Twenty years later, Christina Aguilera‘s song “Beautiful” may impact a new generation.
The singer released a new video version of the 2002 song on Wednesday after a body-shaming comment by Britney Spears.
The “Toxic” singer had posted a caption that said, “If I had Christina Aguilera’s dancers I would have looked extremely small.”
Instead of letting words bring her down, Aguilera unfollowed the pop star.
The new video shows children consuming social media and the effects on their mental health and self-worth.
This version debuted around the 20th anniversary of her album “Stripped” and World Mental Health Day.
As a mother of two sons, Aguilera wants children to “Tune out and turn in. Take your space, log off, put your mind, body, and soul first.”
Both music videos promote the same message of self-acceptance.
The original version shows people battling eating disorders, body dysmorphia, racism and homophobia.
The new version tells the stories of children from different walks of life, who are feeling the pressure of social media standards, from body image issues, substance abuse and relying on makeup to feel beautiful.
A room of young girls waiting for their chance to get operations on facial features they believe need to be fixed. Christina AguileraOne scene shows a room of young girls preparing for plastic surgery, with incision lines on their faces.
Like the 2002 video, everyone overcomes the dark thoughts and pain they were suffering.
Children begin to wipe off their makeup, put away their phones and go outside.
Aguilera shares a list of mental health resources on her YouTube channel to bring more awareness. Christina AguileraThe “Beautiful” singer ends the video with a message saying: “In the last 20 years, since ‘Stripped’ was first released, social media has transformed our relationship with our bodies and, in turn, our mental health. Research suggests that time spent on social networking sites is associated with body image issues, self-harm, and disordered eating in children and teens. This needs to change.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
