standards
The heritage of colonialism, enslavement, and imperialist ideas is deeply embedded in the modern beauty standards that promote Eurocentric features as the highest level of attractiveness. The concept of racial superiority was entwined with the imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards during the period of European colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. The standards of beauty imposed by European colonial powers on colonized territories valued some physical attributes more than others, such as pale complexion, straight hair, fair skin, and particular facial features while not valuing other characteristics (Chen, 2020). Racial hierarchies were propagated, using physical looks as a means of discrimination and a rationale for the exploitation of non-European populations, which in turn enabled colonial powers to control and exploit African and indigenous communities (Baqer and Taher, 2021). The dominant narrative of European supremacy was strengthened by the integration of these imposed beauty standards with larger power structures (Spicher, 2022). The deliberate devaluation of enslaved persons included the denigration of their physical appearance and cultural customs, leading to their dehumanization and exploitation. This denigration of African aesthetics and traits created a legacy that still shapes how people view beauty in today’s society.
Contemporary manifestation of Eurocentric beauty standards
The legacy of Eurocentric beauty standards continues in the present period, greatly influencing how society views beauty and aesthetic preferences. These criteria are still widely used in today’s culture in a number of contexts, such as media depiction, advertising, the fashion industry, and cultural conventions (Howard, 2018). Media outlets and advertisements primarily use pictures and depictions that conform to Eurocentric standards of beauty. The idea that some features—like lighter skin tones, straighter hair, and particular facial structures—are more attractiveness is reinforced (Danylova et al., 2022). As a result, people with different physical characteristics—especially those who are African American—may discover that their representation in the media is underrepresented, which can lead to feelings of marginalization and inadequacy (Chen, 2020).
Robinson-Moore (2008) explain that, the beauty and fashion industries frequently establish criteria that highlight and value characteristics that follow Eurocentric ideals. A profusion of skin-lightening cosmetics, hair straightening procedures, and cosmetic operations targeted at reaching Eurocentric beauty ideals result from the regular catering of products and beauty treatments to changing physical looks to conform to these standards. Also, cultural norms uphold these standards and shape society’s choices and perceptions of beauty. Danylova et al., 2022) argue that, these conventions frequently place a premium on particular physical characteristics and looks, which helps people internalize beauty standards and keeps those marginalized whose features defy the norm. For people of African heritage according to Rahman (2020), the continuous process of cultural reclamation and the way that African identity is seen are significantly impacted by the persistent influence of Eurocentric beauty standards.
People’s physical appearance and cultural identity continue to be disconnected due to the widespread domination of Eurocentric beauty standards (Nickens, 2005). Many people of African descent feel cut off from their cultural roots as a result of the disparity between their physical characteristics and the standards of beauty that are now in place. The internalized notion that African physical characteristics are inferior or less beautiful is frequently the result of internalizing Eurocentric beauty standards. Rahman (2020) mentioned that people’s sense of self-worth and self-perception are affected, which makes it more difficult for them to accept and value their distinctive physical characteristics and cultural background. These deeply established criteria of beauty pose a barrier on the efforts to promote cultural restoration and African identity affirmation (Baqer and Taher, 2021). People may find it difficult to balance their efforts to get back in touch with their origins with conventional standards of beauty, which can cause tension between being true to who they are and fitting in with society’s expectations (Rahman, 2020). Reclaiming and affirming African identity requires embracing and appreciating the variety of African traits that fall short of conventional notions of beauty.
Conclusion
The historical injustices of colonialism and slavery, which are the foundation of Eurocentric beauty standards, continue to have a significant impact on the psychological health and cultural identity of people of African heritage. A gap between the different features of Africa and the dominant standards of beauty is maintained by the media, fashion, and cultural ideals, which reinforces narrowly defined beauty norms. This creates feelings of inadequacy and marginalization among marginalized populations. Understanding the historical foundations of these beauty standards is essential to comprehending their ongoing influence on society norms and personal identities in the modern era. The CRC’s recommendation for psychological rehabilitation touches on the difficulties caused by deeply embedded beauty standards, stressing the necessity of questioning and redefining accepted beauty standards to promote inclusion and welcome a range of representations of beauty. These Eurocentric criteria hinder efforts of cultural reclamation and affirmation of African identity, frequently resulting in conflicts between standards of beauty in society and true cultural representations. But efforts to undermine these standards and advance alternative representations of beauty are essential to recovering and affirming African identity in larger cultural settings. Examining how Eurocentric beauty standards affect African identity highlights how difficult it is to reclaim one’s culture and undergo psychological healing. Establishing areas that honor various beauty standards is crucial for promoting a feeling of community, validating cultural identities, and supporting the CRC’s larger healing and affirmation process.
References
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