Music legend Madonna made waves at the Grammy Awards when she took the stage to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras. However, instead of focusing on the incredible performance, fans took to social media to comment on Madonna’s face. This begs the question: why are people still fixated on women’s looks?
Many Twitter users were quick to criticize Madonna’s appearance, with one person even claiming that she “really messed up her face.” Another fan expressed sadness, stating that they admired Madonna but felt she had succumbed to society’s pressure to alter her appearance to remain relevant.
But amidst the criticism, there were others who defended Madonna. They pointed out that society’s unrealistic beauty standards were to blame for the pressure she might have felt. One fan reminded everyone that people have always had something to say about Madonna’s appearance throughout her career, emphasizing that no matter what she does, it’s never enough for the critics.
Michelle Elman, a life coach and author, weighed in on the controversy. She criticized someone who had shared a side-by-side photo of Madonna and another woman around the same age, highlighting that body shaming is an issue that needs to be addressed systemically rather than targeting individuals. Elman emphasized that people often change their appearance due to insecurities triggered by societal standards.
Elman’s insightful comments shed light on a larger problem. Society teaches us that “old women are invisible” and that staying young is essential for success. This constant pressure implies that one’s looks are always the problem, leading individuals to believe they are not good enough as they are.
Unfortunately, Madonna is not the only woman who has been subjected to these types of comments. The issue transcends age groups and affects women from all walks of life. For instance, reality TV star Charlotte Crosby faced similar scrutiny in a two-part series titled Celebrities: What’s happened to your face?, which received thousands of complaints for being immoral and insensitive.
In contrast, actress Sarah Jessica Parker called out the double standard society has for aging women. She highlighted how she has faced repeated criticism for her decision to age naturally, while men like TV presenter Andy Cohen, who appeared in a photo with her, were praised for their gray hair. Parker emphasized that there is no right or wrong way to grow old and that these comparisons can be incredibly stressful for women.
As Elman aptly points out, it is society itself that needs to change, not the appearance of women. Body shaming arises from personal insecurities, and ranking or comparing women only perpetuates the problem. Instead, she suggests removing body shame from all conversations and respecting that other people’s decisions about their bodies are none of our business.
Madonna’s prominence as an iconic figure does not give anyone the right to comment on her appearance. However, this incident serves as an opportunity to start a broader discussion about the need for change and to reflect on our own biases and inner dialogue. Let us all strive to remove the power of judging people based on their looks, whether positively or negatively, and empower ourselves and others, regardless of age or cosmetic surgery history.
