Beauty All Around the World

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Beauty All Around the World The word “beauty” is one of the most controversial words used in languages around the world, well not the word itself but its meaning. The true definition of beauty from the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind,” this is proven to be true however different cultures have different views of beauty. This has been argued with for centuries and across many countries. Many people have come to the conclusion that, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” although this saying is truthful, the definition of beauty is more specifically influenced by history, cultural norms, and universal standards. Each classification has contributed to the overall definition of beauty. The definition of "beauty" has been manipulated by history within many different countries. This definition has evolved over time. During the European Renaissance between the 14th and 17th centuries, certain traits such as high foreheads, voluptuous figures, and pale skin were considered beautiful (Sherrow). These traits were considered high class and characteristics of royalty. "Mary Queen of Scots doesn't look beautiful to us...Beaky nose, beady eyes, small, pursed mouth. Yet in many letter and accounts of the time, she was described as the most beautiful princess in Europe, with glowing details of her amber-colored hair, milky white complexion and so on..." (Shulman). In contrast to the descriptions defining beauty during the European Renaissance, modern day culture in America dictates beauty defined through slender bodies, tan skin, and youthfulness. The definition of beauty been an on-going development, and has been directed by evolving history. Beauty during the European Renaissance is a far from the way beauty is defined today. As times change, so does the definition of beauty. Beauty is also
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