The article by Asunción Bernárdez Rodal examines the changing landscape of Carnival costumes among young people in Spain, highlighting a growing trend where the focus is on humor and parody rather than conventional attractiveness. This shift is evident in the popularity of costumes such as those resembling Pitbull or Torrente, as opposed to the more traditional sexy bunny outfits. Social media plays a significant role in this phenomenon, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and challenge established beauty norms.

Rodal, a gender studies professor at UCM, argues that this trend reflects broader societal changes where young people are increasingly comfortable with their bodies and are willing to embrace non-conventional identities during festive occasions. The use of props like fake bellies and latex bald caps serves as a form of self-expression that critiques the standards of beauty that have dominated previous generations. This phenomenon also opens the door for discussions about body positivity and acceptance in a society that is constantly bombarded with idealized images.

The implications of this trend suggest a potential shift in how beauty and attractiveness are perceived within youth culture. By prioritizing fun and humor, young people are forging their own identities and re-defining what it means to be beautiful in contemporary society. This could lead to a more inclusive environment where diverse representations of beauty are celebrated, and the pressure to conform to traditional ideals is diminished, particularly during cultural celebrations such as Carnival.