Photographer's Unethical Editing of Black Woman's Facial Features Highlights Racial Bias in Beauty Standards

Core Concepts

Altering Black women's natural facial features, such as a broad nose, to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards is a harmful and unethical practice that perpetuates anti-Black racism.

Abstract

The article discusses the problematic practice of photographers editing the facial features of Black women to make them appear more Eurocentric. The author recounts an experience where a photographer edited her friend Keisha's photos, changing her broad nose to a thinner one, despite Keisha's request for "light editing."
The author argues that this is a common issue, as Eurocentric features like a slender nose, light skin, and straight hair are often treated as the "gold standard" of beauty in society. As a result, any features that differ from this Eurocentric ideal, such as the pronounced Afrocentric features of Keisha, are scrutinized and seen as less desirable.
The author emphasizes that this practice is hurtful and perpetuates anti-Black racism, as it sends the message that Black women's natural features are not good enough. The article highlights the need to challenge these biased beauty standards and celebrate the diversity of human features.

Stats

None.

Quotes

"Why would a photographer think that 'light editing' would grant them the creative license to change the shape of my dear friend's nose?"
"When having a slender nose, light skin, and straight hair are treated as a gold standard, then Black women and women of color are consequently compared to that standard. And any of the features that differ will be scrutinized."

Key Insights Distilled From

Thin Nose. Thick Nose. Why Do These Features Matter?

by Allison Wilt... at allyfromnola.medium.com 07-19-2024

https://allyfromnola.medium.com/thin-nose-thick-nose-why-do-these-features-matter-2a283e7ffe70

Deeper Inquiries

How can the photography and media industries work to actively promote and celebrate the natural diversity of human features, rather than perpetuating Eurocentric beauty standards?

The photography and media industries can actively promote and celebrate the natural diversity of human features by diversifying their representation. This includes hiring a more diverse range of models, photographers, and editors to ensure that different perspectives and experiences are reflected in the images produced. Additionally, these industries can make a conscious effort to showcase a variety of features, skin tones, hair textures, and body types in their work. By highlighting the beauty of all individuals, regardless of whether they conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, the photography and media industries can help shift societal perceptions of beauty towards a more inclusive and diverse ideal.

What are the psychological and societal impacts of constantly being told that one's natural features are not "good enough" or need to be altered to conform to a narrow ideal of beauty?

Constantly being told that one's natural features are not "good enough" or need to be altered to conform to a narrow ideal of beauty can have profound psychological and societal impacts. On an individual level, this messaging can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction. It can also contribute to the development of harmful behaviors such as disordered eating, excessive exercising, and seeking out cosmetic procedures to change one's appearance. Societally, perpetuating these biased beauty standards can reinforce systemic inequalities and discrimination, particularly against marginalized groups who do not fit the dominant beauty ideal. This can further perpetuate stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on physical appearance.

How can individuals and communities empower themselves to resist and challenge these biased beauty standards, and embrace the inherent beauty and worth of all people regardless of their physical features?

Individuals and communities can empower themselves to resist and challenge biased beauty standards by actively promoting self-acceptance, self-love, and body positivity. This can involve engaging in practices that cultivate self-esteem and self-worth, such as affirmations, mindfulness, and self-care. It also includes challenging negative self-talk and societal messages that perpetuate harmful beauty standards. Communities can support each other by creating safe spaces for individuals to express themselves authentically and celebrate their unique features. By promoting diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance, individuals and communities can help shift the cultural narrative around beauty towards one that recognizes and celebrates the inherent beauty and worth of all people, regardless of their physical features.