Why We Need to Stop Turning Women into “Trends”

It’s 2024, yet here we are, still dissecting women’s appearances as if they’re templates for the next big trend. Recently, Lindsay Lohan and Donatella Versace have become the latest targets of this harmful cultural obsession. What’s being passed off as “aesthetic appreciation” is, in reality, a shallow and damaging analysis of their looks—and it’s time we call it out.

The Problem with Turning People into Aesthetics

On the surface, it might seem harmless to comment on someone’s “vibe” or use them as inspiration for personal style. But when we analyze people’s appearances to the point of turning them into trends, we dehumanize them.

Lindsay Lohan, a talented actress, and Donatella Versace, a legendary designer, are being reduced to their looks rather than celebrated for their accomplishments. Instead of acknowledging their contributions to film, fashion, or culture, we’re treating them as mere visual blueprints for what’s “in.”

This isn’t appreciation—it’s objectification. And it’s unprofessional.

The Impact on Young People

These conversations don’t exist in a vacuum. When we scrutinize public figures, it sends a clear message to everyone watching: your value is determined by how you look.

Young people are especially vulnerable to this narrative. Social media already creates constant pressure to compare ourselves to others, and this kind of hyper-analysis only makes it worse. Studies show that rising rates of body dysmorphia—a mental health condition where people become obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance—are directly linked to the toxic beauty standards perpetuated online.

Young women, in particular, grow up learning to critique themselves the way society critiques others. Meanwhile, young men are increasingly falling prey to the same pressures. The result? A culture where no one feels good enough.

Why This Needs to Stop

Both Lindsay Lohan and Donatella Versace are more than their appearances. Lindsay is an artist who has navigated an incredibly public career with grace. Donatella is a visionary who has transformed the fashion industry. Reducing them to “trends” erases their individuality and disrespects their humanity.

But the damage doesn’t stop with them. These conversations hurt all of us. They shift the focus away from what really matters—creativity, individuality, and authenticity—and replace it with shallow critiques and unattainable ideals.

What We Can Do Instead

So how do we change the conversation?

1. Celebrate Accomplishments, Not Looks: When we talk about public figures, let’s focus on their work, ideas, and impact—not their appearance.

2. Redefine Aesthetics: Aesthetics should be about self-expression and creativity, not fitting into someone else’s standard.

3. Model Self-Acceptance: Let’s embrace our own individuality and reject the need to compare ourselves—or others—to unrealistic trends.

4. Call It Out: When we see harmful commentary, we have the power to challenge it. Speak up and remind others that people are more than their looks.

Final Thoughts

Lindsay Lohan and Donatella Versace don’t deserve to be turned into viral talking points, and neither does anyone else. By shifting our focus from critique to celebration, we can create a culture where individuality thrives and toxic beauty standards lose their grip.

Let’s stop dissecting people and start empowering them. After all, the most beautiful thing we can be is ourselves.