Eps 28: what is true beauty a webtoon that hates ugly people
— Stuff
The podcast discusses the webtoon "True Beauty," which delves into societal perceptions of beauty and the superficial standards that often dictate them. It centers around the narrative of a girl who feels compelled to conform to these standards and uses makeup to drastically change her appearance. The story critiques how society often judges individuals based on looks, marginalizing those who don't meet conventional beauty ideals. The webtoon portrays the struggles people face due to this bias, conveying a message that true beauty is more than skin deep and questioning why society discriminates against those deemed 'ugly.'
| Seed data: | Link 1 |
|---|---|
| Host image: | StyleGAN neural net |
| Content creation: | GPT-3.5, |
Host
Ruby Ferguson
Podcast Content
Throughout the series, the narrative wrestles with the pressures Jugyeong faces to maintain her new image. It reveals the emotional and psychological toll of living a double life, where she constantly fears being seen without her makeup. This fear is intensified by the cruel treatment she endured before her transformation, illustrating how society can be brutal to those who don't fit conventional standards of beauty. The webtoon doesn't shy away from showcasing the ugliness of this superficial judgment, pushing readers to question their complicity in perpetuating such standards.
Interestingly, "True Beauty" also incorporates romantic subplots that further emphasize the theme of true beauty. Suho and Seojun, two of Jugyeong’s love interests, see beyond her makeup, valuing her for who she is rather than how she looks. Their relationships with Jugyeong serve as a counter-narrative to societal norms, suggesting that genuine connections and inner qualities hold greater significance than mere physical appearance.
"True Beauty" also touches on the broader implications of beauty standards on mental health. Jugyeong's story is a poignant reminder of how societal expectations can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and the constant pressure to conform. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to embrace one’s natural self in a world often infatuated with perfection.
The webtoon cleverly uses humor and poignant moments to deliver its message, making it relatable yet thought-provoking. By the end, readers are left contemplating the real essence of beauty and the importance of looking beyond the surface. Through Jugyeong’s struggles and growth, "True Beauty" offers a critique of a society that, in many ways, does hate ugly people, urging a shift towards more inclusive and heartfelt understandings of beauty.