From the position of one in a society
dominated by unattainable and unrealistic images of beauty, I find it
fascinating to contrast these “ideals” with beauty rituals from other
countries. Though they are believed to improve one’s appearance, from an
outside perspective they might have the exact opposite effect—even seeming
inhumane to some. Such is the case with the Padaung tribal women of Thailand:
beginning at the age of five and ending when she is twenty, a Padaung girl will
have her necks systematically lengthened through the use of brass coils.
Seeking refuge from the fighting in Myanmar (formally Burma),
these women entered Thailand during the late-1980s and early 1990s, and now
live in the border region with relative legal uncertainty. Since their
emigration, the Padaung women’s unique appearance has generated substantial
revenue for the Thai government: women comply with myriad tourists and
journalists eager for footage of this “beautiful” phenomenon—for a price.
There are several reported origins for this rite; one cites
generations-old Thai folklore. Similar to the Western adage that a child born
on a Wednesday is “full of woe,” the Burmese believed that a “Wednesday child”
would have its neck broken by a tiger—hence, coils were worn by the child like
a coat of armor. Not surprisingly, the tactic was successful, and gradually
this tradition became embedded in Thai culture. Today, 32 Padaung “giraffe
women” don the coils, which compress the clavicle and ribcage while moving the
chin upwards.
This might sound painful or barbaric, but the Padaung wear their
coils with composure. Photographs of these women depict facial expressions of
wisdom and calm. After all, the practice of altering one’s physical
proportions, or of body modification, is not at all distinct to this culture.
From plastic surgery to tattoos, the artifice of appearance in the West is even
more rampant, and, perhaps, more superficial. They are methods of asserting
one’s individuality, while, fascinatingly, the neck rings of the Padaung
symbolize “cultural identity”—the women are beautiful through their
representation of this concept.
Beauty is valued just as highly in Western
culture—how many American women and men have undergone surgical procedures
which have no benefit, other than appearance enhancement? Would these
(potentially dangerous) implants and injections of silicone/various toxins seem
strange or barbaric to a Padaung woman—or are the great lengths we go to attain
“beauty” simply an emerging aspect of our
cultural identity?
Speak out - tell me what you think below.
Next film: "Silk Road Oasis" on Monday, July 6th. Three inspiring films a week - click on follow at the upper right to stay informed!
