What's Happening?
Evelyn Smith, a U.S. woman, became the face of the viral 'beautiful mid' meme after a photo she posted on the social media platform VSCO in August 2023 was shared widely online. The image, which showed Smith smiling at a restaurant, was captioned by an engagement-farming
account with the phrase 'all a man really needs in this life is a beautiful mid to call his own.' This led to the creation of the 'beautiful mid' meme, which combines the words 'beautiful' and 'mid,' the latter being slang for someone of average attractiveness. The meme has been applied to various celebrities, including Madelyn Cline and Sydney Sweeney, and has sparked backlash for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Critics argue that labeling conventionally attractive women as 'mid' sets an unattainable standard for others.
Why It's Important?
The 'beautiful mid' meme highlights ongoing societal issues regarding beauty standards and the impact of social media on public perceptions of attractiveness. By labeling women who are widely considered attractive as 'mid,' the meme perpetuates unrealistic expectations and pressures individuals to conform to certain beauty ideals. This can have significant psychological effects, particularly on young women and girls who may feel inadequate or pressured to meet these standards. The meme's virality underscores the power of social media in shaping cultural norms and the need for more inclusive and realistic representations of beauty.
