Fat Mascara Best of FM: Philosopher Heather Widdows
Sep 1, 2023
Philosopher Heather Widdows discusses the ethics of beauty and looks-based discrimination. She explains why beauty companies use moral language to sell products. Topics include the impact of body shaming, resisting beauty ideals, and embracing diversity.
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Beauty as an Ethical Ideal
- Beauty as an ethical ideal means we judge ourselves by our bodies and appearance.
- We now believe perfecting our body guarantees a happy, flourishing life, unlike earlier when character was valued.
Normalization of Beauty Work
- Beauty practices have become normalized and naturalized as hygiene rather than adornment.
- This normalization hides the demanding work behind beauty, increasing invisible pressures globally.
Body Shame as Moral Judgment
- Body shame is widespread and deeply moralized, influencing many aspects of life.
- Moral language like 'You deserve it' permeates beauty, making it a source of guilt and failure.