The Price of Beauty

I was thinking about our discussion in class about how other cultures view beauty.  I found it quite interesting that in asian cultures, many people use whitening creams in order to make themselves look more  white.  In contrast, Americans will go to lengths to become more tan.  What is even more interesting though is the role that the media plays in our obsession with weight.  We all the stereotype, the 6' tall blonde who looks emaciated.  I have to wonder why in some countries it is seen as attractive to be fat. Like in Uganda. In this country, It is customary for a bride to go in a "fattening hut"  This is to symbolize riches because food is plentiful.  In Uganda, the motto is "the fatter the better"  I wonder how other countries would feel if they knew about this!  It is definitely a culture shock for me!  In contrast to Uganda, it is customary in Paris for models to be rail thin, almost to the point that they look like a ghost.  In my opinion, there has got to be a happy medium here!