The fear of ugliness is known as Cacophobia. In our beauty-obsessed culture, this phobia is something almost anyone can understand, whether they suffer from it or not…
Are You Afraid Of Ugliness?
Sometimes, this phobia of ugliness develops in childhood, due to the terrible insecurities that come with changing bodies and self-esteem. Children who don’t fit in because they either feel unattractive or are, in society’s eyes, less than perfect, will be prone to harsh self-doubts and judgments. They may regard themselves as lesser beings because they cannot seem to conform to a world that appears to reject them on such shallow terms.
Children Are Susceptible To Cacophobia
Children with dental problems, skin afflictions such as eczema or acne, or weight problems will be most likely to become hypercritical about their own perceived “ugliness”. They may develop other syndromes, such as body dysmorphic syndrome, and become unable to see their bodies and faces as they really are. Sometimes, the fear of ugliness can lead to depression, anorexia and bulimia, and, conversely, emotional eating or substance abuse (to fill the void and quell misery). Self-image is a loaded issue that cuts deep – we all want to be loved as we are, but some people, particularly those who’ve been teased or bullied, may feel that happiness and a sense of belonging are only for the beautiful.
Bullies May Blame This Phobia For Their Actions
On the flip side, people who are cruel and dismissive of others they perceive as “ugly” can do a great deal of damage. It’s callous and cruel to call someone out about their flaws and shortcomings, especially since the “shells” of our faces, body and hair don’t illustrate the inner wonder of our hearts, minds, and souls.
For the truly shallow, mockery of the ugly may provide some solace or sadistic thrill. Unfortunately, many bullies do not care about the people they hurt – they tend to feed off their misery. If someone calls you ugly or some other taunt, ignoring them is really the best option at first. If the bullying continues, it’s best to consider standing up for yourself, or bringing an authority figure into the situation. Noone deserves to be cut down over and over again – especially children whose minds and worldview are still developing.
Coping Strategies
If you fear ugliness, take a moment to consider the fact that much of our appearance can be the work of fate and genetics. Some people are lucky enough to be born with candy-box good looks that tend to please the multitudes – however, many of Hollywood’s Barbie and Ken-esque actors and actresses go under the knife to achieve their doll-like beauty.
Modern Beauty Celebrates Artificiality
You may not realize that even today’s biggest marquee beauties, such as Blake Lively from Gossip Girl, and pretty boy Zac Efron, have had nose jobs to refine their looks. Other surprising rhinoplasties in Hollywood include Rihanna, Beyonce, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Megan Fox. As you can see, barely anyone modern society perceives as glamorous and gorgeous is actually in their natural state.
Getting Beyond Externals
Accepting all types of people, even those born with deformities, requires sensitivity. You must train yourself to look beyond externals. Remember, there is a heart beating inside of the person you are looking at! There are feelings and hopes and dreams. For those unlucky enough to be born with features that displease society, life can be painful and upsetting. Don’t contribute to someone’s pain by making it worse.
Life isn’t fair. Whether you are born with perfect features, or suffer from some deformity – you get what you get. Dealing with life’s ugliness in a sensitive way is part of maturing and becoming a good person. Looking deeper into a person takes practice when Cacophobia is at play. If you find yourself shrinking from others who don’t measure up, consider treatment to deal with your revulsion and anxiety.
Talk To Someone About Your Feelings
If you are painfully self-conscious because you feel ugly, talk to someone about your feelings. Don’t struggle along on your own – many people share these emotions, and there are ways to feel better about yourself. Sometimes, you will need to look deeper into the reasons for your poor self-esteem – but it’s worth doing. You can enjoy a brighter future, unhindered by dark thoughts and so much sadness. As well, attention to fitness, diet, and keeping your wardrobe current can provide a welcome boost to your image.
The fear of ugliness is also referred to as:
- phobia of ugliness
- ugliness fear
- ugly fear
