Watch People React to Being Called Beautiful

January 15, 2016 / Shea Glover

How would you react if someone said you’re beautiful?

This video by high school senior Shea Glover has been gaining a lot of attention – and for good reason. Shea decided to tell students and faculty at her Chicago performing arts school that they’re beautiful. It seems simple, but the results are incredibly moving.

You might have a hard time feeling beautiful, since society has such a narrow image of what “beauty” means – in terms of size, race, gender expression, and more. And we’re working toward building a world where we’re celebrated for more than physical appearance.

But this video reminds us that we can define beauty outside of society’s limited standards – and having your beauty recognized can have a meaningful impact. This started out as an independent project, not just a social experiment, and Shea says, “I want to clarify that my intentions were not to get a reaction out of people. I was simply filming beauty and this is the result.”

Shea has captured a range of genuine responses. Everything from appreciation (“That is so nice”) to disbelief (“You’re being goofy”). Watch these heartwarming examples of what happens when we get the chance to feel good about ourselves.

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Text: I conducted a social experiment at my high school. I asked students and teachers to allow me to take their picture for a project. Some of them I knew. Most of them I did not. As I recored [sic] them, I told them the purpose of my project. I’m taking pictures of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 1: Basically, I’m making an integrated arts video and I’m just taking pictures of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 2: Aw, that’s sweet. Now you’re making me blush. Now I’m going to look cheesy.

Speaker 1: -things that I find beautiful.

Speaker 3: Oh. Thank you.

Speaker 1: Of course! So I just need you to stand there and exist.

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things that I find beautiful. And I think you’re a beautiful person.

Speaker 4: Thank you, Shea.

Speaker 1: Of course.

Speaker 4: This is so awkward.

Speaker 1: It’s not.

Speaker 4: Ok.

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things that I find beautiful. You’ve got a great look. You’re beautiful!

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 5: Oh wait. Hold up.

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things that I find beautiful.. And so, yeah. I think you’ve got a really good look.

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things I find beautiful. And I think you’ve got a good look.

Speaker 6: Oh, thank you.

Speaker 1: No. No problem. What’s your name?

Speaker 6: Ryan. R-y-u-n.

Speaker 1: Oh. Awesome! -things I find beautiful.

Speaker 7: Oh. Of what?

Speaker 1: Of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 7: I’ll cut you in the face.

Speaker 1: What?

Speaker 7: You’re saying you find me beautiful?

Speaker 1: Yes. Of course.

Speaker 7: You better watch your ass.

Speaker 1: You’re a beautiful being and you know it.

Speaker 7: Shut up!

Speaker 1: You’re a beautiful being and you know it, Lily.

Speaker 7: Are you done then? Do you have what you need?

Speaker 1: Why are you being like this?

Speaker 7: Because clearly you’re being goofy.

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things that I find beautiful.

Speaker 8: Aww, cutieee!

Speaker 1: I’m taking pictures of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 9: Oh! Are you serious?

Speaker 1: Yeah. Just continue to look at me.

Speaker 9: Just…just do anything?

Speaker 1: Yeah. Anything you want.

Speaker 9: I don’t… What the fuck am I doing, though?

Speaker 1: Just look at me.

Speaker 9: I kind of don’t believe you at this point.

Speaker 1: -beautiful.

Speaker 10: I feel very flattered.

Speaker 1: Things I find beautiful.

Speaker 11: On what?

Speaker 1: Things I find beautiful.

Speaker 11: Oh, ok.

Speaker 1: -things I find beautiful.

Speaker 12: Aww, thank you. I feel flattered.

Speaker 1: Of course.

Speaker 12: I wore makeup and everything today.

Speaker 1: -I find beautiful.

Speaker 13: Awww! Sheaaa! Oh my god!

Speaker 1: -things I find beautiful.

(various surprised faces, some smiling)

Speaker 14: I’m sorry. I…

Speaker 1: No, it’s completely fine.

Speaker 14: I’m so bad at pictures.

Speaker 1: You’re not bad.

(smiling faces, laughter)

Text: There is so much beauty in the world. If you blink, you’ll miss it.

Speaker 1: And I’m taking pictures of things I find beautiful.

Speaker 15: That is so nice!

Speaker 1: Well, it’s the truth.

Speaker 15: This has been such a great day.

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Shea Glover is an 18-year-old actress, writer, side poet, side comedian, and filmmaker originally from Chicago and currently living in New York attending Pace University. Check out her YouTube channel to see more of her work.