In an opinion piece for the Daily Bruin, Nadine Ismail reflected on the shifts in diet culture and societal norms between her childhood in the Middle East and the city of Los Angeles. While comments on weight and the suggestion of plastic surgery were common in Jordan, she was met with a “more pervasive form of body scrutiny” in LA.
Nadine shared how even the lyrics from Katy Perry’s “California Girls” were setting unconscious expectations as she prepared to move to LA for college. She said that her friends would tease her about having to keep up with the “stick-thin, blonde athletes.”
“While we laughed about these ideals,” Nadine wrote, “living in LA turned out to be more complicated than I expected. Moving here has undoubtedly changed my relationship with food in ways I didn’t anticipate.”
“This shift left me wondering why,” she continued. “What is it about the Middle East and LA—their diet cultures and societal norms—that feels so different?”
A Distinction Between Cultural and Societal Pressure
In the remainder of her piece, Nadine explains what feels so different about the two standards as a distinction between Jordan’s cultural scrutiny and the hard, defining pressures of LA society.
Jordan’s Cultural Scrutiny
While no one is afraid to comment on appearance in Jordan, Nadine shared that her AP Calculus teacher once suggested that she get lip filler, which is tied to culture and community. It’s part of the norm to bluntly discuss weight and appearance, but comments were easily dismissed as they came and went.
“Yes, beauty standards existed,” Nadine explained, “but they coexisted with values of family, hospitality and tradition.”
LA’s Defining Pressures
In LA, Nadine was met with billboards featuring models, Ozempic ads, and celebrities who pressured those around them to conform. As opposed to a passing comment, the societal pressures of LA are all-encompassing, intentionally narrowing the definition of what it means to care for oneself. Even when comments were made, they were subtle.
“Small remarks in casual conversations would stick with me,” Nadine said. “‘Oh my god, I was so bad today. I ate a burger with the actual bun and fries on the side,’ or, ‘You think that’s healthy? It has peanut butter on it.’”
“I could never enjoy bread or eat peanut butter without hesitation again,” she shared.
Societal Norms as Potential Hindrances
LA caused Nadine to “unlearn” her previous feelings about food, from something social and abundant to something hesitant and invasive. Food started creating questions about whether she was eating right, exercising enough, or looking good enough. There was something positive about the wellness culture of LA, but it was hindered by the persistent pressure of society.
“I’ve come to understand that both cultures have their flaws,” Nadine concluded. “Jordanian remarks about appearance are uninvited and unwelcome, yet their transparency makes them less corrupting. Meanwhile, LA’s wellness culture, despite its emphasis on body positivity, often feels tied to beauty standards that equate physical perfection with self-worth.”
Finding Self-Worth in Any Culture
Nadine’s example shows that, no matter the culture, its standards should not be a definition of one’s self-worth. They may inform identity, but the individual should always pursue the lifestyle that is best for their personal health and well-being.
