Beauty Fades; Wisdom Remains

They do something which most of the young-Londoners call, “Don’t Watch Face!” Meaning that whatever goes on around them, they pay no mind and stay on the straight and narrow and go about their business!

[Column: Angst]

Young and searching for yourself and the meaning of life? 

Well I’m a teenager who’s interested in exploring the reasons why a lot of us do what we do. Today I want to discuss what it is that makes us young people strive to look or act in a specific way; it’s clear we all try to. But why do we like to? Are we insecure? Do we lack emotional support so much- we’re that desperate to get it?

When it comes to teens in our generation, there are various types of social groups with different interest’s and beliefs.

Amongst teenagers in my opinion, there seems to be a tendency of trying just a little too, too hard, to prove a nothing but a hollow fashion statement. And going great lengths to do so.

It often doesn’t stand for what it’s worth! For example, you have a particular social group of mainly females that refuse to eat just to fall to a size “0”. Then they try to maintain this size. It leads to anorexia before you know it. It’s a disease damn it!

Yes it may be a sensitive topic but I’m not really afraid to say it. Wake up and smell the coffee before it’s really too late.

I mean it can’t be healthy can it? Nevertheless, many of the people tied up in the same sort of circle see it as perfectly fine.

Then we have what we call the “hip-hop honeys.” But I wouldn’t say these women encourage unhealthy bodies- because in fact, many do the opposite. Yet when it comes to the effect they tend to have on the self-esteem of young girls from, age seven onwards- it can’t be a good thing! I mean there’s gotta be a damn checklist for those directors who sit behind the scenes:

[] Thick thighs
[] Big behind
[] Teeny-weeny waist
[] Huge chest
[] Cute tattoo (often somewhere explicit)
[] Light skinned
[] European hair (be it weave or natural)

If the director wants to go a lil further? Then please let’s not forget the “Juicy lips” and the “seductive” or “hazel eyes.” Lol

I’m sorry, but if you watch them music channels as much as I used to, you’ll know this aint nuttin but cold facts! And let’s be realistic shall we? ‘Cause all I’m saying is that if every girl actually looked like this where would that leave you; or me?

You see this on MTV and it’s perceived as the “ideal” image by most of the media and peers who surround you also LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX BUT INSIDE YOUR SOUL.

Don’t get me wrong though. I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with girls who happen to have these exterior features. But what I am saying, as that you need to remember one thing. BEAUTY FADES; BUT WISDOM REMAINS.

You know how there’s always that one girl who you look at –be it on TV or in person—and stare at them whilst they do what they do, and you admire how they can look so “average” and just “plain- Jane”? Translation=nothing you aint got!

Yet they manage to hold the charisma, confidence and ego of, say, “Beyonce”? You stare at them and think, “damn I wish I had it like that!”

Ironically, those are the people that get far in our society. They do something which most of the young-Londoners call, “Don’t Watch Face!” Meaning that whatever goes on around them, they pay no mind and stay on the straight and narrow and go about their business! Funnily enough, the same message applies to boys too.

Think about it. I’ve been asked this question a million times, so hear it is: for the ladies who like Lil Wayne or 50 cent – hand on your heart and consider this honestly- if you saw either of them walk pass you on the streets, would you even look twice?!
I mean, personally, I like Lil Wayne. But it’s proly down to his swagga more than his looks and sometimes even spittin ability! The way you carry yourself says a lot. How different you are though, means more!

Now- I don’t know these two artists personally but my point here is… BE YOURSELF then “SWAGGA IT OUT! If ya want ” That way you’ll stand out from the crowd and have something to be proud of  instead of blending in the crowd enjoying your “5 minute piece of fame; then forgotten the next day.”

Examples of women who made a difference, with either their physical image or the messages they put out there, or perhaps both: Lauren hill, Mc Lyt, Queen Latifah, Erica Badu, India Arie, Amy Winehouse, Mary J Blidge, Missy Elliot, Rhianna and many more. These are the kind of people who I believe aren’t scared to let their light shine. To sum up, here’s a copy of that famous and powerful poem by Marianne Williamson a lot of you may be familiar with:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Felicity is 17 years old and writes from London. For those who have questions please e-mail [email protected]

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