Class Gives Their Own Definition of True Beauty

By Mr. Olsen

NEWBURGH – Recently in Mr. Olsen’s 6th grade Social Studies class, students had the chance to study and learn about Ancient Greece’s beauty standards and beliefs. For the Ancient Greeks, having a beautiful body was proof that he/she had a beautiful mind. In Ancient Greece, a perfect exterior was direct evidence of inner perfection. If you were physically good looking; then you were automatically a good person.

After learning that the Ancient Greeks believed this, Mr. Olsen’s class had open conversations on their own definition of true beauty compared to the Ancient Greeks. The students, all in agreement, explained that a person’s outward appearance has no bearing on their inside; where true beauty is found. The class spoke at length about what determines a beautiful person. Led by the students themselves, they then brainstormed different ways to define true beauty. After brainstorming a myriad of inner traits/actions/qualities; the students were able to create their own definitions or use their favorite from the list. Some of the students’ favorites were “True beauty is just being yourself”, “True beauty is making others feel welcome”, “True beauty is treating the less fortunate with respect,” and “True Beauty is doing the right thing when nobody’s watching.” Mr. Olsen was thrilled to see that his students unanimously agreed that we should not be judging someone’s character based on their outside appearance.

Student responses:
Serenity Carter said, “The activity felt good because it was describing and showing what real beauty looks like, which is not how the Ancient Greeks defined beauty.”

Michelle Alvarez said, “I enjoyed getting to share what we wanted to because we got to express what we think true beauty is. My classmates and I like these kinds of activities in Social Studies because we can learn about what happened in the past and how it has or has not changed.”

Hailey Clarke said, “I liked the idea of this activity because it got students to really think deep into their thoughts and ask themselves, “What is true beauty? And what makes someone beautiful?”

Nathan Mendoza said, “I enjoyed this activity because it shows other peoples’ perspective(s) and it feels good talking about what you truly think as a person.”

Riley Frederick said, “I liked the activity because it allowed students to see that it does not matter how you look, it only matters how you act and how you view others. It also showed students that the beauty standards that society gives today are just as unreasonable and unrealistic as they were in Greece. Your physical appearance should not ever determine your brain power.”