I Choose My Choice! Cosmetic Surgery and Roe v. Wade
By Christine Cupaiuolo — January 27, 2009
OBOB readers may have heard about nonsociety.com, a site developed by internet celebrity Julia Allison and friends (if you haven’t, you’re doing just fine — really). I normally wouldn’t point to it, but Mary Rambin’s post — titled “My Body, My Botox” — deserves mention, if only to note that this is what passes for reasoning when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Fortunately, Amelia at The Frisky pretty much has the outrage covered.
On the subject of acceptance, Mary, who admits to starting Botox at age 23 for forehead wrinkles (she is 26 now), writes that while breast implants once had a stigma, today “women are proud to not only admit to this procedure, but some women will also rave about their doctors and ask you if you would like to feel his/her handiwork. Furthermore, as the NY Times pointed out the other day, boobs are now a standard high school graduation gift (and in my experience they have been for years now). Breast implants are now socially acceptable. ”
And to what do we owe thanks for this advancement? Here, with all its glorious typos, is the answer:
I site Roe v. Wade because it serves as a marker of people accepting (maybe not respecting) a woman’s right to choose. Although abortion is still an issue at the forefront, it’s notable the Supreme Court recognized women should be able to do what they feel is right for themselves.
Cosmetic procedures should be viewed in the same light. Not to mention the procedures are in no way effecting another human being, so the severity of the issue is considerably less. But as with breast implants, time will have to pass before others view cosmetic procedures as acceptable. I won’t say “the norm” because I do think artificial enhancement should carry with it serious consideration before you undergo any sort of procedure. Other things like manicures and pedicures, dental work, highlighting your hair, are all “procedures” that are completely unnatural but we consider normal.
And may God bless the United States of America!
(Commence head-banging.)
I’m reminded of this Onion piece which sort of nicely hits on the idea that something isn’t necessarily “feminist” just because a woman chooses it – Women Now Empowered By Everything A Woman Does – http://www.theonion.com/content/news/women_now_empowered_by_everything
Wow, and for my high school graduation, I only got a watch and dinner with the family at El Torito.
Rachel, that might be one of the funniest Onion articles ever… “today’s woman lives in a state of near-constant empowerment.”
Maybe it would have been better to not increase traffic to that blog. These appear to be minor players who need attention and I regret clicking on the link.
consider using “delete” more often!
Deanne, Thanks for your comment, and I understand your regret, but it’s already quite a popular site. That’s what makes it so sad (and frustrating!) — there are lots of young women following along.