In today’s society, men look for perfection in a woman. Men’s incessant need for a “flawless” woman make women feel obligated to mold themselves to fit these unrealistic expectations. Most women lack the confidence to break the cycle and eliminate the beauty stereotype. In “Bitch Planet”, Penelope Rolle is continuously punished by society for not conforming to the beauty standards.  In one specific scene, Rolle is asked to picture herself as the woman she wished she was. Despite the harsh criticism she receives for the way she looks, Penelope does not visualize herself as anyone else but the person she already was.  Penelope Rolle’s triumph over disapproval proves that a woman’s self-image should not be controlled by a man’s unrealistic beauty standards. 

Penelope is strapped to a chair and forced to picture her “ideal” self. Being strapped to a chair unable to move reinforces the idea that today’s beauty standards are rigid and have control over a woman’s self-image.   The walls of the room are made of screens were men stare at Penelope as she struggles to visualize herself. The men are mainly white with well-groomed hair. They symbolize the “ideal” male image which contrasts with Penelope’s “rough” appearance. The men’s judgmental stare clearly illustrates the idea that men are constantly judging women for not being flawless. Penelope’s reflection on the mirror is supposed to show her ideal self, but, to the men’s amazement, her reflection didn’t change anything about her. The men and the guards both express disgust when they realize that Penelope is already comfortable with the way she looks even if it doesn’t fit their beauty’s standards.

The written text in this scene reveals men’s opinion on women who do not conform to society’s beauty standards. The men become very confused as they see that in Penelope’s mind she already looks like her “ideal” self. The revelation makes them think of her as a waste of time. They are so incapable of facing the truth about Penelope’s vision, they assume that the machine is broken instead of admitting the fact that Penelope is comfortable with the way she looks. Penelope laughs as she sees the men’s response to her vision. She knows that even though she does not have perfect hair, light skin, and a toned body she is still beautiful.

In this scene, color is being used to express the different beauty ideas. Penelope is forced to wear an orange jumpsuit. Ironically, the color orange is associated with creativity and self-confidence. The men are all dressed in black, including the guards. The color black represent power, control, and intimation. Black perfectly describes the men’s attitude towards Penelope’s rebellion against beauty standards.  

In the eyes of a woman, this image sends a powerful message. Penelope exemplifies qualities that every woman wishes they had. This image is directed to the women all around the world who feel the same pressure Penelope did to conform to men’s beauty standards. She is brave enough to break the cycle and rebel against the beauty norms that trap and haunt her. Amongst so many men who criticize her, she still finds the confidence to push back and defend her vision of her “ideal” self.   Penelope has achieved the ultimate goal of every woman: to feel beautiful just the way they are. 

 

Women all around the world struggle to find a balance between beauty and comfort.  In today's society, men look for perfection in a woman. Because of this, many women feel obligated to live up to these unrealistic expectations. In "Bitch Planet", we see a perfect example of the damage that stereotypes and false standards have on a woman's self-esteem. Penelope Rolle is criticized by men for her appearance and behavior. Her vision of her “ideal” self contrasts heavily with society’s. The men around her tried to change her and erase some of her flaws. Despite their harsh comments and criticism, she never once doubted her true beauty.  
