On beauty and health
Ricardo Bortolon
Now more than ever, the use of plastic surgery, Botox, and other cosmetic methods of changing one's image are a topic of controversy.
I do not think the body image presented by media is unhealthy. The problem is that the media encourages an unhealthy means to reach that image.
I think Dove commercials and their "Campaign for Real Beauty" is a step in the right direction. (Ignore that Dove may be pushing against conventional beauty products to help garner attention.) The commercials have women who are happy with their bodies. These women follow healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, and balanced diets (with some desserts) and have some . . . imperfections, let's say.
None of them are unattractive by most standards. Surely I can think of other women more attractive, but I do not find women who go by unhealthy means to achieve that startling visage to be attractive.
That is what most needs to be removed from the media and our lifestyle: the view that unnecessary and unhealthy plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures should be applauded. Unnecessary, as in there are other ways to achieve identical results with additional benefits. Unhealthy, as in the health risks do not logically justify the procedures.
But, keep in mind, Botox and plastic surgery are not the enemy. They were not created for this use. Botox was meant as a therapeutic drug, dealing with a number of unusual disorders and aiding stroke victims. (Ironically, Botox is one of the most toxic chemicals ever found: less than 200 grams could kill every person on earth, assuming malicious intent.)
Plastic surgery was also originally wholesome: it does help many burn and scar victims get closure from traumatic experiences and merge into daily life more easily. Its modern roots lie in England after WWI, rehabilitating disfigured soldiers.
In any case, the problem is that beauty is separate from health now, and people try to be beautiful while ignoring their health. Once, health led to beauty. Nowadays that sounds like it should be preceded by "once upon a time" or "in a galaxy far, far away."
I will not support taking shortcuts, nor advocate meretricious good looks. With insincere beauty, the result is most certainly not the same as a healthy alternative - if you look past the exterior. If you don't and won't, then I don't know why you read all this.