The Myth of 'Scientific Beauty' and Its Impact on Racial Perceptions
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Chapter 1: The False Standard of Beauty
In February 2020, numerous media outlets declared actor Robert Pattinson as the most attractive man in the world "according to science." This assertion originated from facial plastic surgeon Dr. Julian De Silva, who utilized the "Greek Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi" to determine that Pattinson possessed the most appealing facial features.
Dr. De Silva's findings have frequently resulted in various White individuals being labeled as the "most beautiful." For instance, in 2016, Yahoo Style named Amber Heard as the top contender in a list of ten White women, a sentiment echoed across multiple platforms. These lists were presented as scientifically validated, subtly reinforcing Whiteness as the beauty ideal. While the 2020 list did include Idris Elba and Kanye West at positions eight and nine, respectively, the overall trend has often marginalized BIPoC beauty.
Despite my background as a Biochemist with a PhD in Infection and Immunity, I faced accusations of being a "lib who hates science" when I challenged these assertions in 2017. Critics argued that the exclusion of people of color from such evaluations amounted to racism.
The central issue here is the lack of scrutiny regarding the scientific validity of these "most beautiful" declarations. These lists circulate widely without context, often perpetuating a narrative that values Eurocentric beauty while diminishing the worth of BIPoC appearances.
To determine if a singular "most beautiful person" can genuinely exist according to scientific criteria, one must apply the foundational principles of scientific inquiry, known as the scientific method, to the methodology and outcomes of these evaluations.
Section 1.1: Evaluating the Scientific Method
The scientific method encompasses empirical observation, hypothesis formulation, replicable experimentation, provisional results, an objective approach, and a clear conclusion. To assess the legitimacy of the claim regarding the "most beautiful person in the world," we should investigate several critical questions:
Were Empirical Observations Made?
The Golden Ratio, a concept established by ancient Greeks, has long been associated with both natural and artistic beauty. Dr. De Silva's computerized mapping technique analyzes how closely facial features align with this ratio. However, this raises the question of whether his hypothesis—that this mapping can reliably rank beauty—is fundamentally sound.
Are the Experiments Replicable?
While Dr. De Silva boasts a commendable list of peer-reviewed publications, there is no accessible peer-reviewed article detailing the mapping algorithm or its limitations. This lack of transparency complicates any attempts to replicate his findings.
What are the Provisional Results?
The results of these analyses often circulate on popular media platforms, reinforcing the idea that science endorses a Eurocentric beauty standard. Dr. De Silva himself stated, "With this groundbreaking technology, we have solved some of the mysteries of what it is that makes someone physically beautiful" (Daily Mail, 2016). However, without clear protocols, the validity of his findings remains questionable.
Was an Objective Approach Taken?
The selection of subjects appears to be inherently biased, as the mapping was conducted on individuals already considered conventionally beautiful. This raises concerns about the subjectivity of the criteria used.
What Conclusions Can be Drawn?
Absent peer-reviewed justification, a transparent sample pool, and an objective methodology, the assertion that a select group of individuals constitutes the "most beautiful people according to science" contradicts the principles of the scientific method. Moreover, these lists predominantly highlight White individuals, perpetuating the notion that Whiteness represents the beauty standard.
Chapter 2: The Broader Implications of Racialized Beauty
The first video titled The beauty of our improbable existence with a NASA expert, physicist & futurist delves into the scientific understanding of beauty and existence. It raises critical questions about how societal standards of beauty are shaped and perceived.
The resurgence of race science in contemporary discourse highlights the urgent need to challenge pseudoscientific claims that only serve to perpetuate racism and eugenics. Leah Donnella's 2019 piece for NPR's Code Switch provocatively asks, "Is beauty in the eyes of the colonizer?" This inquiry reflects the ongoing struggle against the glorification of Eurocentric features in various cultures.
Furthermore, as the global cosmetic surgery market is projected to reach $43.9 billion by 2025, the promotion of a "White beauty" narrative becomes increasingly commercialized. In a society where Eurocentric features are often idealized, the promotion of such narratives can be considered both unethical and exploitative.
The second video, 5 simple ways to be more attractive, according to science :), discusses various aspects of attractiveness while critiquing the underlying biases in beauty standards.
Ultimately, this examination is not a personal critique of Dr. Julian De Silva's work, but rather a rejection of the dangerous myth that positions Whiteness as the universal beauty standard. In doing so, we must advocate for a more inclusive understanding of beauty that honors all racial identities without bias.