Anyone know why certain features of a person are considered attractive?
My theory is that we're attracted to characteristics that would increase chances of survival (large buttocks lets humans run faster, large muscles on men suggests strength and fitness) and passing them on to our offspring. But it doesn't explain a few things, like why men like large breasts, women like a large penis (12'' is overkill when trying to impregnant someone I think), etc. And there are different things considered attractive to different cultures.
Anyone know or read anything that could enlighten me?
I have to say I agree somewhat with your theory on being attracted to qualities that increase chances of survival/bringing up healthy offspring. Its weird when you think of it that way though, its obviously subconscious. I'm pretty sure people don't consciously think about it when they go someplace: "Hmmm I wonder which female in this room would be able to make the best child?"
Saying that men like women with large breasts, and women like men with large penis's is quite the generalization. Breezing through the posts on the site you will notice that peoples' tastes differ greatly regarding what penis/breast size is most appealing. You will also find out that there is no answer that can explain why we like certain things (not dependent on survival/passing on genes), you just do. Even with respect to things not related to attraction, can you explain why you like your favourite colour? What does that wavelength of light have that is more appealing than the others? It just is, and it depends on the person.
As for certain qualities considered attractive in certain cultures. There is no definite answer, but I guess it's just like it is between different people, but more people like the same thing. But even then that is a generalization, not EVERYONE in a certain society/culture will share the same preferences on qualities that are considered attractive.
Basically, to each his/her own.
I think a lot of it is societal.
i don't know, i don't like guys with muscles, my definition of attractive is not even remotely near what anyone would consider "male"...
[QUOTE=Knight;186301]I have to say I agree somewhat with your theory on being attracted to qualities that increase chances of survival/bringing up healthy offspring. Its weird when you think of it that way though, its obviously subconscious. I'm pretty sure people don't consciously think about it when they go someplace: "Hmmm I wonder which female in this room would be able to make the best child?"
Saying that men like women with large breasts, and women like men with large penis's is quite the generalization. Breezing through the posts on the site you will notice that peoples' tastes differ greatly regarding what penis/breast size is most appealing. You will also find out that there is no answer that can explain why we like certain things (not dependent on survival/passing on genes), you just do. Even with respect to things not related to attraction, can you explain why you like your favourite colour? What does that wavelength of light have that is more appealing than the others? It just is, and it depends on the person.
As for certain qualities considered attractive in certain cultures. There is no definite answer, but I guess it's just like it is between different people, but more people like the same thing. But even then that is a generalization, not EVERYONE in a certain society/culture will share the same preferences on qualities that are considered attractive.
Basically, to each his/her own.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I agree it's subconscious. If it weren't, guys would be using a crude pick up line like "Hey baby, I think we'd make a fine litter of kids."
It is a generalization to say all men like large breasts and women large penises, but this society in general tends to lean toward those set of features. Skim through magazines and television.
What I'm primarily asking is "why?"
You're telling me, it's basically "it is what it is", but there's a reason for why one society in general would prefer a set of features while another would prefer another set.
Society influences everyone on what is correct and ideal but that influence had to originate from somewhere and for some reason is being upheld.
My favourite colour is probably related to my general mood. Used to be orange when I was a happy, idealistic kid, but now that's I'm an overanalyzing realist with a bit of an anger issue, it's dark red or dark blue.
I think you would be very hard pressed to find an answer to the "why". The answer being lost in time, if there ever truly was one. Kind of creepy when you think about it - we perpetuate preferences (regarding attraction) without knowing how or why it started in the first place.
But at least for the big penises/big breasts, in many places "bigger is better" is the prevalent theme for lots of things. seems natural for that to get associated with body parts as well.
I am sorry if what I have written doesn't help, I know your just trying to get a straight answer. Maybe there is someone else who has sociology expertise and can offer insight to your question.
hm I just like a harmonious body all round nothing unatural or attemps to change things you are who you are, i don't think i would go for any particular feature but the whole, and needless to say it is not just about physical appearance but the persons character
[QUOTE=Knight;186592]I think you would be very hard pressed to find an answer to the "why". The answer being lost in time, if there ever truly was one. Kind of creepy when you think about it - we perpetuate preferences (regarding attraction) without knowing how or why it started in the first place.
But at least for the big penises/big breasts, in many places "bigger is better" is the prevalent theme for lots of things. seems natural for that to get associated with body parts as well.
I am sorry if what I have written doesn't help, I know your just trying to get a straight answer. Maybe there is someone else who has sociology expertise and can offer insight to your question.[/QUOTE]
Nah man, I appreciate any insight anyone has to offer.
Sometimes it's best not to know. Understanding the basics behind things tends to destroys their novelty.
Desmond Morris writes on this topic - go look it up.
Basically it isn't survival - it is children.
Men want: large breasts and wide hips (hips, not buttocks) are for the children; and a slim waist - meaning she's not yet pregnant so you're in with a chance. They also want relative passivity which will keep her quietly at the cave looking after the kids rather than out in the wild developing agriculture so he doesn't have to worry while he and the boys are out hunting mastodons. So you have been 'programmed' to seek out the hips through which a child will enter this world with consummate ease, to enjoy the breasts that could feed a nation, and to look for slender waists and flat stomachs to indicate 'not pregnant'.
Women want: muscles to protect and defend them, a somewhat agressive nature so he will in fact protect and defend, the ability to provide - those mastodons remember -and yet they want him to be well-behaved when back at the cave and to play nice with the kids. An adult male of any species is a dangerous creature which must be controlled or segregated. This is why women are programmed for nuance and subtlety - if he's bigger, faster, stronger, and more aggressive - you're going to have to be able to out-think and seduce him.
It is not about YOUR survival - it is about your children's survival and your children's children's survival.
Many thanks Evil. Very enlightening.
Parts of us survive through our children through sexual reproduction and if the kids survive, so do those parts.
What are your views on feminism and the modern definitions of it?
after all the biological end of all animals us included is to reproduce and continue the species we are no exception but try to have fun at the same time and sometimes ignore our primordial instincts
I think that probably initially, back in caveman days, we were attracted to others based on survival instincts. The strongest man is the best hunter, or something like that. But, as society has developed over the last few hundred years, people have changed and adapted. There are so many cultures and sub-cultures among us that people as a whole don't generally share the same ideas anymore, sex and attractive qualities included. So like Knight said "to each his/her own".
Yeah. Right. And a rich man "good hunter" cannot get laid nowadays. And men do not drool over the latest Hollywood babe.
Feminism is another topic for another thread.
Since I am a dominatrix, you do not need to ask. You already know.