Journal #1: Physical Attractiveness, or, why are pretty people hot

I was surfing through the internet when I came upon an article. It was from Wikipedia, like most informational things usually are.

The Wikipedia article is titled, Physical Attractiveness, and essentially defines human beauty and its general traits, with many references to research and experiments done on this particular topic.

Michelangelo's David: proclaimed perfection

The attractiveness of both sexes is, supposedly, based on three very simple (or it sounds simple) factors: fertility, for women; power, for men, along with good health for both genders. Seeing as biology is a study based on reproduction, it seems appropriate to relate the concept that beauty is an indication of efficacious reproduction.

Monroe: symmetry out-of-whack

Firstly, facial symmetry for both sexes corresponds to genetic health and developmental stability. To maintain symmetrical faces during growth is a difficult-or with some of us- and impossible task, seeing as many genetic and environmental factors could disrupt the course (getting sick from eating too much candies, like our parents insist)—therefore, if it is achieved it becomes a vital sign of good health. Strong, tall, muscular frames are preferred on men, since it signifies strength and ability to protect potential mates, whereas in woman, a shapely figure—small waist, big hips along with large breasts—are favored, reason being a low WHR (waist-hips ratio) and large breasts indicates fertility. Or it means you go to the gym often, or something.

Attractiveness, A.K.A Adriana Lima.

Other apparent pointers to good health are smooth, glowing skin (translating to efficient immune system and wholesome diet) as well as shiny hair, as the hair is most sensitive to showing the signs of malnourishment. See what I mean about the difficulty?

Now,  the reason this article appealed to me is firstly, recognizing attraction amongst humans as a rationale-based subject (that involves biology), as opposed to a just because. It is also interesting in the sense of its reinforcing the idea that the purpose of anything species living is for reproduction; even seemingly trivial things (e.g. whom you find attractive) are in fact, reasoned and comes down to ensuring the survival of a specie. 

Although, I would like to see more research done on this topic: mainly research that investigates the notion that whether it's only three traits that more or less, decide one’s attraction to another, as some ideas could very well be refuted. For example, attractive individuals with poor health, different views of beauty—etc. This notion could also be extended to other species, and how they chose their mates and whether it is a question of efficacious reproduction. Otherwise, this concept showcase our primitive instincts, admitted or not.

But for now, internal struggles between chocolate and attractiveness are still plaguing many people.

Eat it or not, you still lose.

Citations

Author Name: Wikipedia contributors
Title of Web Document:  Physical Attractiveness
Title of the Hoisting Website: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 
Publishing Organization: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Date Rretrieved: Nov 3rd

(Original Article, if you may)