The Evolution of Beauty

I ran across a picture of Marilyn Monroe today and looking at I was struck by how our standards of beauty can change so drastically. Don't get me wrong, I think she is gorgeous, but there is no denying that if she were a model today she would be "plus size model". Monroe is called by some the "original sex icon" and it's obvious why. She had a stunning face, gorgeous figure, alluring smile, yet by today's standards she would be considered "thick".

I then started thinking about how much what is considered "beautiful" has changed over the course of the centuries. Just in western civilization alone, the last 1000 years has seen such a dramatic change in what was consider beautiful.

1400-1500s

 1600s

1700s

Early 1800s

Late 1800s

1900s

1910s

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

Today

Notice a shrinking trend? Of both body weight and fabric amount. And then there's the standards from other cultures, practices that seem completely barbaric to us but were/are the standards of beauty in their own culture. 

Warning graphic pictures!

Foot Binding

Neck Elongation

Body Mutilation 

Obviously the definition of beautiful is not a universal thing. It makes you wonder where standards of beauty come from and how they evolve. Obviously they evolve dramatically, but how their change and progression is influenced is a truly interesting question. 

Confession time

Just another stupid Facebook survey thing going around that I thought was kinda cool. Figured it'll only take a sec and it's interesting to read. Enjoy!


GIRL CONFESSIONS! Answers(:
1. Do you sleep in your bra? Nope.
2. Do you like pizza? Yummmm
3. Do you enjoy drama? Ummm NO, does anyone? Really???
4. Are you a girly girl? Oh yes
5. Small or large purses? Ehhh don't really care, small probably
6. Are you short? Shorty!
7. Do you like somebody? Yup! :-)
8. Do you care if your socks are dirty? Eh most of the time, lol
9. Do you like Halloween? My second favorite holiday!
10. Are you double jointed? No
11. Where is the weirdest place you have slept? Maybe not the weirdest place but weirdest position, on a school bus UPSIDE down in the seat.
12. Has anyone touched/smacked your butt in the past 24 hours? No
13. Is there any type of rumor going around about you? Nope.
14. Do you call anybody by their last name? Yes, for some odd reason I always like to do that

GIRLS BE HONEST ;
1. What color is the bra that you're wearing? Gray
2. Do you prefer light or dark haired guys? Dark
3. Are you currently frustrated with a boy? Nope
4. Do you have a best friend? Yes♥
5. Have you ever had your heart broken ? Yes
6. Have you ever thought of having plastic surgery? NEVER
7. Do you like your life? Love♥
8. Have you ever jumped in the pool with your clothes on? No :-(
9. Do you have more friends that are girls or boys? Way more guy friends!
10. How long have you had a facebook? Since 2006...wow...
11. Have you ever slapped a boy in the face? No, should have a few times though
12. What are your biggest fears? Life without love
13. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Yes
14. Have you ever not been able to get someone off of your mind? Yeah
15. Do you believe in the saying “once a cheater, always a cheater? No. I believe in second chances
16. Have you ever had a good feeling about something? YES
17. Do you ever wish you were famous? Sometimes, but more for the money than the fame
18. Are you currently missing someone? Yeah
19: who are you texting right now? No one

THIS GUY OR THAT GUY? PICK ONE
Cowboy or Gangster? Neither
Face or Body? Face♥
Sweet or Sexy? Sexy
Contacts or Glasses? Either

YOURSELF...
01. Eyeliner or Mascara? Eyeliner, got those natural long lashes!
02. Pink or black? Black
03. Pumps or flats? Flats.
04. Skirts or pants? Both
05. Socks or leggings? Leggings♥
06. Hoodies or jackets? Jackets for sure
07. Heels or sneakers? Heels(:
08. Straight or curly hair? BOTH!
09. White or black? Black
10. Smoothies or lattes? Eww lattes, smoothies!
11. Diet or regular sodas? Regular!
12. Water or daiquiris? Water.
13. Pearls or diamonds? Diamonds.
14. iPod or cell phone? PHONE!
15. Friends or family? Family
16. Lip gloss or lip stick? Lip Stain!
17. Manicure or pedicures? Neither
18. Tank tops or beaters? Tank tops :-)
19. Big sunglasses or small? Functional ones
20. Sunglasses or purses? Sunglasses

IN A GUY ...
Funny or Serious? A balance for sure
Romantic or Daredevil? Romantic
Dark Eyes or Light Eyes? Dark
Long Hair or Short Hair? Either
Curly Hair or Straight Hair? Either
Hockey Player or Football Player? Neither, not the jock type