Question

Compare and contrast foot binding to other forms of body modifications for the sake of beauty or social acceptance in America.

Answer 1

Answer:

Although many American beauty standards are not achieved by treatments quite as painful as foot binding, women may often feel restricted by unrealistic body and beauty expectations. Foot binding was performed to make women seem dainty and delicate. Many women in America may feel the need to be small, dainty, and delicate to be beautiful. I daresay that the majority of models are quite slim, supporting this idea. To achieve this delicate, slim ideal, many women relentlessly calorie count, restrict their diets, and work out. Some even go to the point of starving themselves through eating disorders like anorexia. It is a great tragedy of society that anyone feels the need to change themselves in a harmful way to fit a mold.

However, I am hopeful that society is becoming more accepting of unique beauty, one that does not fit the mold. Unlike the required foot binding, most women can choose how they want to feel beautiful. Although society may push certain standards upon them, they can ultimately choose for themselves what to wear, what to eat, and how to change themselves. Many people now praise loving yourself and embracing your body for what it is, flaws and all. Lizzo once said, "Just about anybody is a big girl in a small world but you gotta believe it on the inside, that you can be bigger than the rest of it."

Go forth and make your own standards! :)