Michael Zarrillo Can Beauty Be Constructed?

Michael Zarrillo
English 1100
Professor Young
2 November 2014

Can Beauty Be Constructed?

Beauty is a very controversial topic when talking about beauty being constructed or honest. I feel that beauty can be honest and constructed as well. I think that beauty can be constructed because anything that is not a person's natural features is altering someones beauty. If someone alters their natural beauty, that means their beauty is constructed. People can construct beauty in many different ways. Putting on makeup is one way that most girls construct their beauty almost every day. However, constructed beauty can be things that are wants or needs. People do not need to put makeup on, they put it on because they want to because it makes them look better. Constructed beauty that is a need is in the case of Aimee Mullins where she lost her legs and now uses prosthetic legs. Since the legs that she uses are not her natural legs, this means that her beauty is constructed. Because Aimee needs these prosthetic legs is order to walk, this means that her constructed beauty is a need and not a want. Aimee does not want those legs to walk, she needs those legs to walk. Unlike Aimee, some girls put on makeup, go for spray tans, and some even get implants to enhance their appearance. All of these things are ways that beauty is constructed.

To answer the question directly, yes, beauty can be constructed and in many different ways. Beauty is something that almost every one cares about. Almost everybody wants to look good when going out, especially to big parties like weddings. When people go to these events, they want to look good so they will do a lot to make themselves look better. Girls put on makeup, some men may even put makeup on, they get new hair styles and many other things. All of these things are ways that people are constructing their beauty. Aimee Mullins in her TED talk admits that her beauty is constructed and not really honest, but she embraces it and is proud of it. Aimee even jokes that because of her many different legs, she has a few different heights depending on what legs she is wearing that day. 

Beauty is something that can be constructed. There are many ways that people construct their beauty. Constructing your beauty is anything that you do to your body that alters your natural features. It can be as simple as putting makeup on, or as complicated as having a face lift. Constructed beauty can be further divided into two categories: wants and needs. A girl may want to get a face lift to make her look younger, but someone may need prosthetic legs like Aimee, in order to perform everyday activities.

http://www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_prosthetic_aesthetics?language=en