Deconstructing Beauty: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Why You Think You’re Ugly by Melissa Butler

Lestari, Kurnia and Sartika, Delita and Hustarna, Hustarna (2025) Deconstructing Beauty: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Why You Think You’re Ugly by Melissa Butler. Langue, 3 (2). pp. 113-120. ISSN 2988-5728

[img] Text
Hustarna_S5.pdf
Download (340kB)

Abstract

One of the most important areas of focus in English instruction, especially at higher levels, is the ability to interpret and assess the underlying meanings of written and spoken texts, particularly those that deal with social issues. To help students develop their critical thinking and discourse analysis skills, teachers can include real-world materials like TED Talks in English language instruction. Through a critical discourse lens, this study examines how Melissa Butler's TED Talk, Why You Think You're Ugly, questions prevailing beauty standards. The study focuses on the descriptive and explanatory elements of Fairclough's framework while analyzing the textual elements and social contexts of Butler's discourse. Data were collected from the video transcript and categorized using Hall's beauty framework to emphasize themes such as body size, face traits, skin tone, and hair texture. The findings showed that Butler used rhetorical strategies and personal storytelling to critique linear beauty norms, expose the emotional toll of conformity, and advocate for a more inclusive vision of beauty. Her discourse emerged as a counternarrative, resisting Eurocentric ideals and affirming cultural identity and self-acceptance. Ultimately, the study underscores the role of discourse in shaping social perceptions and supports the ongoing movement toward equity in beauty representation.

Type: Article
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PE English
Divisions: Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan > Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris
Depositing User: Hustarna
Date Deposited: 14 Jul 2025 04:06
Last Modified: 14 Jul 2025 04:06
URI: https://repository.unja.ac.id/id/eprint/83924

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item
Repository Unja is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.