Perfect..?

Perfection. Is it achievable? Or is the whole world striving to
acquire an impractical score?

Since the first morning of our world, humanity has desired to be perfect. We invent --we innovate--, thinking at one point we will be satisfied with our achievements. Yet we were not satisfied with the wheel, or the discovery of electricity. We keep on striving for the next best thing.

Now, don't get me wrong, the power to create our future is an ingenious and valuable quality. Though humanity has reached the point where the goal to improve our lives does not only envelop the objects we invent, but the looks we invent for ourselves.

Our world has created a new, popular industry. The Modeling Industry. We started with Adam and Eve draping themselves with vines and have now evolved into clothing ourselves in every fabric known to man. Not only does the fabric matter, yet the stitching and design as well. Humanity has always had a slight obsession over the image they present, but we have now created an industry that doesn't just sell clothes, but also tells the public how they should look.

- Anna J. -

To the left is young Anna J. She is part of a top modeling company that has been titled as: Ford Models. Her images have been sold towards the entertainment of the fashion world, and the education of the public. On the website for Ford Models, her employers kindly give us the following information:

Height Measurements

Bust Size

Waist Size

Hips Measurements

Dress Size

Shoe Size

Hair Color

Eye Color

Now, why would we want to know this information in the first place? It is purely because the world has created an impossible image for girls to achieve. The first ten of Ford's models possess a waist size of about 24 (with an exception of one model with a waist size 23, and another with a size 25). To live up to this image is every girl's dream. Many teenagers assume that if they were "skinnier" that would bring them to be prettier. Websites such as FindYourTrueBeauty.com talk about how teenage girls' "self-esteem begins to hinge on how they look and what they weigh". The website also talks of how the constant obsession of your image can often lead to eating disorders --such as anorexia-- and other

psychological problems in teens' lives.

Betsey Johnson ~ Spring Collection
2009

Although, the fashion industry has also given some positive effects to the world. Fashion gives people the opportunity to express ourselves in copious ways.

Such "fashionistas" as Betsey Johnson use their talents to show off their true colors through their designs. Betsey claims: "I love my work" and encourages all girls to express themselves through fashion.

"A perfection of means, and confusion of aims,

seems to be our main problem."

-Albert Einstein-

 

 

Does the fashion industry gift us with the freedom of expression? Or does the reoccurring image of an unattainable figure constrain its viewers from ever expressing their true selves?

The Provocative Persuasions of Power

As humans--we have always hungered for power. Whether it is simply the desire to be heard in a public banter, or the want of control over a friend. Both situations cause hostile conditions for both the claimant and their patrons.

At the moment, many people are struggling with power. Thought countless people find it easier to coerce their way into apprehending superiority over others by relying on their temerity. Such techniques develop into violent, chaotic, situations. In Cairo's Tahrir Square, Egypt, the blood of a once gregarious city has been smeared about the stones of a once docile center of the city, causing the country's newly borne ignominy. Egypt has experienced recent struggles with their country's control over the government. The battle over Democracy and their government's loss of control of power has caused panic across the country- causing people to strike in fear of their futures in the country they love. The leader of Egypt--Hosni Mubarak--is gifted with all of the possible acquired power in his country, yet he ceases to expunge the violence that is currently in Cairo. 

In my English class we have been examining the book: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, and have recently discovered an adamant example of the downsides of power. Brutus goes through an emotionally challenging process over the decision of killing his beloved friend --Caesar--, or trusting Caesar with authority over all inhabitants. The pressure upon Brutus becomes strident as Cassius strains to draw him in. Finally, Brutus comes to join in the conspiracy with ultimate clemency towards Caesar--still extolling his praised companion. Though the unexpected assassination of Julius Caesar brings the citizens of Rome to question Brutus in his act of heresy towards a fellow ally. Even Julius Caesar himself is astonished at his friends' actions, and exclaims:

"Et tu, Brute?"

(Even you, Brutus?)

Brutus had chosen to abet the conspirators- determined that his conclusion was the correct one for the entire city of Rome. Though his decision may prove to come back to haunt him in his future ventures, his heart was in the right place.

Power is visualized by its two main definitions:

1. To supply with electricity or other means of energy

2. The possession of control or command over others; authority

There is a clear difference between using "power" to ignite a fire and using "power" to create a long awaited rancor towards your foes. Both definitions contrast each other greatly. The first speaks for the use of power to ensure the success of certain devices. The second addresses the manipulation of a certain being's power. Few people frequently look upon the abuse of power with negligence. Therefore, copious amounts of people extol the use of the first definition since it almost always results in good outcomes.

Power blinds men. Men are blinded by power. Both power and men are monsters. Yet it only takes one of these avarices to overcome the other in order to achieve serenity.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

-Abraham Lincoln-