Always the Analyst: Jessica Simpson's Price of Beauty

Bride to be, Jessica Simpson is probably a bag of stress considering her one million dollar wedding this year, which has already set off speculations of a Middleton like dress. Yet she protested, "no, I got my own inspiration. But I am interested to see." Her dress on the day will not only be influential, like her previous wedding to 98 degree front runner Nick Lachey, but also give motivation for millions of women around the world. Why you ask? Well obvious reasons aside, Simpson's involvment in MTV's "The Price of Beauty" recently, has given her more of a voice toward perceptions of beauty. In this series, Simpson travels the world in order to decipher diverse opinions on beauty in different cultures and what she learns, is startling as well as unusual to American beauty ideals. Representing a charity project, with Operation Smile, the project called "A Beautiful Me", was set up to help many women all over the world. Alongside best friend CaCee and hairstylist buddy Ken, Jessica travels to India, Uganda,Morrocco, Japan, Brazil and many other cities in a search for wisdom, as well as a chance to help those in need when concerned with women's beauty and confidence.

Jessica proclaims to want to meet these women, in an attempt to "study local fashions, dietary fads and beauty regimes." Her emotional journey begins in Thailand where she meets Panya, who has a skin condition because she vigorously uses skin lightener which has burned and peeled the last of her skin. Jessica rewards her with a superstar makeover which opens up this quiet,reserved and embarrassed woman. She is finally able to leave her house without feeling insecure and paranoid and her reveal, is an emotional one to say the least.

Simpson also visits Uganda where she learns women are fattened up months before their weddings and concealed in a hut due to the perception of fat as beautiful. Jessica is told by the Ugandan men that she looks good in her ugandan attire, but needs to put on weight. This shocks Jessica and Cecee, who admit that it's "the complete opposite of everything I've ever known."

Nevertheless, though Jessica Simpson represents American beauty, it is at times troubling to watch her uncover beauty ideals in other countries being of white ethnicity which is a stark contrast, being exceptionally beautiful and travelling to far away lands, quietly judging their traditions and ways of life as she outwardly did in Brazil.
On the other hand, she does uncover many similarities to American perceptions of beauty which brought many common issues to the table. For example, Anorexia Nervosa on the runways of Paris and the harmful, frightening effect it has on very young girls eating habits, or lack thereof. Weight issues are sensitive to a once fresh faced Jessica, who worked out day and night in order to gain a extremely buff body for her role in Dukes of Hazzard in 2005. Her continuous weight loss, gained her the title of one of the top bodies in Hollywood, yet after her divorce to Nick Lachey, the singer began gaining weight.

Jessica at her skinniest after Dukes Of Hazzard release

Jessica as Daisy Duke

2009

2009 introduced a heavier Jessica, but a happier one at that. Many admire Jessica because she doesn't defend her weight gain, rather embraces it claiming ''curves are better. I don't get the whole rail thing. It's not good for your heart, it's not good for your mind; it's emotionally destructive, it really is.'

Jessica's own ideals have shaped her views on beauty, especially in this show which I'd recommend to all the girls. It's diversity and truthfulness may open up your mind on what beauty actually is.