Last semester, in my intro to argumentative writing class, I was assigned a paper about any social justice topic relevant in today's society. While racking my brain for what in the world I was going to write about, I thought of how crappy I'd felt about myself as of lately. I took a step back and thought, why do I feel so bad about myself? Why do I constantly feel the need to pick myself apart when I look in the mirror?

The answer to this overwhelming question is society and media. From the time we are innocent little toddlers, running around in tutus, society tells us we will never be perfect unless we follow impossible rules and standards.

Like many other girls, most of my mornings are spent in sheer panic. Not because I'm running late, but because what I see in the mirror does not match what I want to see in the mirror. Despite the compliments I receive from my mom and sister, I can't see past the filter that is constantly covering my eyes.

Acne is gross, stretch marks should be hidden, having curves makes you fat, blondes have more fun, and bronzed is better.

Why do we, as a society have these skewed views of beauty?

Biologically, we are all made of the same materials. Blood, bones, muscles, tissue and much more. So, why is it that whats on the outside means so much and what lays underneath goes unnoticed?

Every young girl, and boy, should be allowed the courtesy of growing up without this filter that consumes so many.

As a society, we need to start teaching our children, neighbors, family members, and friends how to be confident. Not that they are perfect, because no one will ever be perfect, but they are beautiful and worth it.