Social Acceptance, or Not

In our society, physical appearance is a pronounced issue that has been for years. Our physical appearance has been a major factor in how people see themselves, as well as other people. People care too much about physical appearances that they forget to think about how people feel and what their personality is. Who cares what size you are, how tall or short you are, or what kind of haircut you chose? Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. This focus on outward appearance is not just in our society, nor is it the first time that it has come about. Other societies around the world, all throughout the span of time have struggled with the same social issue. An example can be shown through the works of Frankenstein, which was written by Mary Shelley in 1818. There are instances all throughout the novel where she shows that social acceptance is based upon the physical appearance of someone. Elizabeth can be shown as evidence of this as well as Victor Frankenstein’s “monster.”

Mary Shelley uses Elizabeth to first show the idea of social acceptance and physical appearance. As a young girl Elizabeth was a member of a poor family. Then, one day Caroline Frankenstein visits Elizabeth’s peasant family and that is where she finds that one of their five children is not like the others. In fact, the first wording for Caroline’s assessment of the situation is that “there was one which attracted [her] far above all the rest.” It goes to say that they girl “appeared of a different stock.” She was thing, fair, and had golden hair and blue eyes. The narrator refers to her as “of distinct species, a being heaven-sent.” Ergo, we realize that Elizabeth is being praised upon her appearances all at just a glance. The situation progresses and Carol...

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... because those that do that are most likely bullied in one way or another. From Jut Sally, the advertising industry doesn’t help either, showing young girls altered photographs of too-thin models and teaching our young boys that they need to be strong with six packs. The results vary from anorexia and diet pills to steroids, low self-esteem, and self hurt from otherwise wonderful and amazing people. So who cares what size you are, how tall or short you are, or what kind of haircut you chose? Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. The real question is, who gives a little more when they have little to give in the first place. Who is utterly kind just because they want to be, not because they want something from you, but because they are a genuinely nice person. Did you make a difference in someone’s life today? Why isn’t that what society is making a major focus?