Defining beauty: ‘No human being will ever be the same as you’

Kenny Monture shares his views on what beauty is and the pressures men feel as well. 

Lauren Rudy: What is your perception of beauty?

Kenny Monture: Beauty for me would have to be the fact that no human being will ever be the same as you in this moment. We differ genetically, psychologically, geographically etc., and with these differences our individual reality is shaped through our experiences. No one on earth will ever think exactly like you. We all have a unique perception of the world that should be shared and expressed.

LR: What pressures do you feel as a man?

KM: Men are subjected to beauty ideals as well. A lot of these are portrayed in the media. You see the hunky jock guy getting the girl, the scrawny nerd dutifully helps the girl with her homework and if he’s lucky he’ll get a kiss on the cheek. It’s very stereotypical and often based on cliques we see formed in high school.

Men are prized for their brawn, a body that biologically appeals due to our innate need to find a mate. He must look strong like he could protect the woman and provide for the family. Men are also expected to be stoic in their emotions. A crying man is considered weak. Women are the ones who are supposed to be vulnerable and emotional.

While this isn’t necessarily beauty, it pertains to attraction, and the image of the ideal man as a whole. Interestingly enough, unlike women, men are respected more as they become older … and on a whole are generally accepted as more attractive than older women. Women are seen as more fragile, and almost useless to society. Older men are seen as having experience, being wise and generally successful. This is apparent when you hear younger girls fawning over George Clooney, whereas men are not pining after Meryl Streep. They may appreciate her acting, but generally there isn’t an attraction. George Clooney also receives respect for his acting, but is primarily known as a heart throb for the ages.

LR: Why does beauty overrule personality in American society?

KM: Our current society lives at a pace of convenience and instant gratification. To have something beautiful catch our eye, it leaves a positive affect on us, whether it’s an attraction to a person or admiring a scenery. To achieve that feeling through things we don’t find beautiful, more effort might have to be put into it, such as meeting an average-looking girl. We might just walk past them or they become our friend. But the effort it would take to get to know who they are, past their outward appearance, is hard to come by.

In our society we want to see beautiful women beside beautiful cars, or a beautiful house and kids and a wife. If a commercial was to come on advertising something with an average-looking person, no matter what the product is, we likely will discount it and change the channel or find something else to do. If it was a beautiful person selling a product, we might continue to watch the commercial solely for that visual, never mind what product they’re selling.

I don’t think this is a very new concept in media and advertising, but it’s becoming more ingrained into our minds, even on a subconscious level. We no longer are trying to work on being more rounded people, or surrounding ourselves with them. Our obsessions are becoming appearance focused. We must become thinner, more built, better hair, bigger breasts, clearer skin.

For what? Surely this doesn’t bring innate happiness. Because our society is telling us, that if we can’t keep up these standards, we will be left behind. No longer do we have time to show people how skilled we are in a job interview, our employers might pass us off simply because of appearance. Today, personality can mean very little so long as you’re beautiful.                                 

LR: Do you find your tattoos as just being part of your physical appearance or are they something else to you?

KM: My tattoos are solely sentimental pieces that have pertained to my life so far. I could care less about my physical appearance, and I think it’s obvious I don’t have the most beautiful ink, although they do make me smile. Tattoos are a perfect way to tell stories, and express your individuality. I also don’t believe there is anything wrong with getting tattoos just for the look. Do what makes you happy and cover your canvas with whatever seems fit.

LR: How do you feel about the stigma that is usually associated with tattoos?

KM: I think that old-school thinking has been on the decline for the past decade. You’re seeing more and more tattooed individuals in the workplace. The stigma on mods/tattoos is dwindling and we’re realizing how ridiculous the misinformation and propaganda against these body mods actually is, with the majority of people judging someone based on appearance and lack of professionalism because of a personal choice that has nothing to do with their personality, moral compass or work ethic.