Dear Notre Dame,
You are Fine.
Farley introduced our new signature event, Be Fine, last Thursday. While many members of the Notre Dame community expressed excitement about the event, I am aware of both concerns and negative reactions across campus.
Be Fine was not a day to attack makeup or to put any type of importance on physical appearance. Be Fine was a day to promote healthy self-image and confidence. It was a celebration of all the unique characteristics that make each and every one of us Fine. Our definition of natural beauty is not simply a makeup-free face. Natural beauty encompasses so much more. It is the way we laugh or the way we care about others. It is sharing musical talents or feats of athleticism, or even the ability to remain calm and collected in stressful situations. Natural beauty is different for everyone, and we want to celebrate that and let our inner lights shine.
I LOVE make-up. I love trying new products and matching the color of my eyeliner to my outfit. I love showing my Irish spirit by wearing gold sparkles on game days. Ask any of my lovely roommates, and they will tell you my morning routine includes 15 minutes of make-up application (while simultaneously drinking my absolutely necessary coffee, of course).
Make-up had nothing to do with Be Fine. Refraining from make-up for a day was our way to invite others to bring recognition to the societal expectations placed on the appearance of females and the negative consequences of those expectations. Is there a reason interview etiquette advises women to “Choose a color that complements your skin tone and hair color?” (The ND Career & Job Search Guide, 2013-2014). Is the Photoshopping of images sending the wrong message to young girls? When is wearing makeup a choice versus something you feel required to do?
We wanted to express an appreciation for beauty beyond appearances. Not wearing make-up was a way in which we thought we could bring widespread recognition to the matter at hand. The fact that people are having conversations about Be Fine is exciting! Our goal was to raise awareness and encourage conversation, and that is what we have done.
If you do have suggestions for the growth of Be Fine or other ideas on how to address the issues we hoped to bring awareness to, please let us know. Farley is always looking for ways in which we can serve and love those around us.
Finest wishes,
Casey Skevington
President
Farley Hall
Dec. 7
