The Prettiest/Handsomest/Cutest/Most Beautiful

[Elisabeth]

Actually, Dashkova, this is Etcoff's main point, that our notion of beauty is based on principles of fecundity and fertility, especially our notions of feminine beauty. For example, women with a certain hip to waist ratio are considered more desirable than others. Of course I, too, have my doubts whether anthropology is really "scientific" or not. (I think, perhaps, too often not!) However, in terms of studying other cultures, and finding these universal "standards" of symmetry, - this is very interesting and perfectly plausible information.

[Dashkova]

Actually, Dashkova, this is Etcoff's main point, that our notion of beauty is based on principles of fecundity and fertility, especially our notions of feminine beauty. For example, women with a certain hip to waist ratio are considered more desirable than others. Of course I, too, have my doubts whether anthropology is really "scientific" or not. (I think, perhaps, too often not!) However, in terms of studying other cultures, and finding these universal "standards" of symmetry, - this is very interesting and perfectly plausible information.

Well, yes of course, actually, I knew about the hip/waist ratio thing, (a bummer for us narrow-hipped sorts, I suppose, and definitely why I remembered that part of the study) but the notions of beauty, as you stated previousy are *also* related to facial symmetry as well.

[Elisabeth]

I meant facial symmetry to begin with, so I'm being unnecessarily confusing, I suppose. But I find the most convincing parts of Etcoff's study to be related to neotenic and symmetrical facial features as a universally recognized standard of beauty. It makes evolutionary sense, in terms of our need as a species to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of our tribe.

[JD]

Olga, I don't delude myself into thinking that you or she would actually reply, so I have to resort to publically chiding you when you exhibit such deeply hypocritical behavior as this.  However, since you've both turned to constructive criticism instead of insults and eye-rolling, I no longer have any problem.  

[Dashkova]

Thanks so much to those who have joined the thread and made this more of a discussion of substance instead of the   ::)shallow "tee hee...who's the prettiest one of all" approach!
Depth of character and the scientific infinitely more appropriate!

[rskkiya]

Hello!
I popped in to this topic and to my joy found an insiteful discussion on the psychological/sociological notion of beauty... Wonderful stuff!

rskkiya

Michelle, we know that you prefer Olga N. --  but were your comments about "Ritalin" really neccessary? Please reconsider the inplications of this statement!
   I hope that this was just a "typing error!"

[Dashkova]

That would be nice Rskkiya dearest, but what works best is ignore, ignore,ignore.  

[rskkiya]

Olga, I don't delude myself into thinking that you or she would actually reply, so I have to resort to publically chiding you when you exhibit such deeply hypocritical behavior as this.  However, since you've both turned to constructive criticism instead of insults and eye-rolling, I no longer have any problem.  

 JD-- I don't think that Olga is here right now, the topic was not of too much interest to her - as you may have guessed...  
Perhaps you ought to PM all your public comments to her directly? OK?

rsk

Hello Dashkova!

[Merrique]

I think everyone can plainly see that all four of the Grand Duchesses were beautiful in their own way,just like we all are.But I must say I like they way this thread is heading,focusing more on their inner beauty,and like Dashkova said,their wit, humor, and depth of character.Those things appeal to me more as a topic of discussion rather than what they looked like and who was the prettiest.

[rskkiya]

Merrique...
Well said!  Dazzling Insite!
  Could we ever know what their personal suffering and their love for each other might have created in the manner of spiritual or psychic beauty -- remember-- that I am no fan of NAOTMAA-- yet even I would have to consider their inner beauty along this topic!

rskkiya

[JD]

Rskkya, Olga directed a comment to me in this thread, and it seemed natural to write back in the same forum.  I've offered to take this private before and was rejected, but I can assure you that if you or anyone else would send me a PM, you would get reply.

[olga]

{Michelle -- Perhaps you ought to reconsider this last post ... (quoted above) as it suggests a certain hyperbolic immaturity which I am certain you do not mean to suggest... Accusations of someone needing Ritalin--that seems a bit uncalled for!

I agree. Michelle, I find your comments about people needing to take Prozac or Ritalin tasteless, offensive and rude. As someone who takes prescription antidepressants, I think that you do not fully understand what is involved with the taking of such medications. Please alter your post.

[Forum Admin]

"public" chiding or berating or belittling of an individual is not "on topic" posting. Good Lord, we can't even have a discussion of which is "the prettiest GD" without public battle of egos.

Why can't some people simply be adult enough to "rise above" and ignore?
Im getting fed up with all of the "usual suspects"...and you all know who you are. Get my drift?

[JD]

You're right of course, but occasionally people need to be called on things, publicly or not...as I'm sure you know.  

I think a productive discussion sprung up from Dashkova's and Olga's presence after they ceased the name-calling so hopefully that's a lesson learned for the future.  As for the unhappy sideshow, that has quite clearly petered out...for now.  

I'll do my best to ignore Dashkova when she's in her more testy moods, but in this instance I thought it best to let everyone else know that "I'm taking her seriously so they don't have to".  As it turned out, it probably wasn't necessary, so I've learned my lesson as well.  I'll just sit back and watch next time.

[olga]

JD, you're the one who is continuing this. Please desist.