The things people do to look beautiful
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Methods of beautificationIt’s natural for people to want to be desirable.
Every culture has their own methods of beautifying themselves.
Unfortunately, often...Beauty is pain.
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TattooingUsing ink to mark the skinPracticed for centuries by cultures
worldwideTo decorate the body
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Indian mehendi
Maori moko
GorgingEating large amounts of food at one timeUntil recently, many cultures thought big was
beautifulTo become plump and curvy (a sign of
prosperity, well-being and fertility)
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In Mauritania, big is still beautiful and women are fattened to find a husband
Ancient Venus figurine from around 20,000 BC
Foot bindingBreaking the foot arch, curling the toes
under and then binding the feet tightlyPracticed by women in China from 900s-
1900sTo create tiny, dainty feet with a lotus
shape
5lotus flower
Wearing corsetsWearing a stiff waistcoat that laces up at
the backWorn mostly by women in Europe and
America from 1550s-1920sTo narrow the waist creating an hour-glass
figure
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Wearing make-upPutting colored products on one’s face or
other parts of the body (e.g. finger nails)Practiced in many cultures from ancient
times (e.g. Egypt in 3500 BC) until today
To emphasize certain features
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before after
Getting injectionsInjecting Botox or collagen into the faceBegan to be used for cosmetic purposes in
late 80sTo temporarily remove wrinkles and look
younger
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Warning…There are several problems associated
with Botox or collagen injections.
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Results can look unnatural Can affect the facial muscles
Plastic surgeryGoing under the knife (having an operation)Practiced as early as 2000 BC in IndiaTo permanently alter parts of the face or
body
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Warning…A number of things can go wrong.
Disfigured, even killedPsychological problems (addiction)Emotional aftereffects (depression,
regret)
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Group presentationForm groups of 2-3 students.You will give a 5-minute presentation on one
method of beautification used by a particular culture. You can choose the Korean culture or another culture. Tell the teacher of your choice.
Do research online and create a PowerPoint (PPT).In your presentation, you should:
Introduce the culture.Describe the method and its history of use.Explain why it is done. (Why do these people believe it
makes them more beautiful?)Mention any associated problems.
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