Essay about Perfection, Plastic Surgery, and Self-loathing

In a society where media rules, appearance means everything. Images of supermodels and celebrities promoting the latest fashions and products constantly bombard consumers promising us that if they buy these products, they too will attain the same level of just glamor. We can’t help but envy the gorgeous women we see in magazines with their perfect smiles and airbrushed breasts and thighs especially when expectations of physical perfection have become so high that they are nearly unobtainable. Marge Piercy’s poem â€Å"Barbie Doll† describes how this standard of perfection affects young girls and can carry on throughout their lives causing irreparable damages. Even though this poem was written in 1973, its meaning is more prevalent today than†¦show more content†¦ASPS Member Surgeon Loren Schecter, MD says, â€Å"Not only do the women believe youthful looks help in the workplace†¦they’re acting on that belief† (qtd. in â€Å"Women†). In a survey compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), many women reveal cosmetic plastic surgery now appears important for success in the workplace. 13 percent of women say they would consider having cosmetic procedures done specifically to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market, while 3 percent say they have already done so (â€Å"Women†). Though many reasons exist as to why cosmetic surgeries appeal to people today, the main reason is for increasing self-esteem. Self-esteem relates strongly to happiness and when people are happy the effect often reaches to countless areas of their lives. The domino effect of boosting one’s self-esteem makes connecting with others and maintaining stable relationships for the long-term easier. While these procedures should not be used as a ‘quick fix’ solution for a crisis or problems that may require professional help, it presents an opportunity for improvement of life ove rall. John Canady, MD, president of ASPS states, â€Å"Consumers need to remember that while cosmetic procedures might help them within the job market, they’re still medical procedures† (qtd. in â€Å"Women†). Therefore, women must keep in mind the physical and psychological complications that stem from plastic surgery. When considering goingShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Narcissist Can Be Defined As An Individual Who Expresses Constant Or Erotic Gratification?1129 Words   |  5 Pages A narcissist can be defined as an individual who expresses constant or erotic gratification/interest in one’s self. In the entertainment industry, we call it confidence, however the extreme narcissist constantly cries out for attention, and often appears in scandals. Most creatives, in some way can be defined as narcissists, completely dedicated to their crafts, and obsessing over physical appearance, because we are simply judged and paid for it. 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