Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder

This digital art piece, titled “Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder,” represents and foregrounds the narrative of modern racism toward Asians and Asian-Americans. Commonly recognized as the “fox-eye” trend, this media phenomenon entails individuals lifting the sides of their eyes to create a “lifted” look, thereby becoming a popular pose in photos. Some coin this way with the intention of celebrating the “exotic and oriental” look in which East Asians have long been known for, however, in reality this pose eradicates and invalidates years of the hate and trauma that have lingered for Asian eye shapes. 

This trend has embodied ignorance and disrespect for those who have been belittled for the very reason this act has been applauded for. By emphasizing that it is now an American beauty standard to have a “lifted” eye shape, it reinforces the theme that ethnic features are only validated and considered beautiful until Western cultures acknowledge them to be. 

In this way, the digital piece utilizes the monarch butterfly – considered the icon of butterflies – as a symbol of those not of the Asian descent, using the “fox-eye” trend as a way to be something they are not. The incorporation of the middle finger speaks on account of two varying sentiments: those who are unconsciously sending this message by justifying that the pose is simply “a trend,” and those who are impacted firsthand by this trend commentating on their personal features. Surrounding the butterflies are the moths, an emblem of individuals with Asian attributes to showcase the reality of the two species, who will never be the other yet carry individualistic beauty in their own ways.

The trend is not a trend, an aesthetic, or a celebration of Asian features – simply put, the trend invalidates and mocks the feelings of many Asians and Asian-Americans who have been ridiculed for the very same look.