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To be called beautiful is thought to name something essential to women’s character and concerns. (In contrast by men whose __1
essence is to be strong, or effective, or competent.) It does not need someone in the throes of feminist awareness to perceive that __2
the way women are taught to be involved in beauty encourages __3
narcissism, reinforces independence and immaturity. Everybody knows __4
that. For it is “everybody”, a whole society, which has identified __5
being feminine with caring about how one looks. Giving these __6
stereotypes, it is no wonder that beauty enjoys, at best, a rather mixed reputation.
It is not, of course, the desire to be beautiful is wrong but the __7
obligation to be. Women are taught to see their bodies in parts, and to assess each part separately. Breasts, feet, hips, waistline, neck, __8
eyes, nose, complexion, hair, and so on – each by turn is submitted __9
to an anxious scrutiny. Even if some pass the scrutiny, some will always be found wanted. Nothing less than perfection will do. __10
