Don't Judge?

Unlike looking for Waldo on a page, hash tags can be easily spotted on webpages, especially on social media. Hash tagging is a good way of promoting events through social media. The initial use of hash tag was to simplify our lives when sorting posts or searching for a particular keyword. However, as time passed and social media platforms evolved, hash tagging is become a habit for most people. Some overdo it until it becomes annoying. I wish I could tell you why people do that, but I can't because I don't know and I don't have that habit. 

When a hashtag results in a trend, the trend will most likely flood major social medias. Not so long ago, there was a trend called the Don't Judge Challenge accompanied by the hashtag, #dontjudgechallenge . While the origins of the trend remains unclear, the trend was created initially as an anti-body shaming campaign. However, in my opinion, people who partook in this challenge totally defeated the purpose of this challenge. Thousands of teens (and adults) filmed a short video displaying their faces covered in painted on uni brows and acne as well as coloured their teeth while pulling a strange face. Once they've harnessed the insecurities most people have to deal with for many years, they can now officially show the 'ugly' side of them. After that, the footage will be cut and then resumed to reveal a fresh, flawless face. The males will usually follow up with a classic shirt-lift to reveal their toned abdomen. As for the females, they will then show the 'real' side of them, smothered in make up.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against good physique or the choice of wearing make up. I believe that make up is a way for one to express themselves. It's just that the defeated purpose of this trend is the finest form of narcissism today and the amount of people who took part in this 'challenge' baffles me. This trend became viral because these videos are entertaining to watch to most people. As for me, I can't help but cringe and goosebumps will sprout all over my body. The act of painting on 'imperfections' on your face to contrast your 'natural' beauty makes me confused. Are you trying to imply that people with acne, uni brow or crooked teeth are ugly? Acne, uni brows or crooked teeth that have been eating away many people's confidence does not 'wash away' just like that. Sure, you may be celebrating your imperfect visages, however you are highlighting and making fun of other people's insecurities at the same time. 

Why is acne considered as an imperfection? Why is someone with a uni brow judged like they're an abomination? As we all know, beauty standards are ephemeral. So, why can't we just accept people for how they look and focus on things that are more worthwhile our time? Its time for us to learn that beauty is more than skin-deep. C'mon, gen Z, are we that shallow? Can't we do better than that?