In a world where beauty standards are often dictated by social media and the expectations of others. The concept of natural physical flaws has become a thought to us all. No matter how pretty you may think someone is, they will always think there is something naturally ugly about them. The concept that we all have natural flaws, is a myth. Every individual is uniqe and different in wonderful ways. What is often labeled as a flaw, is only a part of human diversity. We need to start accepting others for how they are and come to a realization that we were all born and created beautifully. We need to quit with the unrealistic standards of beauty. We do not need to change ourself, just to fit in with others expectations.

One of the reasons that we believe a natural physical flaw is flawed itself is because of the high beauty standards. According to the association for physchological science, around 90% of the earths population believe that they have atleast 1 physical flaw. We need to start accepting others uniqueness in the way they have been created. If your whole family has no freckles, but then you are born with freckles, that doesn’t make you ugly. That makes you unique and beautiful. what one culture may consider aflaw, another maysee a mark of beauty and distinction. According to the study of anthropology and sociology, ” In some cultures, a gap between the front teeth is considered atractive and a sign of good fortune, while in others, it may be viewed as undesireable”. This shows that our so called ” flaws ” are only a social construct. It is not universal truths. we need to begin to understand that physical traits labeled as flaws are simply differences that make each person unique.

Another argument against the existence of natural physical flaws is the role of evolution shaping our physical traits. Each characteristic that we possess, has been passed down through genetics. This is because, it serves a PURPOSE. According to Smithsonians human orgins, ” variations in skin color evolved adaptionsto different levels of UV radiation exposure, and body shapes and sizes evolved to suit various climates and lifestyles.” This is honestly wonderful to hear. I have always been extremely insecure about how pale I get and how pale my undertone gets. This is because the beauty standard where i am is to be tan year round. Now that I know that this is a trait from my ancestors because it serves a purpose, it truly buildsmy confidence. by understanding this, we can appreciate them as natural and functional variations rather than imperfections.

Furthermore, the effects of these so called ‘ physical flaws” that we have, have left an effect on our mental health. This is upsetting and concerning. when individualsare contantly thinking and confronted with images, posts, and messaged that suggest they should look a certain way, it can lead to feelings of low self worth. This is happening worldwide to any and all ages. MedicalNewsToday states, ” Studies have shown that exposure to unrealistic beauty standards is linked to issues such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and depression.” by promoting body positivity ( In a healthy way ) , we can help individuals gain a healthier self image and just overall feel more confident about themselves. We can improve mental well-being and overall just be kinder as a community.

I have struggles with my image for the majority of my life. I always thought that I was just born ugly, others were more fortunate and I just wasn’t one of them. After this year and even through writing this, I have discovered that we are all born naturally beautiful. People have changed their appearence to fit in, and so many people fall prey to that. I just want to spread this awareness, just so positive self-image can expand world wide. Im tired of people thinking theyre ugly when they were made fearfully and wonderfully. There is no such thing as a natural physical flaw.

Lil

Hi i’m Lillian.