I feel as though with some articles, they aren’t really that uplifting. I have seen several articles about “how to look pretty”, which brings me to my first point: are people not pretty already? I don’t really see why there has to be a how to on that because it lowers self-esteem. This article made me frown as I looked at the title. The steps are worse. One I read states that you should be skinny; another tells me that I have to wear certain clothes. I dislike these articles. Why? Well, as I have clearly said before, it lowers self-esteem. I may not be a perfect blonde, and sure, I don’t have Chanel clothing, but does that suddenly make me not pretty? These articles aren’t as inspiring as other articles I’ve seen, which are featured. I am appealing for a change.
Well if you think you are ugly then you want to change to be pretty. The article would make you feel better…?
That’s an opinion. If one believes that they don’t feel pretty enough, then they will read the article. And plus, other articles that say how to be healthy say to eat healthy, keep in healthy shape, etc. Does eating healthy and losing weight lower your self esteem?
I’m going to pitch my own opinion here: while I do agree with Blackcats about the fact that people will be looking up these things, I also don’t feel comfortable about an article about “how to be pretty” telling you that you need to be thin. As much as I respect that people are going to be looking at those things, I really
don’t want wikiHow to end up driving people into unhealthy eating habits or even eating disorders. :s @Mimzthediamond
, would you mind linking this article so I can edit that step?
Huh. Good point there, too.
Marina
6
I agree with you that social standards shouldn’t be held as the highest regard of what is beautiful. However, if someone wants to know how to be pretty, they’re probably wondering how others can see them as pretty. What is seen as pretty is dictated by society. I don’t think thin is the only way to be beautiful or vice versa, though which is why this can be difficult. Some believe having low hygiene is better for you physically, however society certainly doesn’t see this as pretty. You know what I mean…?
@Marina
, I understand what you mean, and I respect that. I just think that a step like “be thin” should be changed to something better worded. If someone who struggles with self-esteem issues reads something like that and they’re already pretty thin… :s
Marina
8
I absolutely agree with you there! It’s more of…A lot of society’s standards can be pushed to an unhealthy extreme, so what’s our limit and how do we filter it to make pretty = healthy when in many cases societal standards don’t agree with that? I think being pretty is more about being the best you and that’s where the article should lie. Finding a healthy bmi, eating well, practicing the hygiene you feel is best for you wearing the clothes you can move and feel most comfortable in,etc. The prettiest person is the person who is most comfortable and in touch with themselves and I think the article could be geared a little more in that direction. edit: Just took another look at the article. It’s geared pretty acutely towards what others say is good and seems to focus less on the comfort of the reader. I may switch around a bit of wording on this at some point, it’s a little negative, I agree.
Oh, look, here’s another:
http://www.wikihow.com/Become-Beautiful-in-One-Day#Steps
One of the steps was talking about wearing contacts instead of glasses, because glasses “spoil your look”. Honestly, who created these articles?
Hm. I fixed it a little wee bit… but there’s probably lots of wikiHow articles out there like that.
edit: If you want to edit them, there’s an edit button on each article. Feel free to do anything to alter it!
@BlackcatsAwesome
and @Mimzthediamond
You both have stated some really good points - there have been times where I end up not feeling up to the average “prettiness” that the world feeds us. So for you to bring up the subject was well worth it.
Can this please be closed, the topic is pretty much over and has been discussed.
system
14
These sort of articles don’t bother me that much, then again I don’t look at them, I don’t need to! I believe your beauty comes from within :)
This is a problem that needs to be pointed out though, article writers from now on should be aware that what their writing may have an unpleasant side effect or make people upset about it
