Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What might be attractive to one might not be to another.
I do not believe that certain attributes are universally attractive because everyone has their likings. For example, just because I am attracted to a man with long hair and a washed board stomach like Fabio, does not mean that everyone else is. Although, there might be a lot of people who agree with me, the word universal is obsolete.
It is my belief that attributes can be both intrinsic and learned. Intrinsic attributes belong to your nature, these attributes are things that you are born with and that you are naturally inclined to; for example, having a race preference, black versus white, being attracted to big versus thin, tall versus short and sexual preference, same sex versus opposite sex. On the other hand, learned attributes are acquired mostly through association.
The media and one’s peers portray an image of what beauty should be. For example a six foot tall model with a size 0. Therefore, the media and the peer create a false and unrealistic image of what beauty should be. This leads to believe that anyone who does not fit this profile is odd and ugly. i.e. . ninety percent of the population.
A variety of factors influence the perception of attractiveness in sexual and romantic relationships. In essence, attraction is influenced by cultural and societal context because one will never be able to know why some people like abstract art while others prefer landscape.
Rose -- this is 98% better! :-)
The only problem is that you still have a sentence fragment in the fourth paragraph.
Thanks a lot ms. sue.
Rose
You're welcome. :-)
You have raised several points about beauty and its subjective nature. It is indeed true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what one person finds attractive may not be the same for another person. The perception of attractiveness can vary greatly from person to person, and there are several factors that contribute to this.
Firstly, you mentioned that certain attributes can be intrinsic and learned. Intrinsic attributes are those that are part of an individual's nature and are often influenced by factors such as personal preferences, race, body type, and sexual orientation. These are innate qualities that people are naturally inclined towards.
On the other hand, learned attributes are acquired through association and external influences such as the media and peer pressure. The media, for example, often portrays a specific standard of beauty that may not be realistic or representative of the diverse range of people. This can create a false image of what beauty should be, leading some individuals to feel inadequate if they do not fit that specific mold.
Cultural and societal context also play a significant role in shaping our perception of attractiveness. Different cultures and societies have their own standards of beauty, which can vary vastly. What is considered attractive in one culture may not be the same in another. These influences can impact our preferences and perceptions of beauty.
Furthermore, personal experiences and individual preferences also play a role in determining what an individual finds attractive. Each person has their own unique set of experiences and associations, which can influence their perceptions of beauty. For example, personal experiences of what has been deemed attractive in the past can shape an individual's preferences.
Ultimately, it is important to recognize that beauty is a subjective concept and can differ greatly from one individual to another. It is influenced by a combination of intrinsic and learned attributes, societal pressures, cultural norms, personal experiences, and individual preferences.