Remember when dying hair and having facials were considered to be the province of upper-class women? Many lower and middle class women could not afford regular pampering and did not see the need to try and look younger than their age. I used to wonder how come these upper-class women looked so good while lower and middleclass women with their grey hair and poorly made up faces did not look as good. Some assumed that it was because these women did not work as hard and were basically kept women with servants to cater to them and to look after their children that caused them to age so well.Today looking good is within most people’s reach. There are cheap cosmetics to make anyone look better and cheap do-it-yourself hair dyes that one can use with fabulous results. Not so long ago it was only the rich and the entertainment stars that underwent cosmetic surgeries that kept them in a sort of limbo – neither here nor there along the age spectrum. Today, thanks to advertisement and proliferation of affordable products and interventions, the ordinary person can also look like the stars. A little botox, fillers, teeth whitening along with fad diets and exercise and you’re on. These are all luxuries that women are guilted into purchasing in because of the power of media advertising.Middlebury College sociology professor, Laurie L. Essig, attests that makeover shows, magazines and advertising campaigns have persuaded people that flatter stomachs, endowed bosoms, smoother brows and whiter teeth will improve their careers or their romantic lives. It is so engrained in our psyches that people are willing to go into debt to augment their looks. Dr. L. Essig, who is currently working on a book “The Economics of Plastic Surgery”, will explore among other things the rise of finance companies ready and willing to offer credit to people to undergo plastic surgeries. Brochures advertising such services are strategically found in doctor’s offices.The argument some people make is since they go into debt for other material items why shouldn’t they go into debt for themselvesPeople in Latin America fare a lot better. It is government policy that people look their best. Plastic surgeries are offered in some of these countries as part of regular services. In that documentary, there was an old woman who walked the streets with bruised face as a proud symbol of her cosmetic improvement. When asked why she would have plastic surgery at her age, I remember the woman saying, that she wants to look good when she dies. That took the cake.
August 17, 2007...2:11 am
In pursuit of the Fountain of youth
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