Learning to Love Ourselves and Not the Knife: Why is Plastic Surgery Seen as the Panacea for Happiness?
by Some thoughts on the rising popularity of plastic-surgery and invasive procedures to remove the signs of aging. Why is aging wrong? Where do the insecurities come from? Why do we need to be perfect?
Image via Wikipedia
I cannot be alone in wondering how things have got to the point that women and girls (of all ages) are feeling that they can only be truly valued if they assault their natural-self with invasive procedures designed to ‘turn back the years’. Plastic surgery is a fine science, to be supported where it helps people suffering from injury or gross deformity. It should not be seen as a panacea for eternal youthfulness.
Why is there this sudden fascination and belief that these procedures will help secure happiness?
I suspect that the obvious answer is – because people can. Decades ago this was not possible and so the temptation did not exist.
Further, the invasion of what must be described as the ‘American idol-women’ onto the small and large screen, magazines and cat walks. I say American as you do not find the same following of ‘Barbie’ like characteristics in many other parts of the world.
So we are inundated with the image of how we should (if we want to be valued) look and at the same time there is the availability of all types of procedures to help this be achieved.
Why are some people not tempted?
I certainly not tempted to resort to ‘improving’ procedures and that is not because I am without flaw! So how is it that the fortunes spent portraying ‘desirable’ images into my everyday life make no difference to the way I see myself? I think that this is the bit that needs to be understood by all mothers of daughters.
The insecurities that lead people to believe that they would be better loved, liked or successful if they changed the way they look can often triggered from the slightest comment, look or dismissal of a child at a young age. Similarly a girl will pick up on her mother’s feelings of insecurity at a very early age and start to examine herself for her own failings.
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Post CommentRod Ferrandino
On April 4, 2009 at 9:19 am
good points; I suppose some of our insecurities could be written off as “nature of the beast”, but we have to be able to love ourselves as we really are, in order to love others as they really are.
Joe Dorish
On April 5, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Good article. Most plastic surgery just looks fake to me. I find it hard to look at someone like Joan Rivers.
chigozie
On April 5, 2009 at 1:55 pm
this is real health wise article can some get best heath care at http://www.wiserdoctor.blogspot.com, http://www.health-manager.blogspot.com
Hazel Crowther
On April 6, 2009 at 7:52 am
Well said!!
Duff D Moss
On April 6, 2009 at 9:25 am
Damn good points – also notice lately how some of the ‘older’ actresses look like complete plastic in the movies. You can see no expression on their faces due to all the botox – they may as well be computer generated. It is completely mental!
Kate Smedley
On April 6, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Excellent article, I agree with Bruce’s comments, it’s also putting so much pressure on younger people. I don’t think I’d even dare try it anyway, I’ll live with the lines! If someone is truly attractive it shines through from within.
Ruby Hawk
On April 6, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I agree with you. I hate to see these silly shows on TV aimed at young girls that are harmful to them and show only one standard of beauty. It sets up young women for plastic surgery, fad diets and all the rest of the hoopla. We should show the acomplishments of mature women and allow girls to see the proper things to strive for.
I saw Dolly Parton on TV last night and I could hardly recognise her. Her face did look like it was molded plastic.
chris73
On April 7, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Through your words i ve noticed that a great part of your stability is linked with your lovely husband who supports you everyday and makes you feel secure!What more someone can ask?
mizterman
On April 8, 2009 at 4:05 am
I just did a poem on make up or cover up. I’m like you Evelyn, searching for answers. I know that people want to live the life of youth for as long as they possibly can…It’s not going to happen. We have grown in to a nation of lazy folks, caught in a world of zombies, walking around in a daze. We want a world that is instance, you know, right NOW. I see it all the times, the women in the malls, the tight pants, the clinging top with all there cleavage showing, as if thats going to make me want you more. I like a real women, toss the make-up, if your gray, let it show and if you have wrinkles that is a plus. That just tells me that you have gone through some stuff. Oh and by the way, I think salt n pepper hair is sexy (but you didn’t hear that from me) Its a shame that the mothers are competing with there daughters. Lets face it, no one want to be themselves they feel they can’t get that job unless there younger. They can’t get that man unless they are wrinkle free. That is CRAZY.
Good job on this
Evelyn Moore
On April 8, 2009 at 7:16 am
You’re not wrong there Chris73 – he is a diamond
Peter Cimino
On April 10, 2009 at 9:17 am
Well done again Evelyn. I have to agree with you. I just don’t get it myself.