Unit 1: Look at me Now! (2nd)

Pretty Hurts

The document under study is a song from the famous African-American singer Beyoncé, entitled “Pretty Hurts”, released in 2014. In her video clip, she is participating in Beauty contest/pageant. We see her getting ready to be on stage with other candidates. All the contestants are very rude and violent to one another because of the stress of the competition. Moreover, they are envious, jealous, and hypocrites to one another. There is a strong rivalry. Eventually, they feel lonely and depressed. In her song, Beyoncé is denouncing the bad aspects of beauty standards mentally and physically. In the limelight/spotlight, we can see beautiful women, but in the backstage, these same women are suffering. According to her, you need to take care of yourself mentally and accept who you are so that you can live your life peacefully.

To conclude, her song is a political statement addressed to the beauty industry. The society should help little girls to appreciate themselves as they are.

Homework: Learn the lesson.