Cinderella & The Inn of Sixth Happiness

In the classic German Grimm's tale of Cinderella, she is neglected by her father &  treated as a  drudge by her step-sisters. When there is a ball at the palace, she is left at home but a kind fairy makes it possible for her to attend the ball suitably attired. But she has to return at midnight & she leaves in a hurry. The crucial point is her small feet, which could fit into the tiny golden shoes specially created for her. To locate her, the prince craftily makes her lose one shoe, which he uses to identify her. Her two step-sisters even cut off their big toe & heel respectively to fit the shoe, but are discovered. 

In the film "The Inn of Sixth Happiness", the character played by Ingrid Berman wants to go as a missionary to China but lacks the needed qualification. But anyhow she goes on her own & after many travails, secures the post of "Foot Inspector." At that time in China, the hallmark of beauty in women was small feet. So girls' feet were bound from infancy to prevent their normal growth. Though the government prohibited this unhealthy practice & appointed "Foot Inspectors" to enforce it, they, being men, were chased out if they tried to inspect. So Ingrid got the job & because of her friendly nature became popular.

So, whether in German folk tales or Chinese society, the hallmark of beauty was the same! In modern times also, in the name of fashion, high heeled shoes are voluntarily worn by women, even though they are uncomfortable.  Many women feel that misogynistic men may  have created this fashion!