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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

On the subject of apperance/being good-looking

78 replies

SolidGoldBrass · 08/05/2010 22:40

Some people are basically better to look at than others. This is kind of a genetic accident just the same as being very clever, or very athletic.
I'm not suggesting BTW that there is any kind of absolute standard of good looks, what is regarded as a really good-looking appearance is culturally influenced, but whether what is preferred is height, thinness, fatness, light skin, dark skin, big earlobes or a sticky-out navel, these are things that some people are just born with, the same as a really powerful ability to calculate numbers, run fast or sing with perfect pitch. We can all improve to an extent on what we are born with by exercising, studying - or by the use of cosmetics, clothing etc - so what I'm wondering is whether it's maybe misguided to consider it 'unfeminist' to either pay attention to one's looks beyond the basics of being clean and tidy, or to condemn people who are 'good looking' for regarding their good looks as a workable asset in the same way that a person who is clever or musically talented or good at sports would do?

OP posts:
dittany · 08/05/2010 22:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MaryMotherOfManchego · 08/05/2010 22:50

I don't know about "unfeminist" because men can preen too.

Ther'es a difference between scrubbing up well, and using your sexuality / appearance to get you something.

Subsconsciously, I think we equate looking good with health and cleanliness.

TopsyKretts · 08/05/2010 22:45

I think it's natural to make the most of yourself. We don't expect witty clever people to hide their light under a bushel, so why expect the bonny to downplay their attributes?

At the end of the day we all work eith what we've got, and brains and wit last much longer, so those who have them get the last laugh and needn't whinge in the grand scheme of things.