The Death of Snow White

We decided to watch Snow White and the Huntsman last night after hearing rave reviews from friends. The movie was okay, but for some reason I went home feeling all low and weird because of it. It was excruciatingly long and some of the scenes were already bordering on boring in my opinion. I guess I was also a bit concerned for the little kids who were seated right next to us. They seemed so awkward in their seats, trying to cover their eyes and ears every time the evil queen kills someone. I really think the film was way too dark and too violent to even have the name Snow White in the title. It should have been strictly marked as PG-13 at the very least. How else can you explain to a seven year old all those brutal killings and blood without being disturbing? I honestly feel bad for those kids. :(

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The story of Snow White has always been a favorite of mine growing up, and at that time I did not understand why the evil witch was afraid of getting old so much that she's willing to kill someone innocent to prevent it. I do believe there's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be beautiful. Admittedly, I have my vain moments too. I freak out when I get pimples on and off, I have purchased tons of products just to keep my wiry hair at bay, and I myself have a strong inclination towards pretty things. For as long as you're doing it for all the good reasons, I have nothing against giving in to personal vanity. I support it with all my heart, but only up to a certain point.

My colleague and I were talking about people's wild obsession with vanity this morning and how it has become so hugely endemic despite the painful price that usually comes with it. Too much of anything is a bad thing and we're appalled why some have a hard time realizing when enough is enough.

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Just the other day, there was a news about a woman who died a few days before her wedding day. Unfortunately, she decided to have sessions with four different tanning salons in one day which cooked most of her internal organs causing her instant death. Hearing true horror stories like this is always heartbreaking. What ever happened to natural beauty and loving your own skin?

Now don't get me wrong here. I'm not blogging this one out to judge anyone. I came from a country who's also as obsessed with achieving the much-coveted "Snow White complexion" and there were even phases in my life before when I also wanted to be her so bad. For sure people have different reasons why they go the extra mile to be tan, to be white, or to drastically change their outward appearance. It could be anxiety, lack of self-esteem, peer pressure, an abusive boyfriend, or how the media presents beauty making us feel more and more insecure about our own skin - the possible reasons are endless.

My stand with all these is this: WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL, AND IT'S OKAY TOO IF YOU WANT TO BE MORE BEAUTIFUL. Just be sure that you're doing it for yourself and you don't go all out risking your health (and your life) to achieve it. No one has the exclusive franchise of beauty because beauty does come in different shapes, colors and forms. Love what you got, girl! I grew up with a dad telling me that I need to feel confident and comfortable with myself all the time because how I feel inside will always reflect on the outside. How I view and treat myself is also how others will likely view and treat me. As cliche as this may sound, for as long as you have a good and kind heart inside to show off and a lot of love to give away, you'll be fine.

You're beautiful because you're uniquely YOU. :)

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P.S. It feels so good getting this one off my chest, by the way. Stay gorgeous! :)