By Littlebells
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful. ~Ninon de L’Enclos
In today’s age of advanced technology, everyone can be “beautiful.” With the click of a mouse, a pimple can disappear, large thighs can be slimmed, a crooked nose can be straightened, an open mouth can be closed, and a wrinkle can magically disappear. For Hollywood it seems Photoshop is an actor’s fairy godmother. But is that a good thing? Is there too much concern and emphasis on beauty and age in Hollywood? Is it affecting how society looks in the mirror? In Part 1, we will discuss how Hollywood defines beauty and it’s affect on women and men. Part 2 will focus on how aging among celebrities can be a blessing or a curse for their career.
Beauty comes in all sizes, not just size 5. ~Roseanne
We seem to live in a world where beauty is centered on numbers (bathroom scales and clothes), how big or small body parts are, and how close we can dress and style our hair like our celebrity idol. In Hollywood you may be a naturally healthy weight, but a camera will add 10 pounds (apparently) so “you may want to drop about 15 lbs, sweetie.”
The average woman in the United States is 5’3.2” and 162.[1] It’s hard to pinpoint an average height and weight for women celebrities, but it seems 5’7 and 110-125 pounds. Now it is well known that no one on planet earth has a perfect body. With the right lighting and angle, it may look perfect, but there are imperfections and flaws everywhere. This is what makes us both normal and unique. That is what makes us beautiful.
Unfortunately how Hollywood defines beauty has become a great detriment in how the regular people see themselves. How you look determines your success and happiness in your work, relationship, and family. Jean Kilbourne, a media activist said,
“Women are sold to the diet industry by the magazines we read and the television programs we watch, almost all of which make us feel anxious about our weight.”[2]
She goes on to say that the average female body has all but disappeared in mass media. That is not to say that there aren’t those celebrities who are proud of their curves: Kate Winslet, Beyonce, America Ferrera, Susan Sarandon, and Jennifer Lopez. It can be assumed that these women are more accepting of the body they were blessed with and refuse to pulled into poor body image.
The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~Author Unknown
As mentioned earlier, Photoshop can make anyone beautiful or more beautiful, but is that the message we want to be sending our impressionable youth? Provided below are before and after touch ups of magazine covers/pictorials.
In 2009, Kate Winslet gave an interview on ABC news regarding body image and touching up.
“Young women look at all of us, myself included, on magazine covers thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, how does she get skin like that?’…It’s a real art that they do, these photographers, and you just fill the frame. No one really talks about this retouching thing…like it’s a secret…I want young women to know we don’t look like this.” [1]
In 2004 Dove launched their Campaign for Real Beauty, using models of all shapes, sizes, and colors to expand our perception of beauty. In seven years, have we made any progress in body image acceptance?
Click here to watch video
Please join us for a discussion Tuesday 11/01/2011@7pmE/
comicreleaf
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Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Check out this Madonna before and after
: http://www.likecool.com/Gear/Pic/Madonna%20Before%20and%20After%20photoshop/Madonna-Before-and-After-photoshop.jpg and here are a few more (it’s amazing what PS can do) http://www.beautychatblog.com/2007/06/the-skinny-on-photoshop-magic/ http://hollywooddame.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/photoshopped-jessica-alba1-before-and-after.jpg http://www.chilloutpoint.com/images/2010/08/celebrities-before-and-after-photoshop/celebrities-before-and-after-photoshop-01.jpg and here’s a few: http://www.pics-site.com/2010/12/02/celebs-before-and-after-photoshop/
Thank you 4 String! Yes I have seen those!
Ok, here’s my opinion of the Madonna pic. I don’t care if she has wrinkles or what not, dress your age and act your age. She isn’t a sex kitten anymore (was she ever??) and should dress like the 50 year old something she is. I appreciate honesty. Not facades. Yes we all want to be beautiful forever and ever but that comes from within. Gray hair and wrinkles are badges of honor. That will be discussed in Part 2.
As for the other pics, I honestly prefer the before pictures. It actually makes me feel MORE relatable to the stars than the after.
I hope you can be here tomorrow 4 string! You always have wonderful insight and comments. 🙂
LB,
Though we hope the subjects whom we frequently meet in the “before” pictures are more happy in the “after” pictures; why is it that our reactions can be as contradictory as: admiration, shame, fear, or disgust. For some reason, as the years pass by, this subject makes me feel all the more sad.
I can’t imagine what people will say or what this discussion will produce, yet I will be there.
CR,
It makes me sad too. What I hope to do with our discussion is make it less sad and more positive on what real beauty is and how there ARE those who are trying to make a difference on image. 🙂
LB,
We’ll speak soon yet I don’t think your presentation is sad. It frustrates me when people only present or value themselves in regard to their physicality or image.
Hi Everyone!
Welcome new and returning visitors to our discussion tonight. Please feel free to jump in and comment.
This Q is for everyone!
Do u think men or women set the bar on what age is acceptable in HW today?
Hi everyone!
Great question, OB. I think it’s a little of both. Men want to be seen with the new, young, and hot and women need to say, “Screw that!” and own their own beauty.
Hi LB-
What inspired u to write about this topic? And what did u learn?
Hi OB and LB.
I’ve become fascinated with photoshopping after having seen many covers recently and pictorials where it is so blatantly obvious that the person in the magazine is not the same one who stood in front of the camera. Watching how this re-touching is done made me consider the extremes Hollywood goes to portray beauty. Of course this definition is completely unreal and unattainable.
I wanted to point out how ridiculous this is and how beautiful people are before any airbrushing. Honestly, I prefer Brittney’s before pic over the after. It makes me think, “Hey yeah, I look like that from the back side too! Rock on!”
I learned that we create our own definition of beauty. People can give me suggestions on how to enhance my image, but ultimately it is me who says, “This is who I am and I am beautiful.”
I wish everyone was so confident.
Well if you think about it, it all comes down to self-esteem.
I cannot tell you how many articles while researching, that said people felt more free and their true self when not fighting nature.
I believe it.
LB,
OMG, where should we start?
Wherever you want! 🙂
Oops I meant, “low self esteem” where should we start?
Parents. They are the first people you see when you come into this world and will have the most impact on how one becomes self-accepting.
I don’t think they should be overwhelming, “OMG! YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!” or brutal, “You are so ugly! you will never be as pretty as so-and-so”. I think it is the responsibility of the parent to instill great self worth on internal beauty since it is what is ultimately reflected.
I’m so glad you are a parent. Obviously in terms of kindness and sensitivity not everyone was so fortunate in terms of who they received as their primary mentors.
Many take their children to get plastic before their even grown.
ARgh, grrr!!!!
OB,
I’m not sure I understand the question.
Traditionally I think men have had the right to age gracefully with age being help against women more commonly.
Today I think men are doing far more to attempt to sustain an impression of youthfulness.
I agree. I have seen more ads on TV for men coloring their gray. I will discuss this more in part 2, but it is society that has deemed gray “Old”. That is not the case. It’s part of aging, naturally, but it doesn’t mean old. It can still be very beautiful and sexy.
That’s been happening more here too, LB. Men can get away with aging more than women but slowly the adverts are creeping in for men’s anti-aging products.
Hair! Hair! Hair! Is still a major insecurity for some young actors in HW. Sure being balled has been embraced by our society. But having a full thick head of hair is still considered a sign of youth.
*shakes my head* To everyone in the world: Ya’ll are going to get old and die eventually! Enjoy life and quit trying to meet unattainable standards!
Hi Everyone!
Hi Paris.
hi cr!
Hi everyone!
🙂
While u are answering LB.
I think the obsession with youth culture in HW put way to much pressure on young actors who can’t live up to the expectations placed on them. Sure I believe in trial and error. However, I see so many young women obsessed with plastic surgery to stay relevant. I think HW encourages young actors to market their sexuality rather than their brains. But it’s up to them to be mature enough to have better dicernment in terms of the roles they take on. I think when u see young actresses portfolio like K then they complain about the educational system failing them? Well who’s to blame?
*standing ovation* Good job OB!
Whether in Hollywood or elsewhere, why do you think people are so consumed with staying young? Who decided that 50, 60 even 70 was “old”? I cannot fathom how many amazing actresses that get passed over because they aren’t in a certain age bracket or look a certain way. Kudos to directors who hire those women knowing that their talent is more important than their look.
TBH LB- Most actors lie about their age. It’s very common to shave off three to five years. When u are in your teens u go up three to five and after twenty u head in the opposite direction.
Oh I know, but I’m curious as to “who” decided that that was necessary to have a successful career.
I’m curious to know what everyone thinks of the video Dove did showing how one can be so drastically altered. I was blown away and yet not surprised. Honestly, I thought the model looked beautiful before she was touched up. She was real.
I wish society was more accepting of our physical limitations. Why does one’s neck have to be elongated? Just because it looks better? Who says? What about the person with the short neck. Are they not beautiful now? Sorry…getting carried away.
Well here’s my area of expertise. LOL!!
Clothes look better on elongated figures rather than short ones. Of course illusions with color and silhouette, undergarments work wonders in making someone taller and slimmer.
That makes complete sense. 🙂 I just feel bad that people will completely alter ones appearance in magazines. If we want to give young women and men a better foundation for positive body image, photoshopping should be left to erasing technical flaws.
ITA
Hi CR & Paris!
hi OB!
I apologize now for doing this but I’m going to talk about K’s W cover for a moment.
A) Who put her on a cover in the first place?
B) Why would you photoshop her to not even make her look like herself?
Its totally sending the wrong message to fans about her. She has claimed in the past that she wouldn’t sell out and that you should stay “true” to yourself. Well look at what’s happening and who’s selling out now K? Never say Never.
I have no idea. I”m going to assume with Breaking Dawn 1 coming out this month, it gives her and the film more publicity. I don’t know why they altered her so much.
I agree about sending the wrong message. I posted a comment about that in a previous comment. ^^^^
Paris-
I don’t know where to begin with K?
I’m going to sound like a broken record. Photoshoping is so common for everyone. Yet, for young actors who don’t quite know who they are it puts way to much pressure on them to try and maintain this false image. Soon they are turning to plastic surgery and the rest is history. Also if u have someone like K already with low self esteem marketing her sexuality is not the answer IMO. Why not enhance the inside rather than the outside?
I’m going to take that last question generally because I cannot equate that with Kristen. Sorry.
That is exactly what we SHOULD be doing! Inner beauty is the most important beauty and that is what we should be promoting and focusing on! Think how much happier the world would be!
Sorry everyone-
I’m doing five different things at the moment and my comments might be a bit sporadic and all over the place! LOL!! But I’m here LB….
No problem! Me too!
About the video: Two Words: Holy Shit! No wonder why people have such messed up images of themselves nowadays.
Who do you think gets the least criticism when “letting themselves go” physically: men or women? Why?
Do you think men have just as much competition when it comes to physicality?
What do you think? Most may find this really graphic.
sorry, guys seem to be taking this subject far more seriously than they used to.
I’m not so sure that this subject is the battle of the sexes that it used to be.
I think everyone, not just men is taking this to seriously. I read that a mother let her 7 year old get her ears pinned back because she was being bullied at school. Wonder if it stopped the bullying? The point is people who pick on people are going to continue to do so. They will find something else wrong with her. I don’t mean to sound harsh but that’s my opinion.
I get what you are saying. I mentioned this below, but there is a very fine line. I can’t judge the parent on her decision to give her child surgery at that age, but had that been my mom, she would have role played with me on what to say and how to act if I were the one being bullied.
You can’t change everything people find wrong with you. First, the bullies are more insecure than the bullee. Second, I feel like our kids are already acting and doing things much older than their age. Do we really need to add plastic surgery.
I’m about to go off topic like crazy, so I better stop. 🙂
That’s the first man i’ve seen who has gone in for a breast reduction. What happened to genes? Also eating right and excersizing?
Paris,
I think people get desperate and think they can make substantial changes by going under the knife.
You would think surgery would limit instant gratification, but apparently not.
I know a man who had a breast reduction. It wasn’t to do with his weight but rather something he has wrong with him. He’s skinny as a rake but he did try diet and exercise first. That didn’t work at all.
Ok, whoa. The guy was AWAKE for that!
CR, thanks for sharing that.
Here’s my thought on plastic surgery. I can’t be a hypocrite, because I’ve had it done myself. But I think there are reasons why it should be done and reasons why it shouldn’t
Outside of making improvements on those who suffer from severe burns or major abnormalities, no one should have plastic surgery to be more accepted by the world. I had work done because I wanted to feel more feminine, not because “everyone will like me more.”
It’s a very fine line when it comes to plastic surgery.
LB,
Sorry that was disturbing. I’ve made my peace with this topic. If people want to refine their look I think it’s their prerogative. Who can’t find one aspect of their physical self they would not like to improve. It’s when people go banana’s it’s scary.
I thought the examples of the article were mild at best.
I’ve had plastic surgery too, but it didn’t have to do with me wanting to look like someone else. I had wanted to do it for a long time and did exhaustive research and got doctor referral from a friend. I have zero regrets, great results and have referred my doctor to others. However, a person has to look within and examine why they are getting it done. No one should have it done to please a family member or significant other or to try to look like someone else (like Octa-mom and Angelina Jolie). 🙂
*high-five*
Great comment 4 String. 🙂 My quest was just like yours and I agree that it should definitely be a decision that is thoroughly thought out before any “work” is done.
CR
Ok, I couldn’t even finish that first video with the young girl getting a boob job! I’m seriously about to lose my head from banging it on the desk!
I love *sarcasm* how women want to get boobs just to show them off and flaunt them!! I get that we are a very sexual culture, but holy boob job BATMAN!!! Not young girls!!! Wait until you are at least an adult before you make that decision! ARGH!!!! I was friggin 30! And I keep my girls modest and classy!
This what I meant by this subject is sad.
Sorry. This (IS) what I meant by this subject is sad.
Yep, I agree. 🙂
ITA CR-
It is amazing when I think of actors like Barbra Streisand, Danny Trejo, and Gabourey Sidibe I have to admit that there was a time when many thought they were weren’t very attractive (in a conventional sense). But think of how much we’ve gained by getting to know them for who they are.
Barbra Streisand
Danny Trejo
Gabourey Sidibe
I like all of these entertainers.
Babs is performing, but if you listen to most of what their saying you get an idea of their true value.
But I’ve met tons of people who think entertainment is a beauty first and formost.
I’ve met people who have tried to end arguements about a particular artist by saying their ugly.
I rarely know what to say,
“No, YOU’RE ugly!” 🙂
That’s the best I can come up with on the spot. haha!
LOL!! SMH….
I’m going to start using that. Thank you.
And make sure you point your finger when you say it. You know, for dramatic effect. haha!
When I finish, I will stick out my tongue as well.
I think you may be an Oscar contender. HAHAHA!
Sorry, my inner 5 year old came out. 😉
CR,
You are on fire!
I love Danny Trejo! I love all the actors and actresses who don’t meet typic HW standards. I feel more of a connection with their work because they are the folks who could be your neighbors, grocery store cashier, beautician.
I think we truly do miss out on amazing talent and personality when we can’t look past the physical. What’s sad, and correct me if I’m wrong everyone, is that someone’s lack acting ability or celebrity status is overlooked if they are attractive. ???????
LB,
I love attractive actors and actresses (and I am struggling to avoid posting videos of them). But in the wide range of talents and physical attributes I tend to prefer talent.
For me, talent is the confirmation that an artist has struggled to refine their ability to communicate to an audience.
Ultimately I don’t think we should hate people because they are beautiful either. I just wish people cared about more than this.
Standing O! CR…APPLAUSE!!!
Yes, yes, yes.
I agree with your comment. And yes, I love attractive actors and actresses as well. It’s when we start leaving out the rest of the crowd that it’s not right. Obviously there are attractive people and there are those that…argh, how do I put this nicely…aren’t. But I think we can all agree on the theme tonight that it is what inside that counts and for HW the talent you possess.
I understand what you mean, LB! A “beautiful” person can have a bad personality and that makes them ugly to me. An “ugly” person can have a great personality and that makes me find them more attractive.
Using ” ” being beauty is obviously subjective!
Ok ladies and gent,
Let’s turn this into something positive!
We aren’t going to change the world over night, but we can each do something that can promote inner beauty. What are some ideas?
Well I do believe in promoting health. I mean taking care of ones body is a reflection of how u feel about yourself. I mean your body houses ones spirit and it should be taken care of. However, most people get it twisted and think because they look good physically they don’t have to work on themselves spiritually. This to me is where the breakdown in perception occurs IMO!!
Another standing ovation.
Amen!!!!!
I have truly learned so much about myself while researching both topics on beauty and age. I see the gray hairs starting. I see the fine lines and wrinkles and you know what? I love ’em! I’ve earned these suckers and it hasn’t changed the spectacular person I am inside! hahaha!!! 🙂
Kim Kardashian doesn’t define me. Kate Winslet’s airbrushed butt doesn’t define me. My attitude on life defines me and that’s all I need. 🙂
Well I think u are quite spectacular LB!!
There are some people who make enviornments pleasant to be in just by their uplifting positive presence.
I agree with you. The privilege to age is a blessing.
One of the reasons people love Judy Dench, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman is because they have earned their wrinkles and smart audience members admire their fortitude.
ITA-
CR-Who are your favorite female actors?
And I will be discussing actors and others in Part 2.
OB,
That’s a hard question. You will have to give me a moment.
Tick Tock!!
Most of my favorite actresses are a little older than the mainstream, and might likely be over 50.
Susan Sarandon
Michelle Pffipher
Angela Bassett
Meg Ryan
Cameron Diaz
Renée Zellweger
Meryl Streep
Unfortunately this list changes frequently. Unfortunately many of these women are very attractive. But I think their hard won experience is sexy and wonderful to watch on screen.
Great! List CR…..
The talent pool is pretty high as well.
So OB, who are your favorite actors?
GReat list. My favorite is Shirley McLaine. Love. Her.
She’ll be on my next list. See it changes frequently.
And think how much money we would all save if we didn’t buy into all the gimmicks that will keep us “young forever”…
*Standing OVATION*
Thank you. It’s taken a long time to get to this point.
I’m here! Looks like it’s going to take me some time to catch up, lol!
We will wait for you!
Hi Ozzie!
Hi Ozzie. Unless you have a strong stomach I would not snack while you’re moving through some of this content.
Hi OB and CR! Thanks for the warning. I won’t be clicking on any videos tonight!
OB,
You are right about environments. I don’t know the future of HW as far as image goes. It will probably always be this way, but I think if we can get more actors and actresses happy with what God has given them and promote that positive energy, it would do wonders.
Well I think it’s good to start with promoting a healthy lifestyle inside and out. Of course I’m always skeptical of people who smile constantly. LOL!! However, I do believe u attract what u put out there…….
Ok, so let me see if I have this right. To promote true beauty we should:
1) focus on our spiritual health
2) create a positive/accepting environment whether it be among family, friends, peers, co-workers.
What else?
3) physical health. Not perfection, but health.
Well I think to promote “true” beauty one should help others in need. I think this is one of the ways a person can grow spiritually IMO!!
4) Service! *thumbs up*
Everyone-
I have to go.
LB great article and discussion.
Ozzie- I know is somewhere writing a thesis. LOL!!
Goodnight
Thanks LB.
Night all.
OB, did you shy away from answering my question?
HMMMMMMMMMMM…….
CR- I’m called many things and “shy” is not one of them. LOL!!
U Said: “who are your favorite actors?”
OB: “Favorite” Male?
In the very well regarded male category because their portfolio is so expansive, diverse, compelling and original. I would say…
Leo DiCaprio (of course)
Daniel Day Lewis
Forest Whitaker
Jeffrey Wright
Denzel Washington
Paul Giamatti
Don Cheadle(CalArts Alumni) I’m a little biased….LOL!!
Viggo Mortensen
Ok, I have to go for the evening, but will be back tomorrow to check. But before I leave, I would like to leave a challenge for all who stop by this article:
This next week pick one of our 4 “beauty tips” to work on this week. Then come back and let us know how you felt and if it made any difference in how you physically see yourself. 🙂
I have the whole board to myself! *evil grin* Bad me (smacks hand), I will not sully this board with bad behaviour!
Back to serious business. I watch a documentary series earlier this year and it was amazing! It’s called Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Face of Prejudice. It’s about a “beautiful” person (basically someone who was obsessed with beauty and making themselves look better) and a person with disfigurement, living together for one week to experiance the other’s life. At the end of the week the “beautiful” people where challenged to take off any make up, fake nails, hair, eye lashes etc to see if they could do it and to see if they could change. While that was going on another facially disfigured person took you behind the make up, fashion and plastic surgery worlds to report on what really happens and the science too. I recommend it to anyone!
Hopefully, you can all watch it here. http://www.youtube.com/show?p=HNb_qEuxdYo
Wanted to add that there are graphic photos and videos of plastic surgery in the programme.
Thought you all might enjoy this:
Love it LB!!!
Thanks for bringing this to us, LB. I love it!
Spot on beauty article. Couldn’t agree more. I am older than most of you and if I had not developed and earned a good self-image, I wonder what I would have done. Keep writing. You’re good. CKB
Welcome Isabella1 to LIH!
U and LB have the best avatars on the site!
Anyway, we are so happy u like the article, make yourself at home! We love to hear your comments.
Hello Isabella1. It’s wonderful to have you here! 🙂
Thanks for the good writeup. It in truth was a entertainment account it. Look complex to far introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?