The protagonist of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" struggles with the pervasive influence of beauty standards shaped by cinema. After watching countless films, she develops an obsession with categorizing faces based on an ideal of beauty that she learned from the movies. This education taints her perception, making it difficult for her to appreciate individuals beyond superficial appearances.
This fixation on a narrow definition of beauty creates profound internal conflicts for her. It highlights the destructive impact of unrealistic beauty ideals found in popular culture, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Through this lens, Morrison critiques societal norms and their effect on personal identity and self-worth.