This year Tina didn’t ask for anything simple from her sister for Christmas, instead she asked for plastic surgery. Many people in today’s society are choosing to go under the knife to look younger and rejuvenated. One reason Tina asked for this for Christmas is due to her recent breakup from him boyfriend. She wants to make sure she looks young in order to catch the eye of a new guy. Does her recent break up make you feel bad for her and allow you to justify her decision? Another reason the video states for her decision for Botox is in order to live up to high life, elite, standards of Orange County, California. Plastic Surgery popularity has been growing in recent years and is becoming a common practice in modern Society. Pay attention to the shift in music throughout the video. Notice how it is scratched out in the beginning when plastic surgery is introduced and at the end the music seems uplifting and modern.
All you need to do is watch the video. You do not have the read the article that follows.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/plastic-surgery-years-hot-christmas-gift/story?id=15189440
Ashley Forsythe, Ryan Gallof, Julie Golding, Tyler Duffy
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After watching this video, it was clear to me what was most important about this article: the visual presentation. The video is the first thing you see, and even the author's of this blog post agree that you don't even need to read the article. The video does a good job of showing different parts of the body and the "imperfections" on them that cause people to "go under the knife." To me, the video glorified the idea of getting plastic surgery by calling the segment "Sign of the Times," meaning that it is now "normal" and "acceptable" to modify the body. It shows before and after pictures to show the differences that botox and other procedures can produce. The underlying question after watching this video and seeing the visual representation is: is it okay to glorify modifying the body as a way to increase sales at the cost of changing the sociological definition of what it means to be beautiful?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea of the news not questioning and getting into why Americans feel that they must get this plastic surgery to feel beautiful, but rather glorifying the plastic surgery. It does seem like more and more getting plastic surgery is acceptable and normal especially with it being on television more often. It is all too common to watch the housewives or any reality television and see someone on the show receiving Botox. Am I against it, no, some people wanting those things to make them feel better about themselves actually achieves that goal as the person in the video.
DeleteGood point, I think the video is really the only thing the audience is drawn to, and distracts people from reading anything on the page. This is a key tactic; especially in the persuasiveness of what it's trying to advertise.
DeleteOne question I thought about was where is the comment from the news person about the negative effects of plastic surgery. She mentioned The Housewives of Orange County, but why didn’t she mention Mob Wives, another reality television show? Renee, one of the main characters in the show, received plastic surgery to feel better and felt a million times worst because the surgery went wrong and she lost a great deal amount of blood. There are so many different horror stories when it comes to plastic surgery. One side of the argument is given through this video, the glamorous side, but the effects, the what if’s, are not spoken about.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Mariah; many people are only exposed to the positive side of plastic surgery, but there is a great deal of risk, and sacrifice that not too many people keep in consideration. The interviewer seemed surprised that such a birthday present was being given, but did not talk it down in any way. I think this is just what has become of society. People value their beauty, and they don't believe they have enough, they will turn to plastic surgery..
DeleteI agree with Mariah on Ian's comment that plastic surgery is getting more and more acceptable. It is sad to me that botox and fillers are now called injectables and not even plastic surgery. They have invented so many different types of body altering surgeries that minor noninvasive procedures no longer count. It shows how much american society has changed it's views in just a few short years, from being an oddity to receive surgery to it being considered minor.
ReplyDeleteI think that the video also proved how acceptable it was that Tina wanted the gift of plastic surgery. It makes it clear that if someone wants to change themselves, there are plenty of ways to do it. It amazing me that so much technology and different types of procedures have been developed for cosmetic purposes. I have a feeling that the money used in the development of these could have gone towards more important medical issues or other aspects of life. Why is there so much funding for research like this? Because each surgery is very expensive and people are vain enough to pay for it?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Betsy that if one wants to change something about them, it can be done. You can change your breast size, hair color, eye color, and hairline, almost anything. If there is something on your body that you don't like, there is at least one other person who feels the same way meaning there is a way to change it. As Betsy stated, there is a procedure for about everything. So much money has been invested in the industry of plastic surgery and related procedures. Are these the priorities that society really needs nowadays?
DeleteI also agree with Betsy. Below is a link to a picture of Kim Kardashian with different things written around her face that describe the different alterations that women normally go through to look good, or what society thinks is good looking. The purpose of this picture does not go with this video, but it can also prove that women go through so much time and money to look good. Anything now days can be altered, thanks to the advancement of plastic surgery. Looking good is more of what society thinks as a priority, but that doesn't mean plastic surgery is a priority. I don't think that society sees plastic surgery as necessities, but more as luxuries. Most of the procedures are on people with high incomes. Plastic surgery has almost become like fat in the medieval times, if you have it, your wealthy.
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I was more curious about the comments left on this article. There were only 4, however the two oldest comments are quite interesting. The first was "Oh gads, only in California. You have to look perfect. What phony BS." The commenter’s misspelling decreases the credibility, however, the content still appeals to the audiences logic. The statement of "you have to look perfect" reflects what society has implemented. This is an assumption that looking perfect is an assumption. However, no one is perfect. No matter how much you change yourself, you're never truly satisfied. This person who commented though states that it was "BS" though. At least there are people out there that can say out loud that perfection isn't possible. The second comment that stated, "Botox injections are not "plastic surgery."" It's sad that this statement is true. Botox is so common that it no longer is considered surgery. It has been practiced enough to where the risks have decreased. The commenter put quotation marks around plastic surgery maybe to emphasize the irony of plastic surgery. These two comments are interesting because you're able to see what people who are watching the video are thinking.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jessica. I found it interesting how botox is no longer considered actual plastic surgery and more of a common daily practice. I think it's sad that society has come to the point where changing one's natural appearance is something that happens everyday. The fact that today's people have so little self-confidence is simply sad. In the past people were happy with who they were, but because of the media and all these new influences on one's thoughts this is no longer the case. People see hollywood stars and desire to look like they do, fake and altered. Though not all people feel that plastic surgery is necessary, the majority do and have made it a common practice in the United States.
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ReplyDeletePlastic surgery today has become so common, it is beginning to become like people's remedies when they're upset, and not a big deal. The reason this woman got the botox is so she can be happy after her break up and also for a Christmas present. Whatever happened to giving socks for Christmas? While she was explaining to the cameras why and what she wanted for Christmas, her and her sister seemed so calm like as if it were nothing. These procedures, even though practiced many times, have many risks. Another thing point during this video that made plastic surgery seem so common, was the "mommy package." The name and the tone of the doctor made the procedure sound like a sale at the hair salon. I feel like surgical procedures should not be advertised like spa packages.
ReplyDeleteThe mommy makeover also stood out to me. The name makes this large amount of plastic surgery for women seem so casual. Women with children feel inclined to get this package. Using the term package implies a great deal. This makes women only see the benefits in the surgery and not the risks.
DeleteI have noticed a lot of you have commented how common popular surgery is in today's society. This makes me wonder what caused the increase in popularity in plastic surgery. Why did all of a sudden did people think they needed to get surgery in order to look perfect? Fifty years ago people would of never thought of getting surgery in order to raise their cheecks.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Ashley. It's becoming more common in society. I think it could be due to the increase in media, causing people to become more conscientious of what they look like. For example, seeing a photoshopped model in a magazine may give the consumer a vision of what they think they should look like. All these outlets are putting pressure on adults to look young.
DeleteIn the beginning of the video, the music made it seem as though plastic surgery was shocking and unusual. Yet throughout the clip, the tone of the music changed to portray the idea that the practice is common and acceptable. What does this change in tone suggest about how our society has changed over the years? Is plastic surgery acceptable?
ReplyDeleteThe tone of the video is clearly noticeable. It is obvious that ABC believes plastic surgery is much more accepted now then it was in the past. The music portrays plastic surgery as a happy and jolly christmas gift that almost anybody would be glad to recieve.
DeleteThe plastic surgery patient mentioned that she essentially felt obligated to get plastic surgery since she was growing up in L.A.; the cosmetic surgery capital of the U.S. This reminds me of the "Fat Studies" reading we had covered in the most recent class, when it discussed how perception of models as the ideal body type took shape. Those who were overweight were looked down upon, while those who were thin were considered high-class. Beauty, it seems, could be influenced by society and standards
ReplyDeleteThis also reminds me of the the girl in New York City who works in the fashion industry and calls herself a big girl. It's obviously natural to feel out of place when you don't fit the same "criteria" as everyone else around you.
DeleteThis video is clearly in favor of plastic surgery. The tone seemed to portray plastic surgery as a great, acceptable operation. The girl almost feels obligated to get plastic surgery because of the simple fact that she lives in Los Angeles. I think the fact that her sister is getting her plastic surgery for Christmas is an insult. How would you feel if somebody got you plastic surgery to fix your face?
ReplyDeleteI agree, but at the same time I don't think you can go as far as implying that someone has something to say about how you look if they get you plastic surgery as a gift. The pressure she feels to get it is heavily based on her location, but she says she has wanted for a while. I just think that however crazy it is, the sister was being considerate and got her sister something that she really wanted for christmas. There is no way that is insulting because its something that she doesn't even think her sister needs, but gets it for her anyways to make her happy.
DeleteI noticed the same thing as Tyler how in the beginning the news made plastic surgery seem like a strange thing but throughout the clip it seemed like a normal, everyday thing as if you were buying something from the store.
ReplyDeleteThis video, plastic surgery is portrayed as something everyone does. The way the women in the video talk about plastic surgery, it was as if they felt like she was obligated to get it done. She mentions something about how its Orange County, and that's what everyone does there, so why shouldn't she have it done too.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Brandon. The only question this raises is: is that okay? In class, we keep discussing the social norms that body representation has created and it seems as if this one is a norm that has completely gone too far.
DeleteTo comment on what Ashley said, i think a big reason there has been an increase in plastic surgery in recent years has a lot to do with media. The media places so much emphasis on looking perfect, and there are so many stories written about celebrities getting plastic surgery, that i think since we read about it so much it becomes more acceptable and even pressures people to get the procedures done so they can look "perfect" too.
ReplyDeletePlastic surgery does not seem like a controversy in today’s society anymore. It is an accepted part of life in the United States. Tina from the video freely discussed her choice of botex and doesn’t question the risks. The host on Good Morning America even seems to encourage it and persuade viewers by saying Tina is getting plastic surgery because she wants to look hot. This statement implies that to look hot, you need plastic surgery especially for older women. Tina even states that it is the perfect gift, and her sister agrees because she knows that it will make Tina happy. Will botex really bring happiness? Studies have shown that materialistic items only bring happiness for a small amount of time. Tina will now feel the need to continually get botex to keep her happy. She is trapped in a never ending cycle that society created. Plastic surgery is making people forget the beauty in imperfections. Does everyone really want to look the same?
ReplyDeleteThis all started (in my opinion) when pressure started hitting hollywood, like Ali said, this is now become a norm in the U.S. and we need to make sure that this does not stand true of our nation because honestly it would destroy the work done to build this nation in the first place. Thinking that if you change your face more people will like you is not the message you as the individual would not want to send,it actually makes you seem fake.
DeleteSeeing as the article only shows the perspectives of people receiving botox or plastic surgery and their relatives, it is prominently pro-plastic surgery. In the video, the upbeat Christmas music and completely positive views on plastic surgery give the impression that it is an appreciated and upheld practice in our society today. Modern society holds more respect for a youthful appearance, which gives people the assumption that these treatments are almost obligatory in order to earn such respect today. Whether in everyday life or the professional business world, more and more people judge others with an emphasis on their physical appearance (as represented in Tina's description of Orange County), so botox is used to conform to a "positive" standard in the community. Also, since many people look up to celebrities today, and celebrities use skin enhancers left and right, this practice is seen almost as a step up in the ladder of social hierarchy.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to Betsy's comment, it is evident that a good portion of industry today invests in cosmetic research and the funding of cosmetic procedures. Since even a small injection of botox can cost several hundred dollars, these costly surgeries are seen by many as an open opportunity to gain a large amount of profit. The fact that there is such an abundant variety of procedures available to alter our appearance is almost ridiculous; all the money put into this could easily be put toward something more beneficial to societal needs today...yet, that is the problem, isn't it? Appearance is seen as such today.
ReplyDeleteI can actually see how plastic surgery is becoming increasingly popular, but (on the contrary) I feel that it actually displayed in a negative manner regardless. If you think about people who are "plastic" then you think that they are typically "fake", insecure and they are most likely not happy with the way they are.
ReplyDeleteIts sad because it is true that it is becoming popular, but at the same time it is still viewed negatively. Also people can typically tell if someone has had plastic surgery, so what was the point of it.
Relating this back to the old men that were doing it for business, I think that if I were to do business with one of them, (and I noticed that they had plastic surgery done) I would feel as if they are fake and insecure, why should I trust someone with my money who does not feel confident that his ability will be good enough? I think that the whole business thing is not a good reason because people don't like doing business with young people because they are not experienced. If the men had energy in their walk, talk and attitude I think that it should be good enough.
Nick, I agree with many of the points you made about plastic surgery. I agree that one things we have to consider is what kind of morals and attitudes are reflected when one gets plastic surgery. I think this is especially important in terms of the business aspects as well.
ReplyDeletePlastic surgery has tried to become the key to success. People are giving reason to plastic surgery as a key to stepping up in the business world. This reasoning is somewhat demented. To be a successful business person one has to be good at business and be educated. A good first impression is always important but that doesn't necessarily condone plastic surgery as a must have. One can make a good impression because of their personality. When watching the video all i could do was ask myself questions, "would i do this" "do i see this as ok", the video prompted the audience to ask themselves these questions.
ReplyDeleteLike bryan and nick both pointed out this artifact is making one look at the morals and attitudes behind plastic surgery. Isn't it cheating time if you are constantly trying to rewind your age? Age is supposed to be a sign of someone being wise.
One main question I draw from this article is where is the line drawn for plastic surgery. It seems that it is becoming more and more common to get plastic surgery at younger and younger ages. Are we headed to a point in time where the people who can afford plastic surgery are the ones who get ahead in life? As the surgery becomes easier and more refined could only lead to an even bigger increase in popularity. I think the worst part about plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons is the reasons and motives behind it.
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ReplyDeleteWhen I started to watch the video, the very first thing that caught my attention was the "sign of the times." I thought that was interesting because its true that plastic surgery has become such an obsession in the past few years. After finishing the video, the main things shown were the different body parts that people are "fixing," and the people who are getting the surgeries. It's pretty obvious that these women don't give it a second thought, and proceed to "fix" what they see as imperfections. In reality, that has never really been socially acceptable till recently. The one question you can derive from the video would be does modifying your body really make someone more happy?
ReplyDeleteI can understand why these adults feel the need to get surgery, but there's a fine line between wanting it and actually getting it. I know there's probably a lot of internal and external pressures that may cause someone to get plastic surgery. I don't have a problem with it if that's what it takes to get them more confident. Regarding the video, I believe that it didn't argue against plastic surgery much. Rather it put a light tone on the subject with the festive holiday music.
ReplyDeleteSociety has changed so much that it is now a common and popular practice to receive plastic surgery. I understand that many adults feel they need it, but I think it is getting out of hand that it is so prevalent in society today. The media is so greatly affecting people that they no longer are comfortable with their appearances and constantly feel the need to change them to be more accepted.
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