We place such crazy importance on physical appearance in our image-obsessed culture, on youth and beauty to define our sense of self-worth, that aging, by default, becomes a kind of defect, something secret and corrosive and shameful.
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In today's image-driven society, there is a profound emphasis on physical attractiveness, youth, and beauty, which heavily influences our self-esteem. As a result, aging is perceived negatively, viewed as a flaw that undermines one's worth. This societal pressure creates an environment where individuals may feel ashamed of their natural aging process.
Ruth Ozeki's "The Face" explores how this obsession with appearances can lead to harmful attitudes towards aging. It highlights the internal conflict many face as they navigate feelings of shame and inadequacy in a culture that prizes youth, suggesting that such values can be damaging to our self-perception and mental health.
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