Monday, October 23, 2006
So it begins
We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by images and ideas telling us ordinary people why we'll never be as good as the celebrities we exalt so much. Oh I would give anything to be over six feet tall with poster boy good looks and a body to match, like this:

truly yummy no?

(which probably already gives you an indication of what I actually look like in real life):

I truly mean this in the sense that I do not think it's fair that the media does not accurately portray humans the way they are, away from all the glitz and glamour of celebrity-dome. I'll bet I was a member of a crowd of millions when I say that I would be all too willing to sell my own mother (just an expression) to be a celebrity (which means to be known) and thus by projection to be looked up to as a role model (expecially when people begin to admire and attempt to emulate if not imitate the way you are)

I make this point not as an expression of my own inadequacies as a human being (although admittedly I do have lots as I am sure do you) but more as a statement of fact that the certain exploitation of classes of humans have so far been looked at from a completely incorrect perspective. Women, it has been said, is the largest victim of the greedy machine of capitalism where anyone who has anything of value to sell will do anything to sell that object in question and in this context "do anything to sell" means to attract the attention of potential buyers with the correlation of the object of value with the value of human beauty frequently personified by the typically vapid, ever smiling female model. The point that I'm trying to make here is that it is not WOMEN that are being exploited in this sense but rather BEAUTY that is the issue here. In a world (of which I'm a part of) obsessed with ideals of physical perfection (as may be observed in the types of TV programme's popular the world over ie.
Manhunt... or America's Next Top Model

The main draw of advertising and most mainstream media products of today equates physical beauty with many things desirable to people including wealth, power, sex and even friends. Let's face it. The reality of the times is that although talents are good and enthusiasm even more so, the principal factor is in fact torso. No beauty, no life. This is why plastic surgery has become the new "in" gift to your loved one. Hate your nose? Do something about it. Need double eyelids? We can help you. Beauty is no longer nature's gift to mankind. It is an achievable ideal within the reach of people with the means and motivation to go through the necessary suffering of obtaining perfection. Meanwhile, I concede that the rest of us mortals have no other choice but to be content with our lot in life. For whatever comfort it gives us, we ordinary people give meaning to you beautiful people out there for everything is relative. Beauty is nothing were there no contrast to compare it with. So without us mortals, you would be nothing.

Of course, it would be nice to have snow white skin and raven hair and ruby red lips. Such exotic creatures of mesmerising beauty these attributes would no doubt make us as it did this fabulous creation of humanity's animal desire for physical perfection.

p.s. I am in no way associated with the composition of this picture. I found it on the Net, so sue me. For what it's worth, I am in awe of MJ's talents but utterly disappointed in his looniness when he could've been so much greater. This I shall explore when the media begins to pick on him again aye?
 
posted by Andrew Cooper at 11:12 PM ¤ Permalink ¤


1 Comments:


  • At 11:20 AM, Blogger Mr. Brian

    Is it any wonder why we can't get away from stereotyping as individuals when the media does it so excessively? And yes, you may link to my blog!