Erika Naakka emphasizes that she does not have to give up makeup, even if she recognizes the social background of appearance pressures.
Do you really make up for yourself?
This is asked as a beauty influencer known Erika Naakka.
Naakka tells Iltalehti that he wanted to wake up his followers to think about why they make up.
“If you do not recognize the social background of appearance pressures, it is more susceptible to experiencing appearance pressures and their negative consequences such as inadequacy and dissatisfaction,” he says, referring to reference For research conducted at the University of Turku.
He adds that awareness of the structures behind the beauty standards does not mean that makeup should be abandoned.
Many comments in the video say they make up, even if they are not going anywhere. Some, on the other hand, are wondering if it is even important to be aware of the causes of makeup.
– I don’t question your message, but if the end result is a good mood for makeup carrier, then what. Makeup is fun, says one commentator.
Another commentator, in turn, thinks that it is exactly what others say if you think they makeup for themselves.
(The story goes on after the picture)
Beauty influencer Erika Naakka Erika Naakka
Naakka wants everyone to understand the structures of beauty ideals and makeup.
– If, as women, we do not understand how these power structures affect the appearance pressures and expectations of us, we cannot question or change them.
The beauty influencer says he was surprised at how triggering the subject of the video was.
– Many said that everyone has their own opinion. I don’t think this is a matter of opinion. You just refuse to listen to me, Naakka says.
Docent of the University of Helsinki Mira Karjalainen It is on the same line with Naakka that it is good to be aware of the reasons behind what they do. Karjalainen explores the appearance of working life and aesthetic work.
– So why will we reinforce this patriarchal structure by giving each other tips and product tips to show you?, Asks one of the commentators in the video.
Naakka admits that as an influencer he is part of the machine’s track.
“However, I try to keep my content so that it does not create more pressure, but offers more options,” says Naakka.
You can watch the video and read the discussion in the comments from this link.
What about men?
The video says that makeup is a completely gendered norm, and that in history, makeup is associated with women’s responsibility to look young and pleasant.
Karjalainen points out that while make -up is a strongly gendered phenomenon in modern times, the situation has been different in history.
– Rather, I would say that the pursuit of young, vibrant and pulling has always existed as a phenomenon. The gender that this pressure has influenced in history has varied, says Karjalainen.
Naakka specifies that he does not talk about men or that all men oppress women. However, Many commentators in the video thought this was the case.
– I mean structures, habits and expectations that women are targeted unnoticed, Naakka opens.
Karjalainen states that the pressure to makeup comes from other people.
– When you see that others have made up and makeup, that’s where the pressure to make up comes. Constantly unconsciously or aware of, we compare ourselves to others, Karjalainen sums up.