This is long over due for sure. A nice fan named Geena asked me about Arab beauty and how it is perceived in our culture. Oh what a topic I thought to my self. After all the shit load of nonsense I have been writing on my site I failed to mention one of the most important cultural upheavals in the Arab world!
She asked me a lot of questions and mailed me a word document of them. I was like wow. This is professional work. She spent the time writing and making it worth while, and I got to make all the time in the world! I mean it, ALL THE TIME minus those hours when I actually sleep and dream of world domination. However, that’s another story I shall discuss later.
She asked …….
1. Does the current image of Arab beauty include all complexions of Arabs? Does it include ‘typical’ Arab facial features including dark eyes, dark hair, noses, lips, etc.
Arab beauty has changed so much in the media and within our own culture. Arab women are obsessed with marrying off their sons to gorgeous model type girls with blue eyes and light hair thinking that their offspring will inherit the recessive genes and become one too. It’s funny, I will tell you a story actually. We know this family who’s daughter is very pretty. Petite, light eyes, hazel green, and just plain pretty. She married an ok looking guy and his family are ok looking too. They are ordinary and not wow you know. Well, since I studied Biology and know a bit about genetics and disproving any cultural obsession, brown eyes and being a bit tan is a DOMINANT trait! We are dominant and that’s why most of us are DARK! So her new born daughter who is one now looks 100% like the father’s family. 
Anyways, what’s wrong with being dark, gorgeous, and have wide mysterious Arabian eyes? We look good for a reason! That’s why the western world has an obsession with tanning salons. Tan looks GOOD!
2. Is there a preferred body shape/size?
Petite, 120 pounds, anorexic is good because moms have something to nag about before the wedding.
3. If not, how do you feel about the obsession with light-skin and the pervasiveness of fair-skinned Arab celebs?
They are all fake, what’s there to like? Why would such an extravagant culture such as the Arabian world want the same looking girls? It’s like they all go to the same plastic surgeon. All the same NOSE and big bloated lips! I bet they also do what Michael Jackson did with his skin, remove all the pigments!
4. Is the obsession for fair skin equally demanding on men?
Men? They can be hideous looking and they still want to marry a gorgeous fair skinned girl so the gene pool of their family would change. They seriously need to study genetics and maybe do what Michael Jackson did.
5. How do you feel about bleaching crème? Is it as popular in the Middle East as it is in countries like India?
Hmm, bleach is normal in the Arab world to lighten the hair on the arms and face. That’s about it. But really would not change the skin colour obviously!
6. What are your views about the typical Eurocentric look that many (if not most) Arab celebrities have?
The whole world is a global village now and everyone dresses and acts the same. The problem I see with celebrities that they don’t represent the Arab world at all. They represent them selves only so they can become famous outside the Arab world by looking and acting like them.
7. Is there a silent rule within the Arab entertainment industry about a certain ‘look’ someone is supposed to have in order to succeed?
Perfection is what they aim for. The look has to be perfect. Lots of makeup, large eyes, light skin, and light eyes. Anything that will grab men’s attention so the revenue in anything they try to represent in the media will increase!
8. I have found from a search on pre-colonial Arab beauty standards that Islamic poets praised brown Arab women with dark eyes and hair before the arrival of Euro rule after which light eyes, hair and skin began to be favored. Link What are your thoughts on this?
MEN! That’s all I can say. They just want something different to what they are accustomed to. That’s all.
9. Do you know other Arabs feelings on this issue? If so, what?
It’s not any girl’s fault that she is born with darker skin, brown eyes, and dark hair. God made her this way, so why does society have to hate such common trait? If Arabs are so proud to be Arabic, then why are they not proud of the way they look?
I like the way I look. I am tan, have big brown eyes, and dark brown hair. I look like an Arab and I say I am Arab. I just happen to have a kick ass international name to accompany it. MONA!! Oh, you should ask about the name changes that Arabs do too. They love western names and change it to that. Aah Arabs. Why you people changed so much?
Updated: I was checking out my stats, and Marianna has posted a link to this post of mine on a forum. I was like wow. Pretty awesome I say.
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My name is Mona and I am an internet savvy and technology obsessed girl. I am originally Palestinian and I live in the province of Ontario in Canada. That's some info about me, and you can learn more [
love the new design of the site…when I think this site with the content... 
ps - Be the change you... 
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 7:30 pm
hmm…I have to disagree with you mona. Yes light eyes, lighter skin is sometimes looked at as beautiful, but so are many many instances of dark girls with exotic features. Naturally, us arabs can be light skined, dark, green eyed, brown eyed, black haired, light haired, red haired. There are many songs and poetry about girls with tan skin because most arabs are generally tanned with darker hair.
And no, lightening facial creme is not used in arabic countries, the trend is tanning salons and fake baking.
And Geena, the celebrities are not just light skinned, blue eyes, light hair. There are many arabic celebrities who are considered beautiful that are darker skinned. However, as in the middle east as with most countries in the world, people LIKE light eyes, naturally. My sister in law is scottish and she prayed that my nephew will turn out blue eyed. It’s not just an arabic thing.
I just find this whole interview a little strange for hinting that arabs want to be european and westernized. Most arabs are glad to be arabs. You won’t ask an italian why they don’t wear their ethnic clothing? We have world renowned fashion designers like Saab who themselves influence the western fashion market.
So no, we do not find ourselves inferior if we don’t have blue eyes, Geena.
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 8:38 pm
I have to agree with most of what Lisa said. I did find the interview strange a bit with the whole European thing.. Oh well.. but lisa… you are lighter than me! How is the tanning!?
I don’t need it.. just 5 minutes in the sun and I become dark as a tree! :P
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 9:03 pm
Your point on a Scottish woman praying for her son to have blue eyes is a moot one. It is not ‘natural’ for people to want lighter eyes.
The reason the global village as Mona put it, favors light eyes is from the impact of White Western influence. 
I would consider it extremely naive to think otherwise. And yes, the interview was swayed toward Eurocentric influence since that is what I have observed by looking at Arab entertainment. The imitation and preference for European features across the world is very blatant to me especially when you consider our globalizing society.
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 9:20 pm
Lisa, us black people can ‘naturally’ be light-skinned, dark-skinned, green eyed, brown eyed, black haired, light haired, red haired etc. Now if you snicker by saying ‘only if you’re mixed’ than I could make the same point about Arabs. I just considered it stange that you said ‘naturally.’
Another point I want to make is how there seems to be denial on this subject — linking the world’s fascination of lighter eyes and skin with Europe (besides people that are already light-skinned such as Japanese). I don’t know if it’s naïveté, ignorance/inability to see the effects of past history on the present or what but it sure is exasperating (when you want a truthfull discussion on a problem).
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 10:50 pm
geena, please….before you make your generalizations, do some research. And Arab is NOT a race, it never was I’m sorry to tell you, unlike black. Similarily, Carribean is ALSO not a race. So me saying there are Arabs of all shades is RIGHT, we were mixed right from DAY ONE. So please, spare us with your “CLAIM” to know arabs.
And yes, we are experiencing globalization, but I am sad to see that all you interview mona about when it comes to globalization is skin and eye colour. Maybe its a kind of comfort to you to relate your experiencs with wanting to be light skinned perhaps?
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 10:52 pm
SPARE US….you want to hear the answer that Arabs want to be light skinned and light eyed? Ok, I won’t tell anyone, right that down on your essay, it makes a great story
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 at 4:39 am
This was very interesting, many of them use same old process for all the remedies. But only few of them realizes the actual problem and follow the good perfect method for good condition. It really makes a very good story.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 at 11:03 am
This is a bizarre conversation.
I think people are attracted to light skinned, blue-eyed blonde-haired people because they are a small minority of the world’s population and therefore a novelty on the dating market. I think that is one reason why so many women what ever their nationality maybe dye their brown or black hair blond. They are trying to differentiate themselves from a big sea of brunettes and black haired ladies. There is fierce competition for mates in a world where women out number men. Women will do what ever it takes to gives themselves an edge.
Tuesday, May 13th 2008 at 1:18 pm
SAPPHIRE, u nailed it.
Wednesday, May 14th 2008 at 11:58 am
As an Arab man (you can’t tell by looking at me) I have always had an subconscious affinity for Arab women and the traits that are exhibited in Arab culture. I find myself only attracted to women who have dark hair and dark eyes BUT I (like the stereotype) am more attracted to fairer skinned ladies. I do not mind women with natural (no spray and glow) tans, but I can only go so dark… (Arab mothers to blame).
Growing up as a first generation westerner the culture of ones parents and grandparents really shapes how you view society and what you deem as acceptable. I am happy though with this. If given the choice now between an Arab girl and any other, I would go with Arab. Can I really be faulted?
As for blonde and blue eyes… No thank you.
Thursday, May 22nd 2008 at 7:15 pm
Lisa, you’re rude and you missed the point. Read this article
http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/98-2/issue1/colourbar.html
I already said what my point was and I don’t need to repeat myself. As for Arab not being a race, it’s still used in a racial context just like Caribbean is. Middle Eastern, Arab ethnicities, whatever, you know what I’m talking about. Stop the hair-splitting.
“Maybe it’s a kind of comfort to you to relate your experiences with wanting to be light skinned perhaps?”
LOL! Spare ME! What if I told you I AM light-skinned? Regardless don’t assume. These tangent remarks appear to be a means of evasion. If there are Arabs who are fine with their natural features and don’t care to lighten their eyes, skin hair etc than great. My point was Arab culture overall and the public media. Both Mona and Edmund have given evidence of the fixation of lightness with ‘mothers,’ celebrities etc. It’s just a discussion. Pull back your fangs.
Friday, June 20th 2008 at 4:47 pm
Hey Mona i really liked your article.
I want to write a list to all middle eastern girls there and ill give you some compliments for your beauty!
I love..
Your beautiful thick black hair of yours weather its curly (often) or straight its beautiful in any way! Wear it as it is its the most fitting for you!
Your big mystic bambi eyes (dosent matter what colour) that are filled with black long lashes. Luckily we dont always need to use mascara
Beautiful bonestructure in the face (thinking of Haifa before the operations i think she was more beautiful then)
Your curves like raqasas
(bellydancers)
The class, respect, honour, dignity and sense of style middle eastern ladys have.
The colour of your skin is beautiful no matter the colour!
Some known beauties:
Claudia Lynx a Persian beauty:
http://bloggbilder.aftonbladet.se/images/10724/img_45c64b59dcdd3.jpg
Haifa Wehbe a lebanese/egyptian beauty:
http://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2007/04/19/haifa%20before%20plastic%20surgery.jpg
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/images/2005/01/17/050117feature1awiPHOTO_001.jpg
Ramona Amiri an assyrian/persian beauty:
http://ramonaamiri.com/pix/ramona2007.JPG
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