In the world of fashion and glamour, where aesthetics often take center stage, it’s disheartening to witness how society’s unrealistic beauty standards are relentlessly imposed on individuals, particularly women. The recent Paris Fashion Week provided a stark reminder of this issue when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, an iconic Indian actor and former Miss World, faced a barrage of hurtful comments on social media about her appearance.
It’s essential to acknowledge that the way we look should ultimately be our own choice. However, the negativity that emerged from Aishwarya’s appearance at the Paris Fashion Week prompts us to question who has the right to dictate someone’s appearance and why it’s predominantly targeted at women, especially those in middle age.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a global icon known for her timeless beauty, graced the runway in a magnificent gold and shimmery gown. She looked ethereal, as she always does, but instead of admiration, she was met with cruel comments like “plastic beauty” and “naturally ugly.” These remarks not only attack her appearance but also suggest that she should somehow defy the natural aging process.
What’s particularly distressing is that such comments are not unique to Aishwarya. Women in the public eye face constant scrutiny, whether they gain or lose weight, choose to undergo cosmetic procedures, or simply age gracefully. Meanwhile, male celebrities are rarely subjected to similar scrutiny. Their aging process is often celebrated, with terms like “salt and pepper” hair and “dad bods” becoming compliments.
The recent fixation on Botox has taken center stage in the mean army’s arsenal of criticisms. Aishwarya’s cheeks were labeled as “chubby,” and some even claimed she had undergone Botox treatment. But, the truth is, it’s none of our business. A woman’s choices regarding her appearance should never be subjected to public policing.
The heart of the matter here is not Aishwarya Rai or any other celebrity but rather the troll army’s intrusion into a woman’s personal choices regarding treatments or maintenance. It’s crucial to remember that it’s her face, her life, and her decisions. If you don’t like it, simply choose not to follow her on social media or watch her movies. You are entitled to your opinion, but a woman is under no obligation to hear it.
Celebrities, like anyone else, have the right to preserve their beauty if they wish to. There are professionals dedicated to helping individuals maintain their appearance, and there’s nothing wrong with seeking their expertise. If given the choice, privilege, and resources, many of us would do the same. However, it seems that no matter what a woman does or doesn’t do, social media will find a way to target her.
Netizens often make humiliating comments without considering the impact on the person reading them. Imagine receiving thousands of hurtful comments daily. The toll it takes on mental health is significant, and yet, the mean army continues unabated.
Several public figures, including Sridevi, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Anushka Sharma, and Priyanka Chopra, have faced criticism regarding cosmetic procedures. Some have chosen to address the issue openly, while others have remained silent. However, it’s important to remember that we don’t know the truth behind these claims, and it’s unfair to pass judgment without concrete evidence.
What’s particularly revealing is the stark difference in how men and women are treated in the media. While women are subjected to constant scrutiny and criticism, men are allowed to age gracefully without being bombarded with accusations of undergoing hair transplants or Botox treatments.
In the same fashion week where Aishwarya Rai faced criticism, another renowned actor made headlines for embracing authenticity. Pamela Anderson, at 56, walked the runway makeup-free, challenging preconceived notions of beauty. The former Baywatch star looked nothing like her past self, and that was precisely the point.
Celebrities like Andie MacDowell and Helen Mirren have proudly sported natural grey hair, proving that aging is a privilege that should be celebrated, regardless of whether one chooses to undergo treatments or not. The message is clear: we should respect individuals’ choices and not engage in the unnecessary policing of their appearance.
In conclusion, the incident surrounding Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Paris Fashion Week highlights a pervasive issue in our society—the relentless policing of women’s appearance. It’s high time we recognize that beauty standards are subjective, and individuals have the right to make choices about their appearance without fear of public ridicule. Whether a person decides to undergo treatments or age naturally, it’s a personal decision that should be respected, and it’s certainly none of our business. Let’s focus on celebrating individuality and promoting positive discussions that uplift and empower women rather than tearing them down based on their appearance.
