To be called beautiful is thought to name something essential to women’s character and concerns. (In contrast by men- whose __1__ essence is to be strong, or effective, or competent.)
It does not need someone in the throes of feminist awareness to perceive that __2__
The way women are taught to be involved in beauty encourages __3__ narcissism, reinforces independence and immaturity.
Everybody knows __4__ that.
For it is “everybody”, a whole society, which has identified __5__
Being feminine with caring about how one looks. Giving these __6__ stereotypes, it is no wonder that beauty enjoys, at best, a rather mixed reputation.
It is not, of course, the desire to be beautiful is wrong but the __7__
obligation to be. Women are taught to see their bodies in parts, and to assess each part separately. Breasts, feet, hips, waistline, neck, __8__ eyes, nose, complexion, hair, and so on – each by turn is submitted __9__
To an anxious scrutiny. Even if some pass the scrutiny, some will always be found wanted. Nothing less than perfection will do. __10__