Parameters of Pulchritude
By Marylaine Louise L. Viernes
We live in a fast-paced, competitive and ruthless world. Therefore, it is unremittingly hard to stand out in a myriad of people. Such especially pertains to beauty. Beauty competitions, commercials, magazine covers among others claim to be the gauge of real beauty, but who is to say what exactly is beautiful? This is held true due to two circumstances. Firstly of course, beauty is relative. Based on most of my observations, mass media and perhaps most of the masses espouse the sultry Western look. A lot of our models and actresses have that common Mestizo/Mestiza look- long bridged noses, deep, doe eyes, crème tan skin, and perfect pearly whites. Personally, I believe that we are trying haplessly to usher in an impressionist version of Hollywood. In the process, we lose our identity gradually. But I guess it doesn’t work for every case because still, some of my friends would pick a chinita or morena hands down any day. All these goes to show that beauty is indeed relative and evolving. The second circumstance which impedes the standard of beauty is, I believe, far worse than the first. Plastic surgery- Enough said. Because of this process, it is really hard to decipher who are naturally beautiful. Being encumbered within these two obstructions to a standard of beauty, I believe it is futile to continue the quest for the meaning of true beauty.
Ultimately, I have concurred three important things which I feel encompasses true beauty in this. And this acumen does not pertain only to the superficial aspect of beauty. Again, I shall reiterate that we are denizens of an utmost fast-paced, competitive and ruthless world. This concretizes my conviction that beauty has now become three-fold. This time, beauty cannot suffice. In order for one to be truly beautiful, one must have the brains and brawn. This has been the credo that I have and will always live by. Indeed, it is effortless to magnetize people when you have a very alluring façade, but will it get you further if that is all you have? Indeed, there are a lot of lovely faces out there, but sooner or later, they will lose their embers, even before wrinkles reach the countenance.
Indubitably, beauty still is powerful. However, people fail to notice that sometimes it alone cannot suffice. Adolescents must take the chance to enrich and empower themselves, and bank on their minds as well. Believe me, beauty alone can be boring, but with brawns and brain, it can be dazzling! Aspire for holistic personhood, and in the process, try growing something as well. The cherry on top of that big brain and attitude, is of course a big heart! With all these in mind, well, you’ll definitely be reaping more than those rusting crowns and waning sashes.
Next time your friends criticize you about your weight, your acne, or your other appalling features, just smile and vow that in time, you’ll be able to metamorphose into the type of beauty you’re comfortable with. Pretty, smart and with a good attitude… Pulchritude!
