Racist Beauty Standards: The Middle Ages and “White” Jesus
Courtesy: Instagram
It should not be new information that systematic racism has been and is continuing to be a prevalent problem in American culture and media. Since beauty standards are closely linked to capitalism and consumerism, racism has significantly influenced how the media defines and categorizes beauty.
I am wanting to dissect the racist ideology that impacts women through marketing schemes targeted at our desire to be beautiful- we have been taught from a young age that our self-worth is directly tied to our appearance. It is no secret that many beauty standards have been rooted in Eurocentrism- pale skin, long straight hair, thin bodies, small noses, and high cheekbones. It prioritizes white femininity as the epitome of beauty- and this femininity is only accessible to a few. Countless discussions and research papers dive into the Westernization of Eurocentric trends that prioritize whiteness. I would encourage you, reader, to learn about how these beauty standards that stem from racism have affected you- whether it be subconsciously or outwardly, and address that problematic train of thought. However, because this subject has already been greatly pulled apart and dissected by writers all over the internet, I want to take a different look at this racism. I am going to briefly discuss how Medieval times have played a role in our understanding of beauty, and ultimately, the impact the Middle Ages have had on Eurocentrism in the beauty industry.
While the conversation around racism in beauty standards often points to Eurocentrism and the global spread of Western ideals, it is beneficial to understand how those notions were established, during a time when concepts of race and class were tied to European and colonial ideologies.
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, spanned from about the 5th century to the late 15th century. The idea of "whiteness" was not as fully formed as it is today, but the roots of racial stratification were beginning to form. The beauty standard for medieval women can easily be seen in any form of artwork from the time- it is typically an extremely pale woman with long hair and small facial features. Women would even wear white makeup to achieve a level of paleness that was associated with purity and virtue, typically a sign of high social status and standing. In addition to makeup, women also wore white wigs or used white veils and headdresses to further enhance their pale appearance.
Courtesy: Instagram
Medieval beauty standards mostly stemmed from religion. Women wanted to appear virginal to establish their morality. The portrayal of the Virgin Mary as an idealized, beautiful woman shaped societal views of women as virtuous beings. Beauty was not just about appearance but also about moral integrity and spiritual purity. In Medieval Europe, which was predominantly Christian and white, artists portrayed biblical characters, including Mary and Jesus, in a way that aligned with the dominant societal norms and expectations of beauty, which were rooted in European ideals: they painted them white. I do want to mention that at the time of Jesus’s birth, in Bethlehem, the people living there were mostly of Middle Eastern or Semitic descent. Jesus' historical context—as a Middle Eastern Jewish man—means that, realistically, he would not have had the fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes associated with Western depictions.
Even today, in America, Jesus is most often depicted as white in mainstream media, art, and popular culture. This portrayal stems from centuries of Western religious imagery and cultural dominance, particularly in Europe and America, where white people held power and influence. The Western world places such a strong emphasis on Jesus, so it makes sense that his depictions have contributed to the Eurocentric beauty ideals that dominate much of Western culture. The Medieval portrayal of Jesus as a white, European figure has had a long-lasting impact on beauty standards in the West. Over time, these depictions evolved and impacted not only religious icons but also the broader definition of beauty.
The symbolic association of whiteness with purity and morality is inaccurate and harmful. It only exists because of colonization, where European powers used racism to justify their exploitation of non-Europeans. You may be questioning why symbolism matters so much. It does, because when something (e.g., whiteness as purity) is represented over and over again in the media: literature, cinema, and advertisements, it becomes ingrained in people. Structural inequalities and Eurocentrism are a result of these deeply ingrained ideas.
Understanding the origins of these standards, and how they were shaped by colonial forces, is essential for addressing the ongoing problem of racism in beauty trends and standards. In discussing how Medieval interpretations of Jesus and other religious figures have contributed to the Eurocentric beauty standards we see today, we have a better chance at deconstructing the dangerous and narrow beauty standards that continue to shape our perceptions and experiences.
Strike Out,
Indigo Carter
Editor: Kaya O’Rourke and Jaden Rudd
Indigo Carter is the Creative Writing Copy Editor for Strike Magazine. She loves Hello Kitty and reading books about fairies. You can find her at indigocarterr@gmail.com or on Instagram @prettypretty.princesss.
