Beauty Standards Throughout Culture
Throughout cultures around the world, beauty standards have always been a fascinating topic. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, each culture has its unique perception of beauty. Whether it’s the hourglass figure in Western cultures or the fair and flawless skin in some Asian cultures, these standards often reflect the values, traditions, and ideals of a particular society.
In many cultures, beauty standards are closely tied to the idea of marriage, especially for women. There is often a lot of pressure for them to follow these standards to increase their chances of finding a partner. This pressure can stem from traditional beliefs that parents may still hold onto, which can negatively impact their children’s self-esteem and make them feel bad. The expectation to meet these beauty standards can create a sense of not being good enough as individuals strive to fit into societal expectations.
A woman’s ideal figure differs depending on the country’s culture. Tiny models are more popular in magazines in the United States, but in other countries, the women who appear in American publications are not considered beautiful. While some people believe that a slim woman is better, other cultures believe that women must be plump to be deemed beautiful.
Korea, in particular, has the most diverse beauty standards, as well as the ideal slender form observed throughout Eastern Asia. A pale complexion has long been associated with higher social rank, as has double eyelid surgery, which dates back to the nineteenth century.
Cultural diversity and globalization have brought about increased exposure to different beauty standards. As a result of societal standards, people will never be good enough for its massive expectations but acceptance of ourselves is the most beautiful type of beauty. Instead of changing our compilations, we should represent our culture in a way that embraces it.
(Adapted from https://rangeviewnews.org/25683/features/beauty-standards-throughout-culture/)

As the new century began, several groups came up with the idea of selecting the greatest sports person of the 20th century. These groups included the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), Sports Illustrated (SI), and the World Sports Award Organization. Interestingly, all three named the same person as the Sportsman of the Century!
One man who was among the athletes appearing at the top of these three groups’ lists was golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Certainly, no one would doubt that he was the greatest golfer of the century. His sixth Masters win in 1986 at the age of forty-six amazed golf fans all around the world. Nicklaus is also known for his charity work to help children in need.
The second sports legend appearing on all three lists, but not winning the top honor, was Pelé. This soccer star led Brazil’s World Cup team to victory in 1958 when he was only seventeen years old. He is the only soccer player in the world to receive three World Cup winning medals. Over his career, Pelé personally scored more than 1,000 goals. In addition to his soccer fame, Pelé is also known for working to try and improve life for poor people in Brazil and around the world.
Likewise, the athlete named the Sportsman of the Century by the BBC, SI, and the World Sports Award is known for more than just his sports skills. This man spoke out against the abuse of civil liberties even to the point of having his awards in his sport taken away. Then, later in life when faced with Parkinson’s disease, he boldly continued to work for his beliefs. Almost forty years before receiving the award as the Greatest, this athlete called himself the greatest. And he proved it. The Sportsman of the 20th Century without a doubt is the boxer Muhammad Ali.
(Adapted from “The Greatest Of The Century” by Casey Malarcher and Andrea Janzen)

SUCCESS IN BLOGGING & VLOGGING
Surely blogging or vlogging must be one of the easiest ways of finding fame and fortune? All you need is a computer and a hobby to talk about, don't you? Well, although it looks simple, being a success in the blogosphere is actually a lot more difficult than it seems.
Kate Ross has been advising brands on how to work with bloggers and vloggers, and believes that if you start a blog or vlog just to earn money, it isn't going to work. Kate says you need to be passionate about your topic and you need to provide your readers or viewers with interesting content. If you don't, your vlog or blog isn't going to get positive feedback and attract subscribers. You also need to be aware that cash isn't going to come rolling in overnight.
Seventeen-year-old Rosie Bea, who has a YouTube fashion channel, says her blog only started attracting the attention of advertisers after she had put in months and months of unpaid work and built up a big fan base. Rosie was also combining her vlog work with her law studies, and she advises vloggers in the same position to make sure that they plan carefully so that they have time to do both things properly.
So, while the tabloid press often talks about the instant success of young bloggers and vloggers, it isn't really instant at all. The people who are successful have done well because they are hard-working and passionate about what they do, and it is this dedication and passion that attracts subscribers and advertisers to them. The press is only interested in them once they are in the public eye, but they have achieved their celebrity status through hours and hours of hard work.
(Adapted from Friends Global 12)