Day 79: On the Death of Pretty

Recently, I read an article called “The Death of Pretty.” You can find it here: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-death-of-pretty 
 
At first, I found myself immediately enjoying the article, and really identifying with it. The gist of the entire article was basically a lament by the author about how women handle themselves in society, and how men react to these portrayals. He focuses mainly on the idea that “pretty” is dying, and he defines pretty as “a mutually enriching balanced combination of beauty and projected innocence.”

I tracked with this definition, and argument, that in our society, so many women are focused on everything but projecting an innocence in their public appearance. He notes that women today do not desire, or aspire, to be pretty. Instead, they want to be regarded as “hot.” 
 
He notes that there are specific differences in what “pretty” and “hot” mean, and the way that men respond to these two versions of how a woman may portray herself: “As I said, pretty inspires men’s nobler instincts to protect and defend.  Pretty is cherished. Hotness, on the other hand, is a commodity.  Its value is temporary and must be used.  It is a consumable.”

I completely agreed with everything in this article, mostly because I, as a woman, have often sought to be regarded as hot instead of pretty. I have wanted the attention of men for less than noble reasons, and have dressed in a way to achieve that. Obviously, when I came to Christ, that all changed...but I'd be a liar to say that it's been completely eradicated.

Sadly, there are still times when I feel like pretty isn't enough.

With all that to say, it was refreshing to me to hear all of this...to know that there are men who desire a woman who is pretty, and who doesn't strive to be something she is not to gain attention because, as the author of the article noted, hotness is merely a commodity. It is there to be consumed, and then left. Pretty, and beautiful, are what remain. They go deeper than what a woman looks like.

They embody who she is. And beauty and prettiness especially shine in the light of a woman's foundation in Christ.

However, there was one thing I took issue with in this article, and it was the author's determination that a projected innocence was a part of what it means to be pretty.

First of all, when I think of a projected innocence, I immediately think of a facade. We are not innocent, and we haven't been since the garden. Losing my virginity at the age of 17, I now know that I can never get that back. I can never have that innocence again. 
 
Does that mean that I can't be pretty? 
 
Am I completely lost because I refuse to project an innocence that I no longer have?

Now, not every woman has lost her innocence in that way, but it is impossible to live in light of an innocence that was done away with so long ago in the Fall. And so, I think that defining pretty with a projected innocence that, in essence, isn't even real, does not contribute to a woman's beauty, or prettiness.

In my opinion, I think that the idea of purity should instead replace the concept of innocence. I would define pretty as “a mutually enriching balanced combination of beauty and purity.” I know that I can't regain innocence that I have lost, but I know that I can strive for purity. 
 
God constantly urges us to remain pure, in both body and mind. We are not called to lead an easy life, but we are called to live a pure life.

And, to me, there is nothing more attractive than a woman, or a man, fighting for their purity. It is one of the most beautiful and amazing sights to behold.

So, read this article. Enjoy it, be enlightened by it, and really internalize what the author is getting at.

Being “hot” is a commodity. It doesn't last, and it sure doesn't incite anything from men other than an invitation to act in a way that is not honorable to himself, the woman, or God.

Instead, be pretty, but don't feel like you need to project an innocence that is so far from humanity. Embrace the fact that your story may not be one of innocence, and instead may be one of redemption, like mine.

Again, it is merely my opinion that purity should take the place of this “projected innocence,” but either way, the focus is that women should desire to be beautiful and pretty because it lasts. And, more than the fact that “pretty” is cherished, and encourages men to protect and defend it, it is what we are called to be in Christ. 
 
We are made in the image of a beautiful creator, not one who is a consumable or a commodity, but one who is the beginning and end.

Women, portray yourselves in light of God's beauty, knowing that a man after God's heart will see beauty not only in what you look like, but in your deeds, your spirit, and your adoration for the one true God.



In Christ,
Lilia