Diana schoolmna PDF

Preview

Summary

the land of no. Diana schoolman. NYIT. FCWR 111...

Description

FCWR 111 M04 Prof. Diana Schoolman 11.26.2019

“The Pitfalls of Plastic Surgery” By Camille Paglia Summary

In her article for Harper’s Bazaar, ‘’The Pitfalls of Plastic Surgery’’, Camille Paglia exposes her point of view about plastic surgery and how it was influenced by American culture. The author associates this kind of intervention with living sculpture and a revision of nature which is an example of the way people will conquer biology. Paglia  suggests that the beauty standard idealizes women to look like “sex symbols with an unattainable grandeur”. It is unknown the origin of body modification but we have a lot of historical facts that show their existence. The writer describes the ancient kind of plastic surgery and gives examples of people’s body modification in the past. For example, Paglia stated that early tribal people would stretch their Necks to make them longer and some would even stretch their earlobes. She finds this type of ‘mutilation is in the eye of the beholder’ Today, “plastic surgery has become increasingly routine in the corporate workplace” People are abusing the uses of plastic surgery for their own cosmetic purposes to “achieve the most admired look”

The article debates the ethical character of plastic surgery. Paglia put the question if these health interventions are done as an act of vanity or it is a narcissism result. She wants to spotlight the morality of the cosmetical improvements, but she finds the never ending human interest for those ‘’deepest and finest’’ instincts. Plastic surgery has become very popular throughout the great era of the 60's. It is a solution that actors, actresses can appeal for in order to achieve a youthful and refreshing look that makeup cannot provide. She states that hollywood expects middle-aged women to look 20 or even 30 years younger than they are. Camille Paglia outlines the differences between European models and the Hollywood ones. The author continues to emphasize that women belonging to the upper class will pay large amount of money in order to change their profile ultimately conforming to a very ‘’parochial’’ definition of beauty. This has pressured most female and male actress to go get their face structure, breast or their “bottom” done. The author outlines the madness influence of surgeries over the society; she finds people becoming robotic. They are so obsessed by the idea of perfection that they do not even realize the risks that are involved in such surgery.

1.

Does Camille Paglia feel that people will eventually stop having plastic surgery? Why,

or why not? Explain in your own words.

Plastic surgery makes unrealistic goals attainable which is being abused. Paglia says “nothing will stop the drive of the human species toward beauty and the shimmering illusion of perfection.” This remark suggests that Camille Paglia is the opinion that people will continue to modify their bodies in order to “achieve the most admired look”. Also, she beliefs that once the prices for plastic surgery are now more affordable, it will increase the number of people who want to ‘’paint’’ themselves as they wish.

2.

According to Paglia, how do Hollywood and Europe treat their female film stars

differently? Explain in your own words. Paglia  also focuses on the beliefs of countries around the world, and their views on “perfection”. She explains how in Europe “models of beauty are based on classical precedents.” European  female standards of beauty are influenced by classical patterns while Hollywood producers tend to be guided by ‘’over muscled heroes and pneumatic vixens’’ inspired from television and video games. The body shapes differences of the models are evident. European mannequins are based on paintings and sculptures,’’with its mathematical symmetry and proportion’’ and ‘’their magnificent portraiture of elegant aristocrats and hypnotic femme fatales.’’ But Hollywood has redefined its ‘’femme fatale’’. It is determined by ‘’Amazonian superheroines like Lara Croft: large breasts with a flat midriff and lean hips.’’

3.

Near the end of the essay, Paglia comments, “The urgent problem is that today’s

cosmetic surgeons are drawing from too limited a repertoire of images” (paragraph 12). What does she mean? Explain in your own words. By stating “The urgent problem is that today’s cosmetic surgeons are drawing from too limited a repertoire of images”, Camille Paglia suggests that at some point, all models starts looking similar. They have the same preferences, fact that increases the probability of looking identical as someone else. When talking about Paglia’s statement, I think about two romanian influencers who looks as they are twins. They did their surgery in the same clinic, performed by the same surgeon. Now, although they are best friends, they look like siblings.

“A Response to Camille Paglia’s…” By Sabrina Verchot

1.

According to Sabrina Verchot, what is body dysmorphic disorder? Explain in your own

words, and tell how it helps us to understand some people’s addiction to plastic surgery. As I can understand, body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health disturbance in which a person cannot stop thinking about his or her defects in appearance. It can make that person feel embarrassed, ashamed and anxious. It can even provoke people appeal to plastic surgeries in order to ‘’repair’’ their imperfections.

2.

Verchot gives the example of James Maki’s plastic surgery. What idea is she trying to

prove with this example? Explain in your own words. By emphasizing James Maki’s case, Sabrina Verchot is trying to points that sometimes, plastic surgeries have another purpose than ‘’Hollywood’’ effect. Plastic surgery can be dedicated to repairing defects, restorming functions, and reinstating normal physical appearance. Reconstructive surgeons tend to focus on facial and body features that were deformed as a result of birth defects, burns or trauma; as in James Maki’s case.

3.

Do you agree more with Paglia or Verchot on the subject of plastic surgery? Why?

Explain carefully, with examples. (Do not simply repeat the examples in either essay; think of original examples.)

Plastic surgery has been, and will continue to be a controversial subject. It has become increasingly common today for a variety of reasons and countless individuals are consulting plastic surgeons in order to achieve the look they have always dreamed about. Although I support the natural look and find Camille Paglia right in some ways, I tend to take Verchot’s part in this debate. I need to point out that there are multiple types of plastic surgery that can be performed for cosmetic or corrective reasons. Plastic surgery can transform you into Lara Croft, as Paglia described it; and at the same time, it can address for medical reasons; James Maki’s case can serve as a perfect example. There are people who were born with different defects and this is a way they can feel normal again, giving their confidence back. To  conclude, plastic surgery is useful for a huge variety of reasons, including reconstruction after accidents, breast reductions, and mental health purposes. We should not stereotype the next person we meet who’s had it done. We never know if or when we might need it yourself....