Caroline Zielinski
archillesPlastic Surgery
March 31st 2008 08:48
It seems that plastic surgery has become a phenomenon in today's society.
Seriously, all you hear on television these days is this star has gotten botox, or this one has had her breasts enlarged. How many times have I read a story about a celebrity having something artificially altered, added or decreased? However, as often as we hear about Hollywood stars and their body modifications, it is the fact that this trend is rising in regular people that has me a little worried. Once, plastic surgery was unthinkable, a procedure associated only with the wealthy and prominant; now, instead of buying a house or a car, one can save for some form of plastic surgery instead!
One example which springs to mind is 21 year old Krystal Forscutt from Big Brother (2005? Can't exactly remember). I was looking at news today on Ninemsn, and out she pops, her 'sad' and 'shocked' face corresponding to the article claiming she cannot believe that she has become a role- model for young, teenage girls and their fantasies of obtaining enormous boobs. Really, Krystal, what did you think when you mentioned your breast augmentation every episode of Big Brother, which airs during prime time TV? Also starring in countless men's magazines in skimpy lingerie and bathing suits, all highlighting her ample and very unnatural cleavage.
She was but 19 when she made the 'mature' decision to get her breasts enhanced alongside her mother, who thought that Krystal was adult enough to understand the consequences of cosmetic surgery. Well, the fact that she's feeling guilty now kind of seems like she really didn't consider her actions, especially after going on public television and making it seem like a normal and natural choice for any adolescent girl to be making.
Really, what IS it about plastic surgery that has everyone going crazy? It isn't only the Western culture which is trying so hard to create living Barbie dolls out of women. Asian women are paying for eyelid surgery to open their eyes and make them seem more 'Western'. It seems that the LA culture is reaching to all ends of the Earth, instilling concepts of untainable body image into a lot of young and older women's minds.
I even know a few people who have gone under the knife. One, a young, good looking guy admitted to getting a procedure similar to lypo suction to help him lose his fat, while a middle aged man's mid life crisis included a face lift. Similarily, an attractive, 42 year old woman had booked an appointment to ger rid of her non-existant tummy fat, while a 22 year old girl NEEDED a nose job. Mind boggling. I have even met men who not only approve, but encourage their spouses to get at least a breast lift once they reach their late 20s to early 30s!
And the worse thing is? As opposed as I am to changing the body in theory, I don't know if I'll be able to withstand this pressure put on women forever. Sometimes I find myself thinking that in the future, I wouldn't mind having botox injections or a tummy tuck, or even a slight boob job. But I snap out of it, hoping that I'll wise up and not care so much about my appearance, because I do realise that it is not only a ridiculous way to spend thousands of dollars,but also actively enagaging and supporting this image created for women, which does not seem to be letting up.
Seriously, all you hear on television these days is this star has gotten botox, or this one has had her breasts enlarged. How many times have I read a story about a celebrity having something artificially altered, added or decreased? However, as often as we hear about Hollywood stars and their body modifications, it is the fact that this trend is rising in regular people that has me a little worried. Once, plastic surgery was unthinkable, a procedure associated only with the wealthy and prominant; now, instead of buying a house or a car, one can save for some form of plastic surgery instead!
One example which springs to mind is 21 year old Krystal Forscutt from Big Brother (2005? Can't exactly remember). I was looking at news today on Ninemsn, and out she pops, her 'sad' and 'shocked' face corresponding to the article claiming she cannot believe that she has become a role- model for young, teenage girls and their fantasies of obtaining enormous boobs. Really, Krystal, what did you think when you mentioned your breast augmentation every episode of Big Brother, which airs during prime time TV? Also starring in countless men's magazines in skimpy lingerie and bathing suits, all highlighting her ample and very unnatural cleavage.
She was but 19 when she made the 'mature' decision to get her breasts enhanced alongside her mother, who thought that Krystal was adult enough to understand the consequences of cosmetic surgery. Well, the fact that she's feeling guilty now kind of seems like she really didn't consider her actions, especially after going on public television and making it seem like a normal and natural choice for any adolescent girl to be making.
Really, what IS it about plastic surgery that has everyone going crazy? It isn't only the Western culture which is trying so hard to create living Barbie dolls out of women. Asian women are paying for eyelid surgery to open their eyes and make them seem more 'Western'. It seems that the LA culture is reaching to all ends of the Earth, instilling concepts of untainable body image into a lot of young and older women's minds.
I even know a few people who have gone under the knife. One, a young, good looking guy admitted to getting a procedure similar to lypo suction to help him lose his fat, while a middle aged man's mid life crisis included a face lift. Similarily, an attractive, 42 year old woman had booked an appointment to ger rid of her non-existant tummy fat, while a 22 year old girl NEEDED a nose job. Mind boggling. I have even met men who not only approve, but encourage their spouses to get at least a breast lift once they reach their late 20s to early 30s!
And the worse thing is? As opposed as I am to changing the body in theory, I don't know if I'll be able to withstand this pressure put on women forever. Sometimes I find myself thinking that in the future, I wouldn't mind having botox injections or a tummy tuck, or even a slight boob job. But I snap out of it, hoping that I'll wise up and not care so much about my appearance, because I do realise that it is not only a ridiculous way to spend thousands of dollars,but also actively enagaging and supporting this image created for women, which does not seem to be letting up.
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