self-love
What exactly is the definition of the term "worship"? According to the dictionary, to worship means to show "reverence and adoration for (something)." The word "reverence" means deep respect. With this in mind, I disagree with what Wallace has to say about worshipping your own "body and beauty and sexual allure" and how that will "always" make you feel "ugly" (237).
In fact, I think having deep respect for these things will make you appreciate yourself even more. However, I also think it becomes a choice for each individual. To a certain extent, what Wallace states has some truth to it. I think feeling ugly depends on if you worship an "ideal" body or type of beauty and if you don't fully love your own. If you worship or admire someone else's beauty, you will feel as though you're not as beautiful as him or her, because it will take an immense amount of effort to try exactly like anyone. If one "worships" or praises model Bella Hadid, for example, and you compare yourself to her, without any respect for your own beauty, then that's when Wallace's point is valid. The more you admire someone else's beauty over your own, the more you will feel "ugly."
Even though it's definitely okay to admire another's beauty, it's important to realize that that does not mean the absence of your own. If you admire and respect your own beauty, you will learn to love yourself and your flaws. Contradictory to the use of Wallace's "always," it's under these circumstances in which worshipping or prioritizing your beauty will lead to self-respect, and feeling like you've already acheived your own standard of beauty. In other words, having respect for your body, your beauty, and your sexual allure leads to self-respect, and with that comes self-love and a good state of mental health.
In fact, I think having deep respect for these things will make you appreciate yourself even more. However, I also think it becomes a choice for each individual. To a certain extent, what Wallace states has some truth to it. I think feeling ugly depends on if you worship an "ideal" body or type of beauty and if you don't fully love your own. If you worship or admire someone else's beauty, you will feel as though you're not as beautiful as him or her, because it will take an immense amount of effort to try exactly like anyone. If one "worships" or praises model Bella Hadid, for example, and you compare yourself to her, without any respect for your own beauty, then that's when Wallace's point is valid. The more you admire someone else's beauty over your own, the more you will feel "ugly."
Even though it's definitely okay to admire another's beauty, it's important to realize that that does not mean the absence of your own. If you admire and respect your own beauty, you will learn to love yourself and your flaws. Contradictory to the use of Wallace's "always," it's under these circumstances in which worshipping or prioritizing your beauty will lead to self-respect, and feeling like you've already acheived your own standard of beauty. In other words, having respect for your body, your beauty, and your sexual allure leads to self-respect, and with that comes self-love and a good state of mental health.
Very insightful post! I liked how you were free with your opinions and disagreed with Wallace. I certainly feel like in this generation people are becoming more and more carried by the figures of famous people. I also really liked it when you said "If you admire and respect your own beauty, you will learn to love yourself and your flaws."I think this is something everyone should remember.
ReplyDeleteI really love your take on self love and how you went on to define it yourself. I agree with everything that you said and think this post is definitely worth reading
ReplyDeleteI agree that self-love is so important in order to be happy and live a healthy life. I enjoyed this piece, well done! However, I believe there a fine line between self-love and self-worship, and it is very possible to worship your own beauty, which is unhealthy.
ReplyDeleteHey, Alicia! I like how you tried to disprove Wallace's statement that sounded too conclusive. I completely agree with you about how worshiping your own qualities to a certain extent is actually a good thing, and in fact I talked about it with a different perspective on my blog. I do feel like the word "worshiping" sounds a little more extreme than self-acceptance, but overall your viewpoint was really interesting!
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