Unit Unpacking Self - The Physical Self

U n p a c k i ng
t h e S e l f -
P h y s i c a l S e l f
Objectives:
• Explore the different aspects of self and identity
• Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in
integrating the various aspects of self and identity
• Identify the different forces and institutions that
impact the development of various aspects of
self and identity
• Examine one’s self against the different aspects
of self discussed in class
INTRODUCTION
There is always a pressure in our society to look good, and to
seek a visually better version of ourselves. We often get so
caught up with the ways we can make sure that we look beautiful
and nice, that sometimes, we frown at our natural looks, our dark
complexion perhaps, or even our short stature.
The social pressure of looking perfect gave rise to the many beauty
products and enhancement procedures, being patronized by a large portion
of our population, no matter how expensive they might be, just to fit in, to
be accepted, and be beautiful. In the global society where fairer skin and a
size zero for women are deemed attractive if not stunning, we can only
expect ourselves to follow and abide by the mantra, "Beauty is Power", no
matter how destructive it might be for us.
Our physical selves have become so dependent on the
judgment of our appearance, and not with the celebration of it.
In this chapter, we will look at the work of nature and nurture,
and how it greatly influences the features of our physical
selves, particularly how we look, and how standards of beauty,
both in local and global contexts have affected our self-
acceptance. We will also look into the different cultural
standards of beauty and how it has affected our self-concept,
our self-esteem and body image, and realize that beauty, in all
shapes and sizes, is meant to be celebrated.
Why do I look like Myself?
Have you ever faced the mirror and asked yourself, "Why do I look like me?"
Science explains that our parents are very much instrumental in understanding
why we look how we look. 3. Gregor Mendel first figured out how genes are
passed from parents to offspring in plants, including humans. His experiments on
pea plants showed that genes are passed intact from generation to generation and
that traits are not blended. Mendel's discovery was that it is through the genes that
traits were passed from parent to off spring through several generations
(Cummings, 2016).
4. Genetics definitely has a hand on our physical appearance. Our biology dictates
that our looks are a result of the genes transferred to us by our 5. parents. From
our skin tone, hair color, to our height, our physical features are an evidence that
we are our parents' children. When heredity is actually at work, we find ourselves
being the mirrors of our parents, which was the result of their DNAs
(deoxyribonucleic acid) at work in us, and for some, even looking like carbon
copies of them.
POP OF QUESTION # 1:
What physical traits did you get from your

parents?
Do you look more life your father or your

mother?
Cultural Standards of Beauty
Defining beauty can be a very daunting task. Suffice it to say that describing
such would be very problematic since it is contextual to say the least. As culture
decides the norms of the society, its concept of what is beautiful is similarly
invoked from a cultural perspective.
Different cultures have different standards of beauty. During the 19th century in
the African country of Tahiti, it was recorded that some men and women were
set aside in a special place for fattening purposes (Pollock, 1995). In addition,
they were covered in large amounts of tapa barkcloth, which, after the ritual is
over, reveals a lighter skin for those who were selected. The goal of this ritual is
to enhance their beauty, not only by feeding them but by making sure that they
get a lighter skin afterwards.
6. "Fattening Rooms" are used less these days but are still
relevant among well-off families (Brink, 1995). This was also
recorded in Nigeria during the ancient times when being fat
was viewed as a sign of prosperity, fertility and beauty (The
Fattening Room, Nkugho, n.d.). These examples impeccably
depict how beauty is espoused distinctly in different societies.
7-8 Lakoff and Scherr (1989), in their book Face Value: The
Politics of Beauty, explain this perfectly saying that……
"beauty was not just a product of wealth, but a commodity in
and of itself. In other words, it was no longer a matter of
looking to wealth to find beauty, but of looking to beauty to
find status. Now, beauty could give the illusion of wealth."
Do you agree with Lakoff and Scherr’s definition

of beauty? Explain.
Are you happy with how your society defines

beauty?
What roles do typical Filipino-looking celebrities

usually portray in television series and movies? Why
do you think they were given such roles?
The Filipino Obsession with Beauty
Marlou Arizala
Toni Fowler
Truth is, women have been evaluated based on their appearance
more than men (Wade, 2017). They have been valued and
devalued based on how they look. It is for this reason that many
of them fall prey to even unnecessary cosmetic surgeries due to
that desire of wanting to look good, if not perfect.
Health concerns are foremost to be considered before going through these kinds
of surgeries. Yet, there are those who feel that there is always a need for them to
alter whichever part of their body, because they feel that they do not look
beautiful, even if you tell them that they already are. This perspective seems to
be the case not only for a lot of millennials but for those who are suffering from
1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD.
What can you say about men and women who go

through cosmetic surgeries?

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U n p a c k i ng

What physical traits did you get from your

Do you look more life your father or your

Do you agree with Lakoff and Scherr’s definition

Are you happy with how your society defines

What roles do typical Filipino-looking celebrities

What can you say about men and women who go

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