In another sign of the impending apocalypse

[textualdeviance]

We now have a children's book explaining why mommy is getting cosmetic surgery.
Maybe it's just me, but personally, I think having cosmetic surgery in the first place should be grounds for being considered an unfit parent. Fair enough if there's something actually wrong--a crooked nose from a break, for instance--but vanity surgery is dangerous and stupid and sets a horrible example for kids: You're not acceptable the way you are, and in fact, you're so unacceptable that you need to undergo extremely painful surgery and risk serious complications or even death in order to become acceptable. How can sane people think this is an ok message for their kids?

Gods, our priorities are so screwed up in this country.

Comments

[pixxelpuss.livejournal.com]

I have no problem with adults without serious psychological problems deciding to undergo plastic surgery. Hell, I'd consider myself for purely vanity reasons. I find it a little harsh to suggest that it should be grounds for being considered an unfit parent. Rail against beauty standards all you like, but they're not going to go away. Do I think that anyone should judge themselves based only on their appearance? Hell no, a person's worth is determined by much more than their cup size. But, I don't find it even remotely appropriate to suggest to someone who is largely happy with who they are that they are in some way terrible for making this choice for themselves. I don't think that kind of judgment is helping anyone.

[textualdeviance.livejournal.com]

I was engaging in some hyperbole, there, but I do feel that in most cases, vanity surgery actually is evidence that there are some psych issues there. Like I say, I can understand wanting to correct a major defect, or scars from an injury or something like that. But a boob job? No. It bothers me that we recognize other forms of self-mutilation for what they are--evidence that someone needs help--yet we don't seem to have a problem with women (and it is mostly women) who want to carve themselves up like a ham.