Jack Zhang, G9, RDF International School

“Beauty” has always been a word describing a person’s physical appearance. Different cultures often have unique understandings toward “beauty”; however, there is always a “standard beauty” that many of us desire for, regardless of the cost.

But after all, have we ever asked ourselves, is the beauty from others’ perceptions really beautiful?

My friend Amelia, a spirited young girl, started to get concerned about her figure after entering adolescence. She thought that she was “overweight” and began to diet. Her parents were worried and confused about their daughter, so small conflicts took place within the family. Eventually, Amelia ended up with a major depression and left school.

Is so-called “beauty” really worth sacrificing one’s own health?

My other friend Jennie has a masculine appearance, so she is often teased as a “boy.” However, she doesn’t care about what others say about her. She’s always confident about her appearance. No matter how other people tease her, she just listens and smiles.

Once I asked her about her appearance, and she smiled, “Why should I be upset about those who don’t even know me? Besides, I think I’m the most beautiful one for myself.” I agreed with her.

Beauty is always a subjective view. One can be considered “beautiful” by some, but just “ordinary” by others; throwing tons of time and money in order to attain the so-called “beautifulness” favored by the majority isn’t “beautiful.” “Beauty” is ephemeral, but what it may cost to reach is innumerable. When people get old, nothing remains except for the beauty of our hearts.

One’s beauty is defined by one’s own self. No one can make you beautiful if you don’t accept yourself, and no one can deny your beauty if you really do.