Oriental culture is fascinating, don’t you think? The architecture and way of life is interesting and the food is to die for. As with any culture, the people who live in Oriental regions have their own set of beauty ideals that may differ greatly from other parts of the world. While we might not understand them, the Oriental population have some shocking beauty ideals that you might not believe. Who are we to judge though? Here are some that you might understand and others that are probably going to blow your mind.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. Face Shrinking
The Japanese people have invented a sauna mask that is designed to shrink the wearer’s face. It works by covering the face, except for the eyes and ears. The idea is that the heat from the mask induces heavy sweating and reduces the size of the face. The results are likely temporary, but could give you the slim face you want for a special occasion.
2. Teeth Molds
You’d think everyone would want straight, white teeth, right? Not so in some Oriental circles. In fact, some people wear a mold that gives them the appearance of having a snaggletooth. Beauty definitely changes from place to place, doesn’t it? The molds snap onto your real teeth and can change up your look when you want them to.
Frequently asked questions
3. Double Eyelid
Did you even know such a thing existed? The Caucasian eyelids are apparently a coveted thing in some Oriental cultures. I’m not sure why because I think Asian girls are gorgeous. But, for those that want the double eyelid look comes the eyelid trainer device. It’s worn like a pair of eyeglasses and it is supposed to train your eyelids to get bigger every time you blink.
4. Young Looking Cheeks
We all want to look young and fresh and the Oriental women are no exception. In fact, many of them use anti-aging cheek stretchers. They are worn for about 15 minutes per day and are supposed to eliminate wrinkles and keep the cheeks looking line free. The stretchers are reusable and machine washable.
5. High Nose
Many Oriental women want a nose that sits higher on their face. I guess I don’t understand the need to change your nose because I have never seen one that was so awful that it should be different. However, for women who want to lift their nose is the handy High Nose Beauty Lift device. It’s worn on the face and is supposed to reshape the nose so it looks perky and high. Would you try it?
6. Bagel Head
Who doesn’t love a bagel, right? The Oriental love them so much that having a bagel shape on the forehead is a growing beauty trend. It’s achieved by having saline injections in the forehead to create the bagel shape. The look is about extreme body modification, which is popular in some Oriental cultures. The look is temporary and will fade after several hours.
7. Long Legs
Long legs as a beauty ideal aren’t shocking, but the lengths that many people will go to to get them is. In China, some people have undergone leg lengthening surgeries where metal rods are placed in their legs so they appear taller. Height is a beauty ideal that many cultures understand, but using such drastic measures to get there is shocking to some people.
Are you shocked? Would you do any of these things?
Comments
Andi: Interesting article. Just a thought about the opening line though. There are thousands of oriental cultures so saying "the oriental culture" is a little... off putting. I know you do use the plural form later in the piece but that opening threw me. Each Asian culture is very different from the next. If I was, for example, Thai, I think it would make me uncomfortable to be told I'm no different from Japanese, North Vietnamese, or Indian. I love your articles Eliza, and it seems you're a very kind and open minded person. This phrase could have been worded a bit better, that's all.
Meago: FYI oriental refers to decor.. Asian refers to people/culture..
Rachel: "Are you shocked? Would you do any of these things?" are the questions Eliza ends her illiterate article with. Yes, I am quite shocked Eliza. I am shock at your incompetence to write a decent article without slandering and generalizing Asian cultures. Do you even know how many different countries make up Asia? Do you even know how many different cultures make up what you call "Oriental circles"? I am shocked at you and the things you were able to type down and share to the world. Would I do any of these things? No, I wouldn't generalize about another person's culture nor would I belittle a person's culture through little sarcastic remarks.
Beryl: Well,I guess it's true as they say " beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Maybe it's the Japanese men aren't satisfied with the natural Japanese beautiful face?
Rachel: And, excuse me, but eyelid surgery for a person of Asian descent is NOT always about trying to achieve Caucasian eyes. Maybe that reason speaks to SOME people, but it is very much not the only or primary reason. As much as I want to give you the benefit of the doubt and not blame you for your ignorance, I can't help wondering how you were brought up to think. There seems to be a few possibilities. You either did terrible research and the information in this article are taken from other awfully written articles, or you've internalized these racist perceptions from mainstream American culture.
KK: I am shocked yes. How vain can you get ? Physical beauty is nothing compared to the person inside. If you have a brain and a half decent personality you're over half way there. There is no such thing as perfection as everyone's perception of beauty is entirely different. Play on your strong points and give up on trying to look "perfect"!
sharon: Why would people want to go to such extremes to change their bodies. Embrace what you have and love yourself
Anna: Chill. Lol
deeby: Ok- I thought about it overnight and read a few articles. I think the main reason why people are complaining is that the term oriental is Eurocentric and highly alienating for an Asian American like me. The word itself casts "orientals" as foreigners, exotic and bizarre... The article's wording also enforces this. People also may feel it generalizes "orientals" as a whole rather than a set of races with different beliefs and culture. (Again, that the culture is somehow odd or bizarre just because it is different from American and European cultures.) I understand that the author meant no harm, and I don't blame them. I'm just explaining why it may have felt a little offending or insensitive to readers. Hope this helps. P.S. neecey- with all due respect, people are upset for specific reasons. maybe we should try to understand each other and why we feel this way rather than brushing it off.
Bburcumm: So many things are wrong with this article.
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge