| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "BEAUTY PAGEANTS": |
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Beauty Pageants, 2005.
This paper explores beauty pageants and the search for the ideal lifestyle.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how we live in a society in which demands for equality abound. At some point, the rights and privileges associated with the white heterosexual man between the ages of 25 and 40 became associated with the perfect life. At the same time, it seemed that a trend began. The paper describes how hyphenated Americans began their quest for the apparently ideal lifestyle that had been withheld from them. Women, gays and lesbians began their own efforts to achieve this same equality outside of gender and sexual preference. The paper concludes that despite it all, the beauty pageant still survives.
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Rise and Fall of Beauty Pageants, 2005.
A look at the popularity of beauty pageants in the mid 1900s.
2,185 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses why national beauty contests emerged in America and Australia, among other nations, in the 1920s and why they declined
in popularity by the 1980s.
From the Paper
"The withdrawal of US network television from the Miss America pageant marks a new low in the steady decline of a once great institution: the national beauty contest. From being shared communal events that embodied the hopes and dreams of a sizeable section of their populations and played a role as flag-waving occasions of national pride, events such as Miss America have become just one part of the fragmented multimedia world that is entertainment today, and a distinctly tawdry and unfashionable one at that. The same story of marginalization revealed by ABC's withdrawal from Miss America is repeated across the world, with national contests no longer shared national events."
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The Beauty Pageant Culture, 2004.
An analysis of issues of gender and power in the beauty pageant culture of America.
2,027 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how beauty pageants define gender, hierarchy, and power. The paper contends that, despite growing resentments to a male-imposed version of femininity, women in America are influenced by a wide range of powerful cultural messages that serve to define unrealistic expectations of what women should look like and how they should act. The paper explores the Miss America, Miss Universe, and Miss World pageants.
From the Paper
"Data for the winners of the Miss America competition from 1921 to 1986 (when the pageant stopped collecting the data) were analyzed by Freese and Meland; these researchers found that simple correlations between WHR and a linear measure of the time of pageant victory show that the WHRs of Miss American winners have changed over time. The correlation coefficients indicate that the WHR Miss America winners have decreased over time (r =.-55, p < .001) and those of Playboy centerfold models have increased over time (r =.46, p < .001) (Freese & Meland, 2002, p. 135). On the one hand, the authors say these results could reasonably be assumed to mean that this is evidence of an invariance in the underlying preference over time; the opposing trends, while important, could merely reflect idiosyncrasies of employing self-reported Playboy and Miss America measurements as measures of indicators of American male preferences for specific gender characteristics in the opposite sex at a given point in time. In other words, they say, because the trends are in opposite directions, they can be thought of as canceling each other out, allowing the conclusion that reflected WHR preferences have effectively been temporally invariant despite evidence of change in both samples (Freese & Meland, 2002, p. 136)."
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Beauty Contests, 2008.
This paper explores the cultural practice known as the "beauty pageant".
1,543 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the importance of the cultural practice of the beauty pageant, in particular the Miss America beauty contest. The paper discusses how although there has been scholarly aversion to studying the phenomenon, it is clear that this apparently frivolous cultural practice is enormously significant in shaping how sexuality, gender and race are shaped within the broader fabric of power relationships in our society. The paper also demonstrates how this cultural practice has spread across the world during the twentieth century to become a global phenomenon.
From the Paper
"The topic of "beauty" and, in particular, "beauty pageants" is a highly controversial one in contemporary academia. In the wake of late twentieth century feminism, scholars in the fields of sociology and anthropology "often see beauty contests as somehow trivial, frivolous, or vulgar" (Cohen 5). In large measure, this scholarly response reflects the widespread controversy over addressing the cultural construction of "beauty" in the modern context. While feminist critics have led the debate over the scholarly analysis of the construction of beauty, scholars in other fields have tended to avoid discussion of the issue and the cultural practice of beauty contests. As one critic observes of this scholarly aversion: "The failure to grant beauty pageants serious attention may reflect a reluctance to deal with beauty itself as a serious matter" (Cohen 6)."
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Concepts of Beauty, 2003.
Examines why fashion models are admired in society today.
2,024 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
Notwithstanding the adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," to explain why some humans appear more attractive than others, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature to identify what scientific basis there is for making determinations of beauty and how this can be applied to fashion models today. A discussion of the criticisms being directed against beauty pageants and their directors is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"We have all seen it: the New Miss America proudly walking down the runway, tears streaming down her humble face as she displays her crown and scepter -- showing the whole world exactly what it takes to be considered "beautiful." Some researchers, though, say the swimsuit-and-scholarship competition promotes an "ideal of female undernutrition" by crowning ever-skinnier contestants. A member of the staff at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health said, "Clearly there is a trend toward undernourished winners." In a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists examined the decline in body mass index (BMI) scores among contest winners since first Miss America won the title in 1921. The winner of that contest had a BMI of 20.4. The "BMI reflects a person's weight divided by height to arrive at a number indicative of weight-related health" (Vergano, 2002, n. pag.)."
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Inner Beauty, 2002.
An exploration of Jane Eyre's life as a search for value in her inner beauty.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This essay details the struggle for recognition of inner beauty over outer beauty as seen in "Jane Eyre". The author discusses how Jane's life is a stage for her education and the building of character and value that goes against the traditional notions of beauty. At each of her homes she gains confidence and strength, challenging societal views of beauty and is rewarded with her marriage to a man who respects her for who she is.
From the paper:
"The notion of beauty, what it is and whether it is an inner or outward quality, has been long debated. For centuries people, and particularly women, have struggled with the concept of their own inner beauty as something as important, if not more important than their outward, physical beauty. This is no less true in literature. The idea of female inner beauty has not always been valued. In Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre", the protagonist, Jane, rejects her own outer beauty in favour of nurturing her intellect, her humility and those other inner qualities that she herself views as beautiful. She respects her wisdom and philosophy before any of her physical attributes, partly because of her need as a child to read; partly from the lessons she is taught."
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Naomi Wolf's "The Beauty Myth", 2006.
An analysis of the message about the ideal of beauty in Naomi Wolf's book, "The Beauty Myth".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the message in Naomi Wolf's book, "The Beauty Myth", explaining that Wolf puts forward the provocative argument that the ideal of beauty in modern culture is nothing but the latest method of keeping women in a subservient role within the patriarchy. She sees the ubiquitous images of female beauty that pervade our culture as being part of a vicious backlash against the successes of feminism, arguing that this beauty myth functions to keep women convinced that they are worth less than men, and thus maintains the current economic system.
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Defense of Beauty, 2002.
This paper uses a philosophical approach to answer the question: What is wrong with beauty?
6,655 words (approx. 26.6 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 152.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses what is wrong with beauty from the position of its subjectivity, purpose and irrelevance to modern culture and the modern experience. The author believes that the thinker must examine the theory of the sublime, to determine to what degree, if any, it can be reconciled and identified with beauty. The author concludes that beautiful and the sublime, in their roles of enlightenment and revival and purpose give the artist and the art-experienced an added ability to resist the alienation of postmodern culture and its dehumanizing effects.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Defining the Problem
What is Wrong with Beauty?
The Sublime Transcendent
Developing the Sublime and Beautiful
Beauty is the Guiding Morality of the Sublime
Conclusions
From the Paper
"According to Kant, beauty is "a question merely of the form" (Kant 13). It is a matter of composition and form, which insofar as it reveals to the viewer a purposiveness, is beautiful without recompense to banal matters of emotion or even content. "Thus a work of art, or a beautiful natural object, displays a kind of free play of forms, consistent with the presence of a purpose to which we don't have access." (Clowney) If it is possible to reconcile Kant and Locke on this matter, one might say that beauty then is defined by form and composition which due to its purposefulness and harmonic nature, in the absence of personal tastes and social definitions, creates sensual pleasure which evolves into intellectual pleasure. However, both Kant and Locke suggest that judgments of beauty, albeit subjective ones, can additionally be made based on personal interpretation, taste, and will. While Kant sees this as barbaric, Locke views it as an important part of the education of the soul."
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Beauty, 2002.
An examination of the theme of beauty in the works of the English poet John Keats.
923 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This discusses how the poetry of John Keats inspires readers because of their lyricism, accessibility and imagery. It looks at how many of Keats' poems focus on beauty as a subject and theme, for beauty is a source of inspiration. It analyzes at how the theme of beauty emerges in several of his more famous works, including "Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian Urn" and "Ode on Melancholy." It shows how beauty is treated as a subject worthy of spiritual discussion and how Keats frequently makes mythological and esoteric references in his poems. Keats treats beauty as one of the mysteries of life, which he seeks to understand through his verses.
From the Paper
""Ode on a Grecian Urn" is Keats' uplifting description of the paintings on an ancient Greek urn. Using the urn as the object of discussion is significant to the theme of beauty because a Grecian urn is ancient. It has witnessed the ravages of time and still retains its physical luster. The urn is the "still unravished bride of quietness," meaning it is unsullied by time. Keats uses images of silence to emphasize that the urn is eternal: "foster child of silence and slow time." The paintings on the urn, which consist of various images of "deities or mortals, or of both" are described as a "flowery tale." These paintings or carvings were lovely enough to inspire Keats to write this poem, or at least to use it as a metaphor for beauty. Greek gods and goddesses are immortal ideals of human beauty, and Keats evokes them to create a sense of timelessness. Furthermore, this timeless quality shared by the gods and the urn itself is an essential quality of beauty."
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Beauty: Is It in the Eye of the Beholder?, 2006.
An analysis of the notion of beauty throughout history.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the concept of beauty, examining the views of influential thinkers and society as a whole. The author looks at how beauty has been defined historically, as well as in modern times, and emphasizes the feminine associations with attractiveness. The paper discusses sexuality as it relates to beauty, concluding that, at least today, beauty and sex are intertwined. Finally, the paper investigates the role of emotion -- particularly romantic love -- in perceiving beauty.
From the Paper
"Beauty is seldom an individual opinion. Again, we need to consider beauty as a more or less feminine trait. Men are seldom called "beautiful", except in the statues of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose admiration for a physical body is timeless (especially when compared to the female body). There is no doubt that, if we can agree that beauty differs according to the desires or gratification of the onlooker or admirer, beauty can not provide a single form. We can fantasize about "beauty" when we see Madonna, perhaps, or Marilyn Molnroe, or Gwyneth Paltrow, in our current thinking. Our parents and grandparents might have preferred a more voluptuous Sophia Loren or Jane Russell. The Arts, for the most part, provide us with examples of what beauty is, or what it should be. Boys now lust for movie actresses such as Cameron Diaz or Alician Silverstone. Girls (and women) might think of handsome men like Harrison Ford or Mel Gibson as "beautiful" because these men arouse them sexually."
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Beauty, 2002.
An analysis of Paul Valery's quote "Beauty is a way of death. The novelty, the intensity, the strangeness, in a word, all the values of shock supplant it."
656 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Paul Valery's quote above and attempts to answer the question of what makes beauty so difficult to define. It discusses how beauty is unique for each individual and what is beautiful to one may be ordinary to another. He therefore concludes that beauty is more of a concept than a reality and so is different for each who views it. The paper evaluates how beauty can be shocking, sublime, novel, intense and sometimes even strange and as a concept, it connotes perfection.
From the Paper
"Sometimes beauty is so perfect it is shocking to think something so perfect could exist in the universe. The perfection of a beautiful woman, of bright white snow covering the needles of a deep green pine in the forest, the vivid and shocking colors of a sunrise over a mountain lake, all of these are beautiful and perfect in the moment. Beauty is shocking in its intensity, and in the reaction to it. That is a little like death, too. The moment is so perfect there is a little bit of death in it, knowing it will never occur again, and it cannot be held, except in the mind. This is a little like a moment of death and perfection mixed into one."
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What Does "Beauty" Mean in Art Today?, 2006.
A discussion regarding the modern concept of beauty in art.
2,174 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at how Kant defines the concept of beauty in art and how it relates to the art of today. According to the paper, when it comes to the modern concept of beauty in art, there is often a very thin line between beauty and the grotesque. The paper reviews various works of modern art, discussing the beauty of each piece.
From the Paper
"The painting represents a bird and a heart, each placed on halves of a paper. The thing that first draws the attention of the viewer is the strong nuance of red that dominates the painting. Indeed, even the two shapes (the bird and the heart) are not actually sketched out as a shape, but are defined by the contrast in color between the nuances of red. It is quite an impression and perhaps another approach towards the concept of modern beauty, insisting on suggestion and inspiration rather than on exactly drawing lines and representing shapes. Given the fact that the message of the painting is barely implied by the elements forming it, as by it is by the title, everything is left to the own introspection of the viewer. "
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Shelley and Romantic Beauty, 2008.
An analysis of the ideology of romantic beauty in "On the Medusa of Leonardo Da Vinci in the Florentine Gallery" by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
1,854 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This literary study examines the ideology of romantic beauty in the poem "On the Medusa of Leonardo Da Vinci in the Florentine Gallery" by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The writer notes that the central theme of romanticism that arises in this poem focuses on the dark and terrifying Grecian mythological creature Medusa. The writer maintains that for romantic poets such as Shelley, there was a concerted effort to represent feminine beauty and grace through the veil of darkness or death in this poem about Da Vinci's famous painting. In essence, the premise of death and decay is the central element of romantic beauty in Shelley's poem about Da Vinci's depiction of the terrifying Medusa.
From the Paper
"This critical perspective is one key aspect for understanding why Shelley saw beauty in this terrible creature--through the lens of mythological history and the victimization of Medusa at the hands of Minerva and Neptune. In this manner, the basis of romantic beauty hinges on the darkness of humanity, which invariably will produce a cycle of life. For romantics like Shelly, this cycle of death and decay is an essential part of life that illuminates the beauty he sees within Da Vinci's Medusa.
"The evolution of the poem further builds upon the beauty of Medusa as a seductive woman figure that seeks to bring down any man that comes within her grasp. Shelly is keen to point out her horrifying appearance, but it is her inner 'grace' that defines her beauty through the image of death and decay that seduces men .."
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Has Beauty Become Obsolete in Art?, 2002.
The paper looks at the many faces of beauty and how art tries to portray it.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how the concept of art and beauty have changed over the years. The writer gives several definitions of beauty in order to give the reader a good understand of the different perceptions of beauty before relating these definitions to the art world.
From the Paper
"Secondly, the characters in the artwork must be proportionally accurate, and lastly, the work must be insightful. When these factors co-exist in the one artwork, beauty is conveyed. When beauty is conveyed and recognized by the viewer, it communicates "a certain peace and calm to the viewer, since that is the effect that the beautiful and the good have on a person." (Bradley, 2000, 1). Beauty can also be integral to the artpiece if a distinction of good and evil must exist in the artwork. Whereas the bearer of beauty denotes purity, loveliness and divinity, ugly and deformed images tend to be associated with evil, malevolence and immorality. (Bradley, 2000, 1)."
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Beauty at the Workplace, 2008.
A critical review of the article "Beauty and the Labor Market" by Daniel Hamermesh and Jeff Biddle.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the article "Beauty and the Labor Market" where the authors attempt to quantify the degree to which physical beauty impacts actual earnings. The paper relates the primary conclusion of this study that the labor market, irrespective of region or locale, does in fact reward physical attractiveness in terms of real wages. The paper then discusses how the subjective determination of beauty upon which this research project relies is one of its weakest points.
Outline:
Article Summary
Lessons Learned
Article Critique
From the Paper
"Informal observation has long supported the supposition that physical beauty or handsomeness can pay dividends in the workplace irrespective of the type of employment. In Beauty and the Labor Market, the authors Hamermesh and Biddle attempt to quantify the degree to which physical beauty or the quality that the general public might ascribe to being good looking in terms of actual earnings. Hamermesh and Biddle begin their research by discussing the most significant existing literature that has examined this issue. One interesting point that they clarify at the outset of their argument is to make the case that although a significant amount of research has been conducted on this general topic, relatively little research has been undertaken in this topic that examines how the shifting standards of beauty have affected earnings of those deemed good looking or not good looking over time (1175)."
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