Pretty Hurts

The 'Pretty Hurts' episode of the 'Code Switch' podcast delves into the complex themes of beauty, power, politics, and cultural norms. The hosts, Shereen and Gene, begin by exploring the historical and cultural dimensions of beauty, asking whether beauty is objective or subjective. They discuss how beauty has been perceived across different cultures and times, citing examples such as teeth blackening in Japan, which was once a marker of beauty but was later banned in the country's efforts to modernize and align with Western standards.

The episode also examines the intersection of race and beauty standards, highlighting the lack of diversity in beauty pageants like Miss America until the 1970s, when African American contestants were finally allowed to participate. This historical exclusion reflects how beauty norms were constructed to favor whiteness as the ideal. The hosts discuss the impact of movements like 'Black is Beautiful' in challenging these norms and reshaping the public's understanding of beauty.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on South Korea's beauty industry, particularly its plastic surgery boom, which the hosts attribute to the country's economic pressures and desire to conform to certain beauty standards. The origins of the double eyelid surgery, a procedure that has been controversially linked to Westernization, are traced back to an American military doctor during the Korean War. The hosts explore how this procedure, initially rooted in racialized beauty ideals, has evolved into a symbol of Korean beauty within Asia.

The discussion then shifts to the global influence of Korean beauty products, known as K-beauty, and how they have become a trendsetter in the West. The hosts interview NPR correspondent Elise Hu, who explains the economic factors behind Korea's success in exporting its beauty products and the shift in beauty standards from Western to Korean influences.

Finally, the episode addresses the impact of American beauty standards on Latinas in the United States. Through a roundtable discussion with Latina students, the hosts explore the pressures to conform to the 'slim thick' body type, the role of family and societal expectations, and the challenges of addressing eating disorders within the Latina community. The episode underscores the need for greater awareness and research on how eating disorders affect Latinas, as well as the importance of including family in the treatment process.