The Idea of Beauty

Reading "Recipe" by Janice Mirikitani made me think about the different definitions of "beautiful" in every culture. Having large eyes and fair skin is considered a large part of beauty in many Asian cultures, especially for the Chinese society. I had heard of this method of creating a double eyelid or round eyes before and I've always found it interesting that girls will spend so much time and effort on the application process. But I say that with curiousity and not judgement because I wear makeup everyday, which is also a beauty application process. I remember that when my family and I went back to visit China I would get comments on my pale complexion. Someone even asked if it was natural or if I was using makeup/beauty products to lighten it. I found that experience very strange because generally in America being tan is more favorable. As I became older I learned that a pale complexion, in some cultures, meant a higher social status because if you were rich then you didn't have to be a farmer or laborer and work outside under the sun for hours and hours a day, like the sugar cane plantation workers we read about. Their skin would become darker as they worked while the wealthy had the luxury of staying indoors. It's interesting how even in modern times this symbolism can still exist.