“Beauty”
Question: If you could take away a standard that society has regarding what we consider beautiful, what would you change? What would you replace it with?
Click on an image to see the response that inspired it. Use the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the gallery.

"If I could change one thing, it would be the idea that tormenting yourself for the sake of physical beauty or other forms of achievement makes you heroic, because while self-sacrifice is great, we as a society are beginning to glorify overworking ourselves as opposed to knowing our limits, and doing what's best for our health."

"If I could change one thing, it would be the idea that tormenting yourself for the sake of physical beauty or other forms of achievement makes you heroic, because while self-sacrifice is great, we as a society are beginning to glorify overworking ourselves as opposed to knowing our limits, and doing what's best for our health."

"Outside beauty being more important than inner beauty. Some of the more "beautiful" people I have known are terrilbe people. Your heart, your compasion, your strength is more important than anything you have on your outside."

"Outside beauty being more important than inner beauty. Some of the more "beautiful" people I have known are terrilbe people. Your heart, your compasion, your strength is more important than anything you have on your outside."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"We treat subjective issues as though they were objective and objective issues as though they were subjective."

"We treat subjective issues as though they were objective and objective issues as though they were subjective."

"That an idealistic "hot" body is an "athletic body". And id replace it with the type of apprieciation the greek had/has for people with my body type, larger and more "curvier". Of course, it was like that over there because they never knew when their next meal was going to be, so they'd store fat for energy. It was respected more then than it is today. You can be healthy and large at the same time."

"That an idealistic "hot" body is an "athletic body". And id replace it with the type of apprieciation the greek had/has for people with my body type, larger and more "curvier". Of course, it was like that over there because they never knew when their next meal was going to be, so they'd store fat for energy. It was respected more then than it is today. You can be healthy and large at the same time."

"Starting with something very concrete, e.g. women aren't supposed to show body hair, stepping back to beauty as defined by one model at any given time, what comes to my mind is that human experience is so very fleeting. Maybe beauty ideals give the followers a sense of stability. I believe beauty can be created any given moment through the expression of connection, kindness, caring, sharing, empathy, open heartedness."

"Starting with something very concrete, e.g. women aren't supposed to show body hair, stepping back to beauty as defined by one model at any given time, what comes to my mind is that human experience is so very fleeting. Maybe beauty ideals give the followers a sense of stability. I believe beauty can be created any given moment through the expression of connection, kindness, caring, sharing, empathy, open heartedness."

"I would eliminate the bias of ageism that falsely assumes that any person over the age of 60 is senile or inept or a bad driver or stupid. I would replace it with a willingness to treat each person as an individual with valuable traits and abilities and experiences worthy of respect. If we take the trouble to really look at a person, we might be surprised at the richness and variety of their talents and capacity to contribute to society."

"I would eliminate the bias of ageism that falsely assumes that any person over the age of 60 is senile or inept or a bad driver or stupid. I would replace it with a willingness to treat each person as an individual with valuable traits and abilities and experiences worthy of respect. If we take the trouble to really look at a person, we might be surprised at the richness and variety of their talents and capacity to contribute to society."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I would take away the standard that we have to be young to be beautiful. Too often we spend too much time trying regain youth that we lose ourselves."

"I would take away the standard that we have to be young to be beautiful. Too often we spend too much time trying regain youth that we lose ourselves."

"Beauty is who you are. Not how you look. I've seen some physically attractive people who were truly ugly, and some less "attractive" people who were gorgeous. Beauty is not your body or face or size or shape or age. It isn't how you look: How skinny or fat or light or dark or tall or short or blonde or brunette. Beauty is the sparkle in your eyes. The welcoming smile on your face. The open heart you present. Beauty is who you ARE. Not how you look."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"If I take away one thing about the way beauty is viewed in society, it would definitely be the lack of equality. More specifically, in skin color. It's typically seen as lighter skin color = better, more beautiful. The historical basis for it is unfortunate in itself. Beauty is an ever-shifting aspect, varying widely depending on, as the adage goes, the beholder. Beauty in marketing is still whitewashed (as in literally white) and influences the way people perceive it. I would replace it with an emphasis on equality. So equal representation of skin color, ethnicity, and biological race instead of racial conformity. Everyone has an equal chance at being beautiful to someone, and it needs to be accurately represented"

"If I take away one thing about the way beauty is viewed in society, it would definitely be the lack of equality. More specifically, in skin color. It's typically seen as lighter skin color = better, more beautiful. The historical basis for it is unfortunate in itself. Beauty is an ever-shifting aspect, varying widely depending on, as the adage goes, the beholder. Beauty in marketing is still whitewashed (as in literally white) and influences the way people perceive it. I would replace it with an emphasis on equality. So equal representation of skin color, ethnicity, and biological race instead of racial conformity. Everyone has an equal chance at being beautiful to someone, and it needs to be accurately represented"

"I would take away the discrimination and judgement against the different religious beliefs of the world. There are many different beliefs in this world, and we get to choose what we want to believe. However, not everybody agrees with each other's beliefs and some lead to conflicts amongst each other such as violence. Because of these conflicts, people fear to express their religious beliefs in public and keep it to themselves. But if we think about it, we all try to follow similar practices, trying to please whomever our specific God is and try to live by what we are taught. Becuase we are just a little similar, we should show respect to each other's belief or perhaps even encourage each other in our beliefs without telling each other what to do. If we respect our own beliefs, there most likely wouldn't be that much conflict in the world and much more harmony between the different countries. We shouldn't have to live in fear of believing in a certain belief or live thinking our own religion should be dominant over everyone else's, but rather respect and encourage each other in our beliefs."

"I would take away the discrimination and judgement against the different religious beliefs of the world. There are many different beliefs in this world, and we get to choose what we want to believe. However, not everybody agrees with each other's beliefs and some lead to conflicts amongst each other such as violence. Because of these conflicts, people fear to express their religious beliefs in public and keep it to themselves. But if we think about it, we all try to follow similar practices, trying to please whomever our specific God is and try to live by what we are taught. Becuase we are just a little similar, we should show respect to each other's belief or perhaps even encourage each other in our beliefs without telling each other what to do. If we respect our own beliefs, there most likely wouldn't be that much conflict in the world and much more harmony between the different countries. We shouldn't have to live in fear of believing in a certain belief or live thinking our own religion should be dominant over everyone else's, but rather respect and encourage each other in our beliefs."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy. Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy.
Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy.
Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy.
Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the idea that in order to be man, you have to suck up your emotions and be stereotypically cold, distant, and "strong." Men aren't allowed to express themselves in the many ways that women can. They have limited outlets, which often makes them feel misunderstood and frustrated. We tend to "worship" this image we have of men, and that's what I believe to be the root thought behind patriarchy.
Men should be allowed to be themselves - to freely express how they feel without being called gay or weak. The term "manly" shouldn't be used to describe someone with a ripped body, but someone who isn't afraid to make themselves vulnerable - someone who is compassionate and loving. Stop defining boys. Let them grow and figure it out for themselves."

"I would take away the discrimination and judgement against the different religious beliefs of the world. There are many different beliefs in this world, and we get to choose what we want to believe. However, not everybody agrees with each other's beliefs and some lead to conflicts amongst each other such as violence. Because of these conflicts, people fear to express their religious beliefs in public and keep it to themselves. But if we think about it, we all try to follow similar practices, trying to please whomever our specific God is and try to live by what we are taught. Becuase we are just a little similar, we should show respect to each other's belief or perhaps even encourage each other in our beliefs without telling each other what to do. If we respect our own beliefs, there most likely wouldn't be that much conflict in the world and much more harmony between the different countries. We shouldn't have to live in fear of believing in a certain belief or live thinking our own religion should be dominant over everyone else's, but rather respect and encourage each other in our beliefs."

"I would take away the discrimination and judgement against the different religious beliefs of the world. There are many different beliefs in this world, and we get to choose what we want to believe. However, not everybody agrees with each other's beliefs and some lead to conflicts amongst each other such as violence. Because of these conflicts, people fear to express their religious beliefs in public and keep it to themselves. But if we think about it, we all try to follow similar practices, trying to please whomever our specific God is and try to live by what we are taught. Becuase we are just a little similar, we should show respect to each other's belief or perhaps even encourage each other in our beliefs without telling each other what to do. If we respect our own beliefs, there most likely wouldn't be that much conflict in the world and much more harmony between the different countries. We shouldn't have to live in fear of believing in a certain belief or live thinking our own religion should be dominant over everyone else's, but rather respect and encourage each other in our beliefs."

"I would take away the idea that a girl has to reveal herself clothes-wise and sex-wise in order to be considered normal or beautiful. I would replace it with a desire for modesty and respect for ones own body."

"I would take away the idea that a girl has to reveal herself clothes-wise and sex-wise in order to be considered normal or beautiful. I would replace it with a desire for modesty and respect for ones own body."

"I believe society's perception of beauty has become strongly influenced by wealth. The more expensive clothes, hair/makeup, plastic surgery, etc. are perceived as more beautiful than simplistic, natural beauty. Unfortunately, due to the fact that a lot of women/men can't afford these luxurious items, their self esteem is damaged, and thus their self worth is as well. I wish we could replace the measurement of someone's beauty by their personality rather than their wealth. This is proven to be very difficult because people are too quick to act on first impressions, which are based almost exclusively on physical appearance. Unfortunately, as a result of these assumptions, people miss out on the beauty of one's soul."

"I believe society's perception of beauty has become strongly influenced by wealth. The more expensive clothes, hair/makeup, plastic surgery, etc. are perceived as more beautiful than simplistic, natural beauty. Unfortunately, due to the fact that a lot of women/men can't afford these luxurious items, their self esteem is damaged, and thus their self worth is as well. I wish we could replace the measurement of someone's beauty by their personality rather than their wealth. This is proven to be very difficult because people are too quick to act on first impressions, which are based almost exclusively on physical appearance. Unfortunately, as a result of these assumptions, people miss out on the beauty of one's soul."

"I would take away the "beauty" of having it all together (the illusion of perfection/success/ease of life), and replace it with transparency and honesty. Take away the façade we put on for others when it comes to how our life is, and instead be honest, and allow others to help. Exchange the illusion of success for the ugly fight against failure, so we can be strong, together."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I would take away looking at beauty only at surface level. I would replace it with looking at what lies beneath the surface and considering the beauty inside a person more important than the beauty outside."

"I would take away looking at beauty only at surface level. I would replace it with looking at what lies beneath the surface and considering the beauty inside a person more important than the beauty outside."

"I might try to remove the idea that sounds great, that as long as you are HEALTHY you are beautiful. Because I won't ever be truly and 100% healthy. I don't know it's kinda weird because that's supposed to be he final frontier of seeing beauty as anything g that isn't unhealthy, but it kind of hurts. And I don't have nigh control over whether or not I'm entirely healthy... Also remove the stigma behind surgeries and surgical scars... Mine make me nervous cuz they kinda show that I'm not healthy. I wanna replace it with a beauty in the story behind scars and the history in a person." -Tabitha Kat Fox

"I might try to remove the idea that sounds great, that as long as you are HEALTHY you are beautiful. Because I won't ever be truly and 100% healthy. I don't know it's kinda weird because that's supposed to be he final frontier of seeing beauty as anything g that isn't unhealthy, but it kind of hurts. And I don't have nigh control over whether or not I'm entirely healthy... Also remove the stigma behind surgeries and surgical scars... Mine make me nervous cuz they kinda show that I'm not healthy. I wanna replace it with a beauty in the story behind scars and the history in a person."

"I might try to remove the idea that sounds great, that as long as you are HEALTHY you are beautiful. Because I won't ever be truly and 100% healthy. I don't know it's kinda weird because that's supposed to be he final frontier of seeing beauty as anything g that isn't unhealthy, but it kind of hurts. And I don't have nigh control over whether or not I'm entirely healthy... Also remove the stigma behind surgeries and surgical scars... Mine make me nervous cuz they kinda show that I'm not healthy. I wanna replace it with a beauty in the story behind scars and the history in a person."

"I would take away the concept of there being a standard for beauty because if you look at the centuries, there is always a standard of beauty making others only think of the negatives about themselves for not living up to society's standards, when in reality beauty is only something that can be determined by the person who either believes they are beautiful or not beautiful. So if I would place something into this standard I would place an equal balance of all kinds of different styles to create true equality to stop negative controversies."

"I would take away the concept of there being a standard for beauty because if you look at the centuries, there is always a standard of beauty making others only think of the negatives about themselves for not living up to society's standards, when in reality beauty is only something that can be determined by the person who either believes they are beautiful or not beautiful. So if I would place something into this standard I would place an equal balance of all kinds of different styles to create true equality to stop negative controversies."

"I would take away the discrimination of tattoos away. It's our bodies that have been given to us, and we should have free rein on them. If we feel we should express ourselves through marking on our bodies then we shouldn't be discriminated or told not to do it."

"I would take away the discrimination of tattoos away. It's our bodies that have been given to us, and we should have free rein on them. If we feel we should express ourselves through marking on our bodies then we shouldn't be discriminated or told not to do it."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I would take away the presumed understanding of mental illness and those with it, and replace it with true understanding. I am bipolar. Just because you see me as normal doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with me."

"I would take away the presumed understanding of mental illness and those with it, and replace it with true understanding. I am bipolar. Just because you see me as normal doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with me."

"I would take away the presumed understanding of mental illness and those with it, and replace it with true understanding. I am bipolar. Just because you see me as normal doesn't mean there's nothing wrong with me."

"If I could take away one thing about the way we define "beauty" within our society, I would do away with the concept that every aspect of our bodies/lives MUST be proportional. We tend to look down on anyone whose eyebrows aren't perfecting symmetrical on both sides, anyone whose thighs don't exactly line up, and most importantly anyone who isn't horizontally proportional (so basically the same size above the waist as you are below the waist). There is always going to be some part of you that isn't completely symmetrical. It's humanely impossible to have anything otherwise, and this idea that you'd need surgical operations to fix your microscopic "imperfections" is completely sickening. I think that this is essentially where the idea of perfection within beauty originates from. High cheek bones, big lips, small nose, bright eyes, perfect eyebrows, it's all the same."

"If I could take away one thing about the way we define "beauty" within our society, I would do away with the concept that every aspect of our bodies/lives MUST be proportional. We tend to look down on anyone whose eyebrows aren't perfecting symmetrical on both sides, anyone whose thighs don't exactly line up, and most importantly anyone who isn't horizontally proportional (so basically the same size above the waist as you are below the waist). There is always going to be some part of you that isn't completely symmetrical. It's humanely impossible to have anything otherwise, and this idea that you'd need surgical operations to fix your microscopic "imperfections" is completely sickening. I think that this is essentially where the idea of perfection within beauty originates from. High cheek bones, big lips, small nose, bright eyes, perfect eyebrows, it's all the same."

"If I could take away one thing about the way we define "beauty" within our society, I would do away with the concept that every aspect of our bodies/lives MUST be proportional. We tend to look down on anyone whose eyebrows aren't perfecting symmetrical on both sides, anyone whose thighs don't exactly line up, and most importantly anyone who isn't horizontally proportional (so basically the same size above the waist as you are below the waist). There is always going to be some part of you that isn't completely symmetrical. It's humanely impossible to have anything otherwise, and this idea that you'd need surgical operations to fix your microscopic "imperfections" is completely sickening. I think that this is essentially where the idea of perfection within beauty originates from. High cheek bones, big lips, small nose, bright eyes, perfect eyebrows, it's all the same."

"Stay at home moms can be percieved anywhere from lazy, not dedicated, and uncaring to strict, mean, and overbearing parents - that we don't have real connections with our kids. I just want to show my kids how to have fun and that parents are people too."

"Stay at home moms can be percieved anywhere from lazy, not dedicated, and uncaring to strict, mean, and overbearing parents - that we don't have real connections with our kids. I just want to show my kids how to have fun and that parents are people too."

"I would remove the shame from getting cosmetic surgery, especially functional surgeries like breast reductions"

"I would remove the shame from getting cosmetic surgery, especially functional surgeries like breast reductions"

"If you're tall with long blonde hair you're automatically gorgeous Replace it with nothing other than it doesn't matter how tall or short you are, or how long your hair is, or even what color your hair is"

"If you're tall with long blonde hair you're automatically gorgeous Replace it with nothing other than it doesn't matter how tall or short you are, or how long your hair is, or even what color your hair is"

"People need to stop the endless search for fame and wealth. I would replace that with the search for something worth fighting for."

"People need to stop the endless search for fame and wealth. I would replace that with the search for something worth fighting for."

"People need to stop the endless search for fame and wealth. I would replace that with the search for something worth fighting for."

"People need to stop the endless search for fame and wealth. I would replace that with the search for something worth fighting for."
Extra Shots

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I'd change the idea that specific body types are or are not fashionable, and instead focus on how health, however it manifests itself in someone, is beautiful."

"I would take away the discrimination and judgement against the different religious beliefs of the world. There are many different beliefs in this world, and we get to choose what we want to believe. However, not everybody agrees with each other's beliefs and some lead to conflicts amongst each other such as violence. Because of these conflicts, people fear to express their religious beliefs in public and keep it to themselves. But if we think about it, we all try to follow similar practices, trying to please whomever our specific God is and try to live by what we are taught. Becuase we are just a little similar, we should show respect to each other's belief or perhaps even encourage each other in our beliefs without telling each other what to do. If we respect our own beliefs, there most likely wouldn't be that much conflict in the world and much more harmony between the different countries. We shouldn't have to live in fear of believing in a certain belief or live thinking our own religion should be dominant over everyone else's, but rather respect and encourage each other in our beliefs."

"If I could change one thing, it would be the idea that tormenting yourself for the sake of physical beauty or other forms of achievement makes you heroic, because while self-sacrifice is great, we as a society are beginning to glorify overworking ourselves as opposed to knowing our limits, and doing what's best for our health."

"I believe society's perception of beauty has become strongly influenced by wealth. The more expensive clothes, hair/makeup, plastic surgery, etc. are perceived as more beautiful than simplistic, natural beauty. Unfortunately, due to the fact that a lot of women/men can't afford these luxurious items, their self esteem is damaged, and thus their self worth is as well. I wish we could replace the measurement of someone's beauty by their personality rather than their wealth. This is proven to be very difficult because people are too quick to act on first impressions, which are based almost exclusively on physical appearance. Unfortunately, as a result of these assumptions, people miss out on the beauty of one's soul."