I have seen some of the most beautiful women call themselves ugly. 

Rare, unforgettable women, with features that I’ve only ever seen on models, calling themselves ugly. 

Why is this happening? Who are they comparing themselves to? 

Well, they’ve all lived in the Midwest, and they’re all comparing themselves to the Eurocentric archetype that is commonly pushed upon us as the “standard of beauty”. 

Over time, the United States has grown into somewhat of an influence on the rest of the world. With its influence on music, movies and fashion, it’s hard to not see Western culture as something to aspire to.

With this comes a push to fit into Western beauty standards as well. White skin, blue eyes, straight hair and small noses have all become traits that women strive for– and traits that women hate themselves for not being able to achieve. Of course, having these traits does not make you immune.

Women are constantly subjected to an Olympic hoops course to be perceived as beautiful. Do you have straight hair? Well, curly hair is the trend right now. You’re tall? Great, you should model. Guys don’t like tall girls though, so maybe wear flats to that date. Are you thin? Men prefer a little meat, maybe you should eat more. Not too much though, nobody likes a fat girl.

These standards hit harder for women who already don’t fit into the Eurocentric guidelines set for them. These standards hit especially hard within the Midwest for some reason. The women I know are all unique. 

My friends are tall and willowy, some curvy and some of them have wild curls and dark, thick eyebrows. The one trait they have in common is that they all think they’re ugly, and I cannot stand it. I’m talking about jaw-dropping women who think they’re unattractive because they’re not small and blonde. 

It is possible that I just know how to appreciate women: this is a well-known fact. It kills me, however, that women who don’t fit the Western bill think they’re unworthy. 

I promise in other areas of the country, you’re beautiful. No really, you’re stunning. Perhaps here in Kansas, you’re not everyone’s cup of tea– I can promise without a doubt that an open-minded person from a larger area will be able to see how stunning you are though.