Wulan Guritno and the 'Gradakan' Face, When Beauty Standards are Highlighted by the Public

Kapanlagi.com - Senior artist Wulan Guritno has recently come under public scrutiny after her face was labeled as 'gradakan' by several netizens. The term emerged after her appearance in the film NORMA, which showcased the texture of her facial skin.

Negative comments also surfaced on social media, highlighting the actress's skin condition, which is considered inconsistent with the perfect image often associated with celebrities.

Read more news about Wulan Guritno at Liputan6.com.

1. Ordinary Human

In response to this, Wulan chose to speak up. She emphasized that she is just an ordinary human who is not free from imperfections.

"We are also human. Our skin can have acne, can have texture, and that is normal," she said in an interview quoted from Okezone.

She also added that it is not the artist's duty to always look perfect, but rather to be authentic and honest with oneself.

2. Dinar Candy to Melaney Ricardo

The phenomenon of artists' faces being highlighted for not being perfect is actually not a new thing in the entertainment world. Before Wulan, there were already several public figures who experienced similar situations. Dinar Candy, for example, became a topic of conversation after her photo showing imperfect skin circulated.

In addition, there is also Melaney Ricardo. She was not spared from the 'journalist's camera' with pockmarked skin here and there. Interestingly, Melaney immediately responded to netizens' comments about her face.

"I want to let you guys know that if you have pockmarks, it is not a shame," she revealed in 2023.

"Not all artists are born with healthy, glowing skin and all that," she added. Melaney also shared various facial treatments she had undergone, but all of them did not yield instant results.

3. Marshanda Cannot Escape Criticism

In addition to Melaney, in 2023 there was also Marshanda who was heavily criticized for her uneven and dull face. Netizens even asked her to undergo facial treatments.

Marshanda did not remain silent. "Oh my God, are you guys that cruel, netizens? I swear I can't believe it," she said.

"I was just trying to greet you nicely, wanted to do a QnA, and then what gets focused on is my dull and uneven skin," Caca continued. "I mean, I understand my profession is an artist, but does it really have to be perfect to the point that even uneven skin has to be discussed?" she added.

At the end of the video, Marshanda reminded netizens, especially the haters, about mental health. "You know that bullying can damage someone's mental health, right? I just can't believe it," said the mother of one.

4. Beauty Standards

The case involving Wulan Guritno and several other female celebrities actually reopens the long-standing discussion about the construction of beauty standards in Indonesia.

For a long time, Indonesian women have often been faced with a narrow ideal image, namely that skin must be white, faces must be smooth without blemishes, noses must be sharp, bodies must be slim, and hair must be straight and shiny.

This standard is reinforced by the media, advertisements, and the entertainment industry, which continuously promote this image as the main benchmark of beauty. In an interview with Suara.com, Wulan admitted that she once felt pressured by public judgment regarding her appearance.

"I once hated the mirror because of my acne and its scars. But eventually, I realized that this is part of my journey," she expressed. She also encourages the public to appreciate the diversity of facial shapes and skin conditions, as everyone has a different journey.

5. Appearing Without Make Up

Interestingly, more and more celebrities are now daring to challenge beauty standards by appearing without filters and makeup. Wulan herself was part of the Insecurity Uncovered campaign, where she shared her story about her struggle with hormonal acne for over two decades. She believes that self-acceptance is far more important than trying to meet the expectations of others.

A similar approach was taken by Yura Yunita. She bravely removed her makeup while performing her song Tutur Batin at the Lazada Women's Fest event in Jiexpo Central Jakarta in 2023.

Yura explained to the audience that she wanted to show her scars, her textured face, and the acne that represent her insecurities in life. Yura wanted to invite the audience to feel comfortable and accept themselves fully. Yura's words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

6. Broader Discussion

In the end, the criticism of Wulan Guritno's gradual face actually sparks a broader discussion about the reality of the human body and face. Amidst the onslaught of filter technology and uniform beauty trends, the efforts of artists to appear as they are become important as a balance.

Wulan, along with several other artists, is trying to change the narrative that beauty does not have to mean flawlessness. Beauty, according to them, should reflect honesty, health, and self-confidence.

(kpl/tdr)