Television and Plastic Surgery

There are many shows out there that show plastic surgery as a normal and everyday thing. They show normal people getting plastic surgery and having fantastic results. These results are not always good as they seem on TV. Television glamorizes plastic surgery and even suggests it.

Extreme Makeover, The Swan and MTV’s I Want a Famous face are some examples of some popular plastic surgery TV shows. These shows are gaining a lot of publicity but many psychologists are worried because of the psychological impact that it might have on people.

On Fox’s reality show The Swan, Delisa Stiles who is a therapist and also the captain of the Army Reserve criticized her body about being “too manly”. The show transformed her into a princess by giving her surgical procedures one by one. She got a breast lift, brow lift, lower eye lift, tummy tuck, mid-face lift, liposuction of thighs, dental procedures and fat transfer to lips. After she was done with all of her procedures all the contestants would be compared to one another, and one be chosen as The Swan and last year the winner was Delisa Stiles (Dittmann).

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the total of cosmetic surgeries increased by 44 percent from 2003-2004 (Dittman). People are getting the notion that if something is wrong with their body it can easily be fixed by having Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeons estimated a record of 11.9 million procedures last year (Dittmann).

Many teenagers are also being influenced by the TV shows. In 2004, 249,642 cosmetic procedures were done on people 18 years and younger (Dittmann). The most popular procedure that was performed in this age range was breast augmentation, breast lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks and nose reconstruction. There have not been many studies done on the long term risks that these teenagers may experience due to plastic surgery. This is an age where they are not fully physically or mentally developed which puts them in greater risk.

Having plastic surgery is not easily done. Results are not always perfect and it may even make the condition worse than before. Complications may also occur which can have a negative effect on your health. Basing our choices about plastic surgery based on what we see on television is a dangerous thing. We must look at our bodies and health before we make any choices that can affect our well being. Make responsible choices, not dumb ones.

References

Dittmann, Melissa. "Plastic surgery: Beauty or beast?" Apa Online. 8 Sept. 2005. 22 Nov. 2008 http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep05/surgery.html.

Plastic Surgery Pros and Cons

Plastic surgery has become very popular nowadays. Every single year millions of men and women try the latest in plastic surgery in order to keep their youthful appearance. Not everyone is born with glowing skin, a small nose, and perfect breast. Many can cope with these ordeals but there are others that can’t bear living with these “imperfections”.

Plastic surgery can help these people boost their self confidence levels as well as their view on self image. Many men and women say that their flaws limit their social interaction with people as well ("Pros and cons"). Their physical flaws are the reasons that they are not comfortable in public situations. This issue can also have an effect on their well being and personal success. Having such a poor view on your body may even escalade into depression.

A satisfied result of plastic surgery can lead a person to feel great about themselves . Their confidence level multiplies, you get along with others more so than you did before because you feel more alluring ("Pros and cons"). Even though there are many advantages to plastic surgery, one must look at the disadvantages before jumping onto the surgeons operating table.

If you are thinking about having a surgical procedure done the first thing you should do is review your goals, expectations and needs. You should also consider and keep in mind that celebrities can cause wrong impressions of the results of plastic surgery. Every patient has a different reaction to plastic surgery (Dittmann). Even though the surgery and the surgeon are the same it is still not guaranteed that your results will be exact. It is not for sure that you will get the results that you really desire for. Many have been disappointed by the final result.

As an example, after liposuction there is a chance that the body will try to fight back to remake its fat deposits. The body will do this by placing the fat where there was no fat before. Another example is a chemical peel. A chemical peel can cause skin to burn easily and become very sensitive when in the sun.

Every surgical procedure is different. Cosmetic procedures are the most painful and invasive. Recovery can take a day to six months (Dittmann). Time to recover and heal will take a lot of time and you will not be able to perform all of your normal activities. Side effects such as infection, pain and scarring may occur as well. Plastic surgery may also lead to complications which can lead to further health problems.

Plastic surgery is an expensive procedure. Most health insurances do not offer coverage on plastic surgery which makes it even more difficult to procure the procedure. Plastic surgery should always be done by a qualified health professional which means it will cost more. Having plastic surgery done by a non qualified surgeon may lead to many more complications and it may even cause death.

In my point of view, I think that plastic surgery can be very positive towards one’s self esteem. You gain confidence and feel more self worth. Plastic surgery can make you feel great mentally but is it really worth the pain and dangers of surgery? Plastic surgery comes with many outcomes and many are not good. Plastic surgery can cause many adverse side effects which may be worse than your low self esteem. It is not worth putting your body in danger for cosmetic purposes. You should love your body and accept the way that you are.

Plastic surgery is always a medical procedure that can affect your health and physical well being, no matter how minor the procedure is. Physical beauty is a matter that many men and women aim for but surgery isn’t always the answer. Before hitting the knife, you should inform yourself as much as you can about the procedure. You should also seek help from a qualified surgeon to answer any questions and to certify that you will obtain the most out of your procedure.

Another thing to keep in mind before having plastic surgery is that beauty is only skin deep. Who you are as a person is more important than how you look on the outside.

References

Dittmann, Melissa. "Plastic surgery: Beauty or beast?" Apa Online. 8 Sept. 2005. 22 Nov. 2008 http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep05/surgery.html.

"Pros and Cons of Plastic Surgery." PlastiSurgeons.com. 2008. Experthub Inc. 24 Nov. 2008 http://www.plasticsurgeons.com/resources/plastic-surgery-guide/pros-and-cons-plastic-surgery.htm.

Clothes For Your Body Type!

Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes. One of the many problems women face is that they do not know how to dress appropriately for their body type. There is always that one part that we do not like such as our butt, stomach, hips and etc. These areas are known as our troubled spots. Understanding and knowing your body shape helps you identify what clothes will flatter your body the best. Wearing clothes that are for your body type can make you look great. There are actually six body types which include round, inverted triangle, hour glass, pear, diamond, and straight. According to Erin, this is what we should be wearing for our body types...

A woman with a round shaped body normally has big breast, a big rib cage, a big stomach and slim hips and legs. It is suggested that you should wear skirts that show off your hips as well as your legs. When choosing blouses you should go for v-necks because this will make your neck look more elongated. Tight shirts should be avoided because this will make your stomach look larger. Collars should be kept narrow because it will not draw as much attention to the breast.

Women that have an inverted triangle body have wide shoulders, a normal bust, average waist, slim hips and long legs. It is advised that these women should wear hip hugger jeans because this will accentuate their slim hips. Pants with a flare at the bottom are also suggested because it will even out your broad shoulders. Wearing a belt over your blouse will also help your hips look more flattering.

Having a bust, small bone structure, defined waist, big hips and shapely legs characterize a woman with an hourglass figure. Wearing pants with belts and rap up tops are suggested. Another way you can accentuate your assets is by wearing semi fitted tops. You should not be wearing overly baggy clothes because this will overwhelm you bone structure. Having an hourglass figure is wanted by many women and if you posses this body type, you should flaunt it!

You can tell when a woman is pear shaped when she has a long neck, narrow shoulders, small breast, thin waist, big hips and generous thighs. Women with these types of bodies should wear pants that hide the wide hips. Skirts should go straight down instead of being pencil like. Square neck lines are also advised because it will make your shoulders look broader.

Diamond shaped body types have slender shoulders, small breast, wide hips and big thighs. This shape is similar to pear shaped women but less proportional. Their upper body is much smaller and thinner than their lower body. Diamond shaped females are very curvy. These women should stick to slightly tapered pants just below the hemline. Tops should be flare shaped so they can over your hips or bottom.

Women with a straight body type have the upper torso and lower torso that are the same in width. They also have an average bust, big rib cage, flat butt and skinny legs. Women with this figure should buy jackets that are longer so that it will make the torso look longer as well. Necklines should also be below the collarbone because it will make your neck look longer. Belts should be avoided because it will accentuate your bigger waist.

These things should be kept in mind when dressing. It could really help with your look and your self confidence as well. If you're dressed great, you will feel great!

References

Erin. "What Body Type Are You?" Happygrrls Archives. 2006. 1 Nov. 2008 http://www.happygrrls.com/fashion/howtodressforbodytype.html.

Blogsters...Like Mwaa!

Many of the blogs that I have found about fashion aren’t really like mine. They focus more on just fashion rather than the whole picture. Many of the blogs are black and white, meaning they’re only focused on shoes, bags etc. They aren’t touching on the other topics that have relation to fashion. These fashion blogs were not creative. All they did was inform its reader about what types of shoes are in and where to buy them from. At first I was disappointed that I couldn’t find any blogs that took fashion to another level, which I tried to do with mine but then I stumbled upon these blogs…

Finding these blogs took forever… but then I figured out that I needed to search for specific topics.

One blog I found was strictly about how to get clothes and accessories that are in fashion for cheap. They give you coupons and everything. They also tell you what’s in and what’s out. This blog relates to my blog as well because in a way it is telling you to be smart with money and its giving advice as well. I liked this blog because it could really help people with their budget and it could help them get stuff for cheap instead of spending huge amounts of money.

This blog was called The Budget Fashionista- You should really check it out if you’re trying to get whats “in” for cheap.

Another blog that I finally found was very much like mine. It focuses on other ideas that have to with fashion like the media. When the media is mixed with fashion, there’s bound to be some issues like anorexia, conflicts and etc, and this blog touches on those issues. The blog is a mix of everything that has to do with fashion. It’s also up to date and includes currents events. Many people comment on this blog which is great because you get to know what other people’s views are on the topic.

This blog is called The Fashion Salad- This is also a great blog to check out if you’re wondering about issues and events that have to do with fashion.

Celebrities endorsing presidential candidates

Have presidential elections become a part of fashion as well? Celebrities set the trends for fashion like what clothes are in and what clothes are out. Are these celebrities also setting the standard of how we should think and make choices?

We have just overcome a presidential election recently and celebrities have taken a stance on whom they support. Celebrity endorsements for McCain and Obama are showing up all over the place, but is this a good thing or is it a negative?

On one of the ads on T.V John McCain was saying that Barrack Obama is the biggest celebrity in the world. He showed pictures of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears along side with Barack Obama. As a response to the advertisement that McCain made, Paris Hilton made a combat by making advertisement to make fun of McCain. This made political analysts to think she helped the republican side in a way. She is showing that any press is good press. McCain is also being endorsed Heidi Montag. Even before, Hillary Clinton was endorsed by celebrities (Bardsley).

Oprah Winfrey openly supported Barrack Obama (Roseberry). Oprah is one of the most influential women in the world. She has been hitting the campaign trail with Obama by helping him give his support in Iowa. Jennifer Aniston, Will Smith and George Clooney have also endorsed Obama in Hollywood. Barabara Streisand has shown her support for Hillary Clinton. Madonna, Janet Jackson, Barry Manilow and Merle Haggard have also shown their support for Hillary (Roseberry).

Forbes.com says that endorsement by Oprah, Jon Stewart and Tiger Woods will positively impact candidate’s images but Tom Cruise, Madonna and Donald Trumps endorsement will send the numbers of supporters to drastically increase.

My view of the whole situation is that voting is a personal choice. Our choice on who we want to vote for should be based on our morals and our beliefs. Our vote should not be pressured by what our favorite celebrity wants to vote for. Senior Brad Snow says

“I don't respect a person who would vote for Obama or McCain just by what celebrity likes that candidate. For a shallow-minded person, endorsements will help. I don't care who Britney Spears likes, I'm voting clearly on who I think will do the best job (Roseberry).”

I agree with this statement and I think it should apply to all of us. But there are still others that base their view on what their favorite celebrity would pick. Celebrity endorsements should not be making such an issue. You should go for what you believe in, not another person. I am not against celebrities endorsing candidates but we should be the smarts ones to choose for ourselves rather than letting someone else make our decision for us.


References

Bardsley, Garth. "50 Cent, Dave Matthews, Perez Hilton, Others Endorse Candidates For Super Tuesday." MTV. 2 Feb. 2008. 11 Nov. 2008 http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580971/20080205/50_cent.jhtml.

Roseberry, Amanda. "Celebrities endorse presidential candidates." Ottawa University The Campus. 7 Oct. 2008. 9 Nov. 2008 http://media.www.thecampusnewspaper.com/media/storage/paper1117/news/2008/10/07/campaign2008/celebrities.endorse.presidential.candidates-3442377.shtml?refsource=collegeheadlines.

Sex and the Media

Sex is one of the main factors in fashion. Sex sells and so does fashion. Combine the two…and a success?

Advertising and media images are encouraging young girls to think more about looks and sexuality rather than inner beauty. This can be devastating to their emotional and physical health. Even barbies and dolls are becoming sex objects (Jayson). This is leading them to think of their bodies as sexual objects. Television, ads, and movies are factors that are influencing women and these young girls. Sexy images of half naked women are used for advertising all over the place.

The National Eating Disorders Association has said one out of every four commercials on T.V. is sending some sign of attractiveness. This is showing the viewer what is attractive. Even video games are becoming an issue. 38% of female characters in these video games are dressed “slutty” (Jason). Researchers have also said that these images make young girls treat their bodies as sex objects as well. These images have also been related to eating disorders depression and low self esteem.

These advertisements are showing girls that a person’s worth comes from girls or mans sexual allure. Bratz dolls wear miniskirts, fishnets, and short shirts which are very sexy and seductive. These dolls are for girls that are 4-6 years of age (Jason). Why are these companies making such provocative dolls, when they are being supplied to such young girls?

Cosmopolitan and Play boy magazines urge women to be sexy in bed, and to attract and satisfy their men. The media is misinforming people and stereotyping women. Many teens and kids turn to the media when wanting to learn about sex. In 2003, David Buckingham and Sara Bragg have proclaimed that two-thirds of teens have gone to the media when wanting to inform themselves about sex ("Sex"). The teens are only learning the positives about sex. They are being shown that need to be dressing provocatively in order to impress people.

My perspective on the whole situation is that sex really has been a factor in teen’s lives. Sex is being idolized now as if it is a thing that you must do to be in the “in crowd”. I think the media need to take a step back in sex. Even though sex sells, is it really worth brainwashing these children? Children should be taught the negatives and positives about having sex. It is being glamorized and accentuated. Sex is a delicate topic and it should be treated as such. It should not be exploited and it needs to be handled by older and wiser people that you trust and talk to.

So no…combining sex and fashion does not make a success. Maybe industry wise you will be more known but knowing that you are giving these kids a bad example of what sex really means, is just digging a bigger hole in your grave. Kids are going to be in our place one day and they will be setting an example for the younger ones. If the advertisements keep brainwashing these kids brains who will be there to set an example for the next generation?

References
Jayson, Sharon. "Media cited for showing girls as sex objects." USA Today. 02 Feb. 2007. 10 Nov. 2008 . http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-02-19-sexualized-girls_x.htm

"Sex and Relationships in the Media." Media awareness network. 2008. Media awareness network. 10 Nov. 2008 . http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_sex.cfm

Anorexia, the new fashion?!

The media in today’s world is one of the main factors why people are being influenced to concentrate more on outer beauty rather than inner. It sad how the media is getting into these young women’s minds. As an effect to this problem the epidemic of anorexia and bulimia is growing more rapidly more than ever before. Being skinny is now the fashion. Anorexia is a condition that is usually brought on by emotional disorders that lead a person to worry excessively about the appearance of his or her body (“Bulimia”). As a result, this causes a person to starve themselves which is known as anorexia or it makes them binge right after eating a meal which is known as bulimia nervosa. The media should recognize more normal people, rather than unhealthy, overly skinny models.

Fashion is supposed to be about dressing up and having fun with it. I never thought that fashion could also cause such a disaster. The media is presenting unrealistic images to girls who are feeling vulnerable (Clonts). These advertisements come to people from all angles such as television, magazines, and billboards. There seems to be an endless flood of ads telling the public what to think, what to eat, and how to look.

These factors have all promoted a distorted vision of what a beautiful person is defined as. Women’s magazines are full of articles urging that if they can just loose those last twenty pounds, they have it all-the perfect marriage, great sex, and a rewarding career (“Media”). The number of cases of anorexia and bulimia has doubled since 1970, and experts now estimate that 0.5 to 1 percent of all white females may be anorexic (“Bulimia”).Research indicates that exposure to images of thin, young, air brushed bodies is linked to depression, loss of self esteem and development of unhealthy eating habits in women as well as girls.

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute warn that weight control measures are being taken by girls as young as nine (“Beauty”). The most common age at which the disorder first appears is fourteen to eighteen years (“Bulimia”). Teen Magazine reported that 35 percent of girls six to 12 years old have been on at least one diet, and that 50-70 percent of normal weight girls think they are overweight (Beauty). Time and time again it has been proven that, for the long-term, regimented diet plans do not work, yet our society continues to buy into the idea that they do (“Media”).

It is unfortunate that so many young women and men are starving their bodies just to fit what the American culture has considered to be perfect. People have forgotten that what’s on the inside counts more than the outside. Our society needs to learn love and accept themselves the way that they are. We should all embrace ourselves and love our bodies. Fashion should be taken into such a negative point. Being skinny might be in fashion, but another thing that is more important in fashion is individuality. Fashion is about setting a trend not following others.

References

"Beauty and Body Image in the Media." Media Awareness Network. 2007. 20 Nov. 2007 http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_beauty.cfm.

"Bulimia & Anorexia in the Media." Bookrags. 2006. 20 Nov. 07 http://www.bookrags.com/essay-2004/12/13/185919/25.

Clonts, Lauren. "Anorexia Possibly Fueled by Media Images." The Daily ToReador. 2007. 20 Nov. 2007 http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2004/11/18/LifeLeisure/Anorexia.Possibly.Fueled.By.Media.Images-1279856.shtml.

"The Media." Something Fishy. CRC Healthgroup. 20 Nov. 2007 http://www.something-fishy.org/cultural/themedia.php.