The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women

By Naomi Wolf

Book Overview

The bestselling classic that redefined our view of the relationship between beauty and female identity.

In today's world, women have more power, legal recognition, and professional success than ever before. Alongside the evident progress of the women's movement, however, writer and journalist Naomi Wolf is troubled by a different kind of social control, which, she argues, may prove just as restrictive as the traditional image of homemaker and wife. It's the beauty myth, an obsession with physical perfection that traps the modern woman in an endless spiral of hope, self-consciousness, and self-hatred as she tries to fulfill society's impossible definition of the flawless beauty.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060512180
• ISBN13: 9780060512187
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Overhyped, but I enjoyed the idea of it

I have heard a lot of great things about the book, but I was disappointed because it was full of studies and fact without a lot of personal or stories in the book. I thought that the studies were important, but I wish the author made it a bit less of a fact based writing and a bit more of a dialogue with stories sprinkled in. Overall, it was okay.

Response to defensive critic with*6 points

I feel there are many opinions re: "societal norms" that I agree with. Just because many points were blown out of proportion and it's obvious why the anger exudes from other reviews. He degrades his woman"not normal lokking". Complains about his not being satisfied or considered partner. Wonder if he thinks blaming a victim of domestic violence is a novel defense method. .Beauty exists in various forms:external,internal(i.e. someone's character and sincere heart) Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder. As a woman,I know feeling beautiful is influenced by my emotional state,physical appearance and how my bf treats me. I too have low self esteem when I was bullied and frequently called UGLY,GROSS,ETC . Infidelity and widespread knowledge only added to poor self image.

a feminist classic

This book should be required reading for all freshmen girls. Even if you don't agree with its central premise or find its style infuriating this is something you should be talking and thinking about, especially as our culture increasingly sexualises young girls at earlier and earlier ages.

Good for Men, Too...

The cover quote calls this a must-read for all women. I would include men in that, as well. Or, at least all men who care about gaining greater understanding of women. I found that Wolf gets a bit heavy-handed at times, especially toward the beginning of the book, but she more than makes up for it with compelling arguments and plenty of supporting evidence. She opened my eyes to the reality of the ubiquitous, yet almost invisible, beauty myth, and I have been able to see many more examples on my own since reading the book. I feel the urge to give a copy to every woman I see who appears on the verge of collapse from self-starvation, or who seems ashamed of her natural self, unable to face the world without a mask of makeup.

This Book Is Really Kinda Cool

I am always excited to read very different and original points of view, whether I agree or not, and this book is definitely one of them. Anyone who asks questions that have not been asked before and is willing to talk about things that make people nervous, angry, and scared have gained my respect. Does Naoimi Wolf have all the answers? No, and who cares? This is the kind of book that makes you think and consider. You do not have to adopt her veiwpoint to benefit from reading this fascinating and controversial book. Come up with your own conclusions! All the greatest books make you do that.