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Makeover Craze Has Gone Too Far

By Leethaniel Brumfield
Black College Wire

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Others have speculated that West's death may have been caused by other health-related problems, but her surgeon has confirmed that she had, in fact, undergone cosmetic surgery. It would be tragic if her death did, indeed, result from the operations.

So who determines what is beautiful -- the media, society, magazines, music videos, or does the majority rule? Too often, we allow others to dictate what is beautiful. For example, someone who resembles Halle Berry may be considered beautiful. But who has determined that her attributes are desirable?

Leethaniel Brumfield

Indeed, I feel that physical attractiveness is important and appealing to the senses because we are, unfortunately, a superficial society. We need to be delighted with eye candy from time to time. I think it is very important to take care of ourselves and there is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel our best. But more and more, natural beauty is becoming a thing of the past because we are so fascinated with altering our physical appearances through metamorphoses that we call . . . makeovers!

We have become a "microwave" society interested in a quick fix. Whatever happened to accepting our physical uniqueness? The extent of a makeover used to be a change of hair color or a miracle weight loss diet that resulted in a reduction in dress sizes.

These days cosmetic surgery is growing in popularity as prices fall and new techniques become available. In 2006, almost 11.5 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in America alone, totaling a cost of $12.1 billion, according to the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Although women between the ages of 35-50 made up over half of the total procedures performed, an increasing number of men undergo surgery every year in a bid to improve their outward appearance, too.

"The Swan" television series was an example of how brainwashed we have become with our perception of beauty. The Fox reality show, which debuted in 2004, clearly struck a chord with physically average-looking women longing for the opportunity to undergo an "extreme makeover" that would include several forms of plastic surgery. By regular means, most of these women could not financially afford to accomplish the transformation from "Ugly Ducking" to the classic fairy tale of "the swan." As luck would have it, the show premiered during a time when reality television programs had just began to thrive. Thankfully, after its second season, "The Swan" was canceled.

"Doctor 90210" also played on people's insecurities. But the cosmetic doctor on the show and others like him cannot make us flawless, no matter how assuring their promises of instant gratification are.

Cosmetic surgery is performed as a means of covering up something we want to hide from others. A man wanting to tighten up his chest because he wishes to have a chiseled six pack like his favorite music artist is a sign of insecurity and discomfort. Seeking attention from the opposite sex cautions a lack of self-love. A husband should never make his wife feel that cosmetic surgery is the only alternative to being made beautiful. He should remind her of the inner beauty she exudes that attracts him. A change of hairstyle may do the trick!

Some people experience complications many months after their surgeries. Six-time Grammy award winner Toni Braxton told Blender Magazine in December 2002 that she had breast implants removed after her doctor discovered excessive scar tissue. Afterwards, Braxton said she no longer needed surgical enhancements. She stated, "I'd always wanted big boobies but after I had my first child, I got them naturally."

You'd think that Michael Jackson's face would have been a warning not to go too far with plastic surgery. Jackson has had repeated surgeries on his nose to correct problems from previous procedures.

Star Jones Reynolds allowed her emotional woes lead her to a physical alteration.

Jones Reynolds had been candid about many issues in her life but she remained hesitant to reveal the secret behind her weight loss. However, in the September 2007 issue of Glamour magazine, admitted that she had gastric bypass surgery -- despite previously only admitting to having undergone a "medical intervention." After a close friend intervened to help her confront her weight issues, Jones Reynolds said she consulted doctors and went in for a successful gastric bypass operation in 2003. By 2006, she had shed 160 pounds from her once 307 pound frame.

Jones Reynolds, formerly of "The View" and now host of her own show on Court TV, wrote in Glamour, "Every day I am learning to let go of my insecurities and acknowledge that I don't have all the answers, which is OK." Though she still struggles with self-image, she writes that being healthy is what counts. "I'm not saying that in order to be happy, women need to be a certain size, but I am saying that we should all strive to be healthy."

When we apply a Band-Aid over our emotional scars, we block out our feelings and pain. Spiritually numb, our daily routines have become mundane. Conquering our weaknesses is our lifeline. But how is this achieved? Finding our inner strength is the first challenge. I encourage today's youth, most of all, to search for inner strength before looking for the nearest plastic surgeon.

Articles in the "Voices" section represent the opinions of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Black College Wire.

Leethaniel Brumfield is a student at Langston University.

Posted Dec. 12, 2007