The pressure to be beautiful in our society will drive women to extreme and unbelievably dangerous measures. Traveling south of the border to get plastic surgery done at the dirt cheap price may sound appealing but the growing number of botched surgeries should lead women to think twice about augmentations. The growing trend now is butt implants. It is not enough that black women go through extreme lengths to keep ourselves looking perfect. Now black women are feeling the pressure more than ever to have that hour glass figure we are known for. Women that aren’t genetically blessed feel that in order to get the attention from men they desire, a bigger butt will do the trick. But will that fix the problem?
Generally the feeling of inadequacy when it comes to our looks can trace back to the slavery days. Black woman have not been made to ever feel that we were pretty. The majority of the black women that are showcased in the media fit the unattainable and unachievable stereotype. The picturesque women we are bombarded with on music videos and on television may have us feeling insecure about our bodies. Every woman, no matter how beautiful she may be on the outside, has insecurities. But when you love yourself and are satisfied with yourself, you are able to live with the imperfections you may have; our imperfections are what make us unique. Of course, in some situations, cosmetic surgery is absolutely necessary. Women that have back pain caused by large breasts or that have lost an obscene amount of weight and have excess skin hanging from their stomach may undergo cosmetic surgery simply because of the health reasons. But for the women who seek out bigger breasts because they believe that it will help them enhance in the industry or perhaps boost their confidence, that will not remedy the deeper issue; it just puts a Band-Aid over a scab that will never be healed.
I understand that having the most noticeable attributes may definitely give you an edge if your career is one that is based solely on your appearance. Video girls, models, actresses and others in the media must keep up this unrealistic standard of beauty in our society and our genes sometimes inhibit us from feeling attractive. But what good is an enhanced booty if you still feel unconfident and insecure inside? Surgery doesn’t always solve the problem and often it creates a new problem; an infatuation with perfecting one’s body through cosmetic procedures. I’ve heard so many horror stories of women who’ve gone under the knife only to have botched surgeries or who still don’t feel confident with the new enhancements they’ve received. Before you set yourself back thousands of dollars sit and think about your reasons behind wanting to get surgery. Is it really worth it? Does the good outweigh the bad?
If you think surgery is the way to gain more attention from men, while most people do have preferences, lacking something physically is not always a deal breaker. We put too much emphasis on having the perfect body. No one is perfect. Why are we striving for something that is unattainable? We all have things about our appearance that we wish we could change or tweak. What is the purpose of getting surgery to have a more voluptuous figure or bigger boobs when you will just fit in with so many other women that are opting for these same procedures? Not to mention the risk involved may not be worth it. We all want to feel beautiful but maybe the way to achieve true self satisfaction doesn’t lie in the hands of a cosmetic surgeon.
Janice Gassam is a graduate student currently getting her degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. To contact Janice her email is gassamjz@gmail.com
You can also add her on any of the following social network sites.
http://www.facebook.com/janice.jnice
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/JaniceGassam
Tumblr:
http://decodingtheenigma.tumblr.com/
Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/1987jbaby?feature=mhsn
I’m considering some things…
like what?
Self love is attractive,knowing that your creator loves you will expand your beauty perception……….you will find the oddest things adorable,I used to have flat feet while growing up but I never ever felt offended when teased, cause I loved them,I found them realy strange and unique………don’t have flat feet anymore
I think so many women have self esteem issues really because they weren’t told enough growing up that they were beautiful. Maybe they didn’t have those strong women figures in their lives like a grandmother or mother that displayed self confidence.
I think that’s so sad and on top of that you have these images everywhere on TV trying to tell you what’s beautiful.
I know I thank God everyday I wake up for growing up around a strong beautiful and proud grandmother and mother. And I can’t forget another important factor especially being black, My DADDY!!! I’m lucky to have had a father in the home who nurtured and loved me and my brother and he told me I was beautiful. Having that positive male influence in my life, I don’t have to seek the validation of men to tell me I’m pretty because I had my daddy and uncles telling me I am. But not only did their words focus on my looks but I was told I was intelligent and I think that’s the most important. And I’m thankful for that. Self-esteem really makes or breaks a person.
Don’t get me wrong if you want to spend your money getting work done, that’s fine, it’s your business. But it should be because it’s something you want for yourself and not something you want to please another person.
My breasts.
For cosmetic reasons and for health reasons. I’ve had surgery on them before for a condition I have (not cancer thank God) and there’s scarring and the like.
Also, liposuction is a consideration.
Sorry it took so long to reply!
Just wanted to say to all of my sistas. You all are beautiful just the way God intended and made you. Embrace your beauty and realize there are many women who wish to look like you. Hence, the billions made in cosmetic surgery.
Because your bloodline is related to Kings and Queens, it gives you all the right to be proud of your features and not wish to change yourself to appease ppl who never really liked you anyway. The same ppl who are trying to erase the rich history we have by whitening it up. Love yourself! God’s given you all the reasons as to why you should.