Modern Studies on Ugliness
Jennifer Astle — November 1, 2008 — Pop Culture
References: nytimes
We can’t deny that we are fascinated with beauty. One look at Hollywood and the consensus is clear. Beautiful is hot, ugly is not. Or is it?
Academics, lawyers and other dispensers of truth are beginning to take note of the ugly, and the role that they play in society.
For example, Dr. Synnott of Concordia University has taken on the study of ugly and demonstrates the often widespread connections drawn between ugly and evil. He notes that on the whole society is aware that beauty is skin deep and poses the question as to why ugliness is not viewed the same way. His study entitled “Ugliness, Visibility and the Invisible Prejudice” will appear in the next issue of Glimpses Journal.
Reality television has brought us numerous representations of the ugly. Take for instance the once popular television show, The Swan, where “ugly” contestants were transformed into beautiful people. Although the series itself was riddled with ethical debate, it served to bring ugliness into the spotlight for the first time.
Other media endeavors have followed suit. Sitcom Ugly Betty enjoys popularity, and who can forget the lovable Shrek, the cutest ugly ogre that ever did exist. We are left to ponder if ugly ostensibly becomes the new beautiful, will beautiful be the new ugly? Look out Brangelina, you may just be out of work…
Academics, lawyers and other dispensers of truth are beginning to take note of the ugly, and the role that they play in society.
For example, Dr. Synnott of Concordia University has taken on the study of ugly and demonstrates the often widespread connections drawn between ugly and evil. He notes that on the whole society is aware that beauty is skin deep and poses the question as to why ugliness is not viewed the same way. His study entitled “Ugliness, Visibility and the Invisible Prejudice” will appear in the next issue of Glimpses Journal.
Reality television has brought us numerous representations of the ugly. Take for instance the once popular television show, The Swan, where “ugly” contestants were transformed into beautiful people. Although the series itself was riddled with ethical debate, it served to bring ugliness into the spotlight for the first time.
Other media endeavors have followed suit. Sitcom Ugly Betty enjoys popularity, and who can forget the lovable Shrek, the cutest ugly ogre that ever did exist. We are left to ponder if ugly ostensibly becomes the new beautiful, will beautiful be the new ugly? Look out Brangelina, you may just be out of work…
Trend Themes
1. Redefining Beauty Standards - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the beauty industry by emphasizing inclusivity and redefining conventional beauty standards.
2. Celebrating Unconventional Looks - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the entertainment industry by creating diverse and relatable characters that celebrate unconventional looks.
3. Understanding the Psychology of Ugliness - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the academic industry by gaining deeper insights into the societal biases and prejudices towards physical appearances.
Industry Implications
1. Beauty - The beauty industry can benefit from the trend of redefining beauty standards and expanding their range of inclusive products.
2. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can use this trend to create more diverse and interesting characters, breaking away from conventional beauty standards and attracting a wider range of viewers.
3. Academia - The academic industry can contribute to this trend by conducting research on the societal biases around physical appearances and finding ways to overcome them.
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