As a woman who has spent far too many years of her life comparing herself to the unattainable beauty standards portrayed in media, I wholeheartedly agree with the message of “Uglies.” This novel resonates deeply with me because it reflects my own struggles with self-acceptance and the societal pressure to conform to these narrow, oppressive ideals of beauty.
The variety of social media apps offering various filters is expanding rapidly. Once upon a time, amusing filters such as bunny ears or heart decorations on one’s face were popular. Today, filters can make lips appear larger and skin smoother. In some cases, these filters are even presented to plastic surgeons by prospective patients, leading to a gradual but noticeable trend of similar facial features emerging worldwide. It’s not surprising that the Kardashians are frequently associated with cosmetic surgery discussions, given their extensive – and sometimes risky – use of such filters.
Just released by Netflix is a new film, titled “Uglies,” that sheds light on the dangerous and pervasive mentalities prevalent in social media, likening their spread to toxic poison. With its striking portrayal of flawless characters who appear as if they’ve stepped straight out of an Instagram filter due to cosmetic surgery or featuring stars like Joey King from “A Family Affair” and Chase Stokes from “Outer Banks,” this Young Adult dystopian Netflix production is certain to garner interest. However, what truly sets “Uglies” apart is its timely message that may be more relevant now than ever before.
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What Is Uglies About?
The narrative revolves around Tally Youngblood, a 15-year-old girl eagerly counting down the days until she turns sixteen so she can undergo cosmetic surgery and transition into the city as one of the Pretties. For now, she resides in Uglyville, where she is known by her greatest insecurity, Squint. Alongside her is her best friend Peris, or Nose, both anticipating their transformations. However, three months before Tally’s birthday, it’s Nose who gets his transformation first. It is the hope of seeing Nose again that rekindles action in Tally’s life. Yet, when she defies the rules and journeys to the city, she discovers that Nose is no longer the same person as before.
Struck by a startling revelation, she now finds herself evading capture by guards and seeking refuge, with the aid of an unforeseen ally named Shay. Although Joey King’s character Tally occasionally enjoys breaking dormitory rules and slipping out, Shay exhibits rebellion through her thought processes. She views cosmetic surgery and flawless humans as unattractive, instead finding charm in the individuality of people. Shay’s disappearance ultimately leads to a crucial, albeit potentially perilous, self-discovery for her.
Uglies Is Based on A Book
The Netflix movie “Uglies” is adapted from a dystopian novel of the same name by Scott Westerfeld, which was actually published way back in 2005. Despite its recent release, this book was written with young adults in mind and tackles some weighty themes such as emotional and physical transformation. It provides readers with a valuable viewpoint on what society considers attractive versus what true beauty really is.
Initially, “Uglies” was the initial book of a trilogy, with “Pretties” and “Specials” coming next. A companion novel to the “Uglies” series called “Extras” was also written. More than a decade later, the author revealed a new set of books in the same universe, titled the “Imposter” series. This series explores events after the Pretty Regime and presents characters with depth who are constantly embroiled in action, as well as a heartwarming romance.
What Is the Message of Uglies?
In the novel “Uglies,” the underlying theme can be a bit tricky to grasp due to societal pressures, but it ultimately boils down to this: true beauty lies within. The world we live in is saturated with expectations – good grades, prestigious jobs, impeccable behavior – and the overarching notion is that of perfection. “Uglies” explores a similar concept, but with a focus on external perfection, suggesting that you can only truly belong to society and lead a fulfilling life when you are considered attractive. However, the key message that surfaces in the story, as shared by Tally’s friend Shay, is that genuine beauty stems from within.
Uglies underscores the idea that beauty manifests in various ways and that conventional beauty ideals are flawed. Society’s expectations of beauty are transient, making it unnecessary to adhere to them. From a rational perspective, it can be inferred that cosmetic surgeries frequently stem from insecurity, which is exacerbated by social media. The novel Uglies effectively conveys this idea as the leader of the Pretty city systematically points out flaws to the younger population daily, making the decision about their future appearance an unattainable dilemma. This narrative suggests that insecurity is externally induced, but what truly matters is one’s inner self.
In terms of appearance, finding uniqueness and possessing distinct features can be beautiful. The characters in the novel Uglies frequently emphasize this idea, suggesting that widespread cosmetic surgery detaches them from their authentic selves. Essentially, the story conveys that self-acceptance is crucial because you already fit in, exactly as you are. However, it’s also a poignant reminder that everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their appearance and identity.
Why Is the Message of Uglies Still Relevant?
Although the book “Uglies” was published quite some time ago, its underlying theme remains strikingly relevant, if not more so than ever. Back then, the pressure to conform to society’s ideal of beauty and fit all the criteria for attractiveness was just as intense as it is today. However, what wasn’t as prevalent back then was the extensive use of social media. However, since the start of 2020, using social media has become as routine as having a drink of water.
Many individuals kick off their day not by sipping coffee or relishing breakfast, but rather by browsing multiple social media platforms. Although these platforms can offer a wealth of inspiration, they come with a significant drawback that significantly affects the mental well-being of young people in particular. What users often encounter is the notion that they must conceal their genuine looks to fit in and garner attention.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: Social media can give off the misleading impression that only good-looking individuals are worthy of a fulfilling life. Simultaneously, those who don’t fit into this beauty mold are subtly taught to feel insufficient. However, it’s crucial to understand that this is a manipulation tactic. In the movie ‘Uglies’, this manipulation is more evident. In the film, the story revolves around manipulating people through cosmetic transformations to alter their brains and strip them of self-determination. Although it may seem extreme in real life, striving to meet beauty standards and resorting to cosmetic surgery to do so still robs each person of their uniqueness and eventually shapes their mindset.
There is hope that Uglies can be seen as an incentive to see the beauty in each and every person, whether it is from the inside or the outside, and remind each other that we are all pretty. Cosmetic surgery, softening or face-changing filters, the fundamental message to take away from Uglies today is that there are people out there who are waiting for someone else to take the step and be confident in who they are, encouraging them to do the same and overcome unnecessary societal norms.
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2024-09-16 23:01