The World’s Most Beautiful Woman and the Sexiest Man – um, no

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“Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.” – Markus Zusak

A few weeks ago, I watched the Dove Real Beauty Sketches video, (httpssss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=litXW91UauE&feature=youtube_gdata_player). This is pretty profound, as a sketch artist draws women based on how they describe themselves. Not surprising, the women are very critical of their own looks, and really don’t see themselves as others see them.

So this morning, while on Facebook, I saw the Dove Sketch once again. I scrolled further and learned that a Hollywood actress has been named by People Magazine as “The World’s Most Beautiful Woman.” I am not naming her, as this commentary isn’t about her at all.

It is about the wrong messages we continue to pump out to our children and teenagers.

I guess I am just reveling in the irony.

We tell our little children that beauty is skin deep, and it is what is on the inside that really counts. And I believe that. I believe that the more beautiful and confident you are in yourself, the more your beauty is projected to the world in through your actions, your smiles, your attitude, your eyes. It has nothing to do with the size of your nose, the space in your teeth, the color of your hair or the size of your chest.

Beauty lies deep within your soul.

So, just how does an actress get to be the “Most Beautiful in the World?” Or, for that matter, what makes an actor the “Sexiest Man Alive?” Let’s face it. Physically, if I had a trainer, a personal chef, a make-up artist, a clothing coordinator, etc., I, too, would have a shot at being the most beautiful woman in the world.

I guess my “most beautiful person” check list is different from a magazine’s, or society’s in general. Especially when the person is given the additional “Of the World” title.

I define beauty in many ways:

Beauty is: staying up all night with a sick baby, a distressed friend, a dying parent or grandparent, a stressed-out spouse. Beauty is seeing a child pick a dandelion and run to give it to mommy. (Have you ever seen the look on a mom’s face? Or the child’s? Watch it – that is beauty!)

Beauty is seeing your husband hold that baby in his arms the first time.

Beauty is celebrating someone’s accomplishments even when your efforts have failed.

Beauty is watching your sons and nephews cry at their grandfather’s funeral.

Beauty, in my opinion, is character.

My thoughts are the same about the “Sexiest Man Alive.

To me, sexy is also character. How does a man treat a woman, or a woman treat a man? With respect? I have heard beautiful men and women chastise, curse and otherwise “be ugly” to their significant other. In public! I’m thinking that isn’t too “hot” or sexy…

Sexy is confidence, without hanging the goods out for all to see (yes, this applies to men and women…)

Sexy is respecting one’s body, as well as others.

Sexy is character.

I know these magazines name the Hollywood types “most beautiful” and “most sexy” to sell more product. I get it. But the problem is, we are sending mixed messages to our kids. We celebrate exterior beauty by placing these folks on the covers of magazines, in centerfolds, on the big screen and so forth.

It would be so refreshing to see someone on the cover of People Magazine who was being honored for character.

Maybe that would help send the message to our kids that character counts. That being beautiful and sexy is only as good as what is on the inside.

It’s not just a few exterior assets that make one beautiful or sexy. It’s the whole package.

What are your thoughts? Do think we emphasize physical beauty more than we should?

© Lynne Cobb – 2013

24 Replies to “The World’s Most Beautiful Woman and the Sexiest Man – um, no”

  1. Fantastic post! I’m tired of having “beautiful” people shoved in my face while magazines reveal the ugly things that they do. I would so much rather see an “average” or “ugly” person doing beautiful things on a magazine cover!

    1. Amen! And thank you. How does one person out of millions become “most beautiful?” I think of our military, first responders, Hospice workers, volunteers, etc….

  2. Great post, Lynne! I totally agree with your definition of ones beauty. The magazines describe the outer, visible beauty, which is so superficial when compared with the true beauty that you describe. A “beautiful” insight into true reality.

      1. Lynne – I am growing weary of the superficial, too. On another note, it sure is hard to get around to writing. You do a much better job of it than I do. I did post a new blog last week. Hope you enjoy it.

  3. So true. Lately I’ve been obsessed with the word “authentic” — and most drawn to men and women who’ve peeled back all the layers and become their authentic, true, original selves. They are the most beautiful and intriguing to me. Sadly, American fashion editors hold up so-called “ideal” images and the rest of us are expected to emulate them — and feel inferior if we fall short. Europeans figured this out a long time ago … and I realized, when I visited France, why those women are considered beautiful. They are one of a kind, each one.

  4. Hi Lynne,
    I found your blog via Pam Houghton–I guess great minds think alike, as I posted recently on People’s magazine, and eventually get around to the same point, more or less. Outer beauty is great for first impressions, but most of life is about ongoing relationships, so we all end up meeting people who’s “beauty” increases or decreases as we know them. Meanwhile, I’m a former/recovering People Magazine junkie, but I’ve been off the mag for a while now.

    1. Hi Debbie,

      Thanks so much for reading and commenting! I, too, am a former/recovering People Magazine junkie. It’s funny that you mention your blog post, as I have read many blogs recently discussing the same topic. It seems that collectively we are growing weary of being told by editors and producers what beauty is…

  5. Excellent blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring
    writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

    Would you recommend starting with a free
    platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any ideas? Kudos!

    1. Thank you! I appreciate your comments.

      I would suggest a free platform like WordPress as you get started. It is one of the easier platforms to learn, and has a great help/support team.

      Best wishes!

  6. Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a
    few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think
    its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

    1. Thank you for letting me know. I am in the process of moving the domain, so that may account for the linking issue. Truly appreciate you letting me know!

  7. I am with you 110%. We define beauty by our physical characterisitcs, when good looks do not equate to beauty in any sense, it is the nature of your actions, it is your heart, it is your intelligence, it is your smile. Keep reminding people how beautiful they really are, because this is exactly what I needed to read today.
    Thank you

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