Kathmandu January 12.

In this patriarchal society if somebody says what ‘beauty’ is then ‘answers ‘depend on the reply of- How does a male gaze at women? Although beauty is connected to a Female, a lady, or a girl the standards of beauty is created by male. Men create the simulated answers. All women are naturally beautiful on their own. Such men have given limited criterion of beauty and everybody has accepted the so called decisive factors of beauty.

Most of the studies have shown that males look females by objectifying their body, desire to take over and expect to control them. The concept of what beauty is or the notion of beauty myth keeps on changing according to time and culture as well. Talking about the traditional concepts of beauty regarding Nepal were: traditionally women are said to be beautiful if they are domesticated, remain within four walls of kitchen, shy, less talkative, care for their babies and so on. Moreover, Beauty of women was related to sexuality, pleasure for men, fertility and quality of offspring. Here, we are very much clear that all these feminine mystiques are directly or indirectly related to fertility of women. Moreover, male is thought to be attractive if he has good behavior overshadowed by his richness (wealth)

In this modern era the perception of beauty is same but not similar, it has changed its track only but the concept is same. For instance, in most of advertisements of books, magazines, newspaper, car, bike and so on we see the images of a beautiful ladies. It is a matter of concern, why a beautiful lady is seen at the side of the advertised car. As we know that, the main purpose of the advertisements is to sell more number of cars but not the lady. We can see there is no connection between the girl and the car; still, her picture is seen in the image. However, these days women give endless effort to make and enhance their appearance in order to make themselves, beautiful.

Now, the perception of beauty has been changing or somewhat positive change is seen in comparison to the past days. In this modern era, women are beautiful if they are wise, educated, active, dynamic, and fashionable, smart and so on. Now a day ‘beautiful women’ is synonymous with the words ‘beauty and brain’. From this very phrase, what I understand is – the concept of beauty has created ‘Double Standards’ for a woman. If woman is intelligent, she is thought to be beautiful. The color, structure of the face and body are not the matter of MUCH concern these days to not all but some people. Many women may be physically beautiful but only beauty does neither matter, nor this helps always- is talks of today’s world. However, it is not the case always-such change in the concept are seen only in some parts of Nepal only and some parts of other countries as well .Therefore, unattractive people remain in disadvantage. Also, people without beauty but with beautiful soul have to struggle throughout her life to prove herself. The patriarchal ideology has not totally been changed. There is some ray of hope for woman to groom in comparison to the past belief regarding ‘women’.