Do perceptions of beauty differ based on rates of racism, ethnicity, and ethnic generation?

The perception of beauty is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors, including societal norms and cultural backgrounds. While much research exists on beauty standards, the relationship between racist beliefs and beauty perceptions remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by examining how racist beliefs, ethnicity, and generational status influence perceptions of beauty. We surveyed 77 participants, asking them to rate facial images on a 9-point Likert scale and answer questions measuring racist beliefs and questions to obtain demographic information. Results indicated that, on average, participants held moderate racist beliefs, and beauty ratings were fairly high. Regression analyses showed that racist beliefs did not significantly predict beauty perceptions, accounting for less than 1% of the variance. However, differences in racist beliefs emerged between first- and second-generation individuals, as well as between South Asian and Caucasian participants. South Asian participants exhibited slightly higher levels of racist beliefs and rated their own ethnicity as more attractive. The findings suggest that generational differences and cultural backgrounds influence attitudes toward race and beauty. These results underscore the importance of understanding these factors in addressing racism and promoting inclusivity. The study's insights can inform policies and initiatives to promote diversity and combat racism in societal domains, including media representation, education, and community programs.