Plastic Surgery and Its Effect on Our Relationship With Our Bodies
Much of our sexuality is defined by how attractive we feel we are to others. In this sexually charged modern society, it is no wonder that plastic surgery has become an increasingly popular method of helping people to feel better about their ability to attract the opposite sex (or the same sex, whatever the case may be).
The late Michael Jackson is one of the most famous people who became obsessed with plastic surgery. The Michael Jackson that grew up singing lead for the Jackson Five looked absolutely nothing like he did as a young man by the time he reached his late twenties. Clearly, Michael had many insecurities and issues with his body image. According to Royster (2005) he even considered the throat to be "an erotic space" -- one "that can both encode and undercut gender."
The more common "erotic spaces," namely the male and female sexual organs, have become a popular trend for plastic surgery as well. While it used to be primarily the face, the breasts and more visible parts of the body that people chose to have cosmetic surgery on, today they are taking things a step further. According to Davis (2002) one of the most popular "new sex surgeries" is the "designer vagina." These surgeries are supposed to improve the aesthetics of the vagina as well as make them 'tighter'.
Clearly, people are becoming bolder and surgeries are becoming more invasive. For many people, the effect these surgeries have on their relationships with their bodies is improved self-esteem and confidence. But for many others, it becomes just one part of an endless and futile attempt to attain perfection.
References
Davis, S.W. (2002, March 22) Loose lips sink ships, Feminist Studies
Royster, F. (2005, July 28) Hee hee: Michael Jackson and the transgendered erotics of voice, National Sexuality Resource Center
