Let’s Talk About Pretty Privilege

Have you experienced it yourself?

Photo by Rafaella Mendes Diniz on Unsplash

Pretty privilege is a topic that often stirs up mixed feelings and opinions.

It’s the idea that being conventionally attractive can open doors and bring opportunities that might not be as readily available to those who don’t fit society’s standards of beauty.

I remember being an average-looking kid, just like many others.

I wasn’t someone who immediately caught the eye, and to add salt to the wound, I was once called ‘ugly’ by an older kid.

It stung, of course, but I refused to let it affect me.

Back then, my confidence wasn’t tied up to my appearance.

I had other strengths and qualities that I valued more.

However, as high school unfolded, I couldn’t help but notice the shift in dynamics.

Girls around me started experimenting with makeup, styling their hair in different ways, and seemingly transforming into these radiant beings that attracted attention effortlessly.

And I couldn’t help but think, “I want to be pretty like them.”

As I cruised through my teenage years, I couldn’t ignore the gap between the “pretty” crew and the rest of us.