Suzana states, “Why suffer when plastic surgery could solve it?”. This is a very casual discussion of plastic surgery, what are your thoughts on the normalcy of undergoing plastic surgery in Brazil?
What do you think is the driving force behind the increase of 580% in cosmetic procedures in Brazil over the span of just ten years?
What do you think the differences in attitude toward getting plastic surgery would be, coming from either someone who has invested in plastic surgery for themselves, or someone who has never undergone plastic surgery?
The author notes that Brazil has a very prominent socioeconomic hierarchy, where Tiao and Suzana are from different classes. What do you think of the “web” that is discussed in the reading, and is it something that you see in the U.S. as well?
Tiao’s life is greatly controlled by the people surrounding him. Do you think Tiao would have had more freedom if Brazil were to implement more phrases like “The American Dream”, or “Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”? If so, what would that freedom look like?
1. Well as we know from "Travesti" Brazil is a very image driven culture. Apparently inner beauty must also be outside beauty. I think plastic surgery however is also normalized in the upper class in the U.S. as well. Many high status girls also get plastic surgery before eighteen as well, what the difference is that *men* are held to nearly as high a standard as women for physical beauty.
ReplyDelete2. It's not explicitly stated but likely economic growth plays a part and the development of medical technology. What seems more implicit is a cultural shift towards a narrow beauty ideal influenced by media. We already know how influential telenovellas are in all cultures and classes.
3. I don't think whether you've had plastic surgery necessarily informs your opinion of it. Plenty of people want plastic surgery but can't afford it. Save for a doctor botching a procedure I've rarely heard regret about getting a procedure however.
4. I mean I've never heard of plastic surgery being done as a charitable act in the U.S., mostly because we're taugth its rude to comment on someone's appearance or assume they find themselves unbeautiful. We don't see beauty as a step up necessarily. "Oh thanks for the nose job but I'd prefer six months rent" is probably how most people react to the offer. In Brazil plastic surgery seems to be seen as a *medical* issue while in the US its almost always seen as elective save for cases of major scarring from burns etc.
5. Lots of people would argue those things are not freeing. And Tiao seemed grateful, he was already having body image issues before Suzana said anything. A person can be just as caugth up in mainstream beauty ideals in the US as in Brazil.
3.
1. From what we read in Travesti, plastic surgery is not uncommon and is often desired by many to adhere to the physical standards of society. I feel like the whole concept is becoming normalized in the U.S. as well. Many social media figures have gotten some sort of plastic surgery and I think it raises the beauty standards. But, some people also get surgeries to fix an abnormality, similar to what certain television shows like "Botched" reveal.
ReplyDelete2. I think cosmetic procedures in Brazil have risen so much in the last 10 years is because the procedures themselves have become more normalized and people have more access to it now. To males, I think staying with their "man boobs" jeopardizes their masculinity and being able to get it fixed implies that they have a privilege, which might even up their status.
3. I think attitudes about plastic surgery can differ just based on what that individual believes in. Some people are for it but do not have access; Some may be for it or indifferent about it, but would not personally get anything done; They would not mind others getting it if it makes them happy or does not affect them personally. Others can be completely against it because they believe that people should be happy with "how God made them", something I have heard and seen a handful of times.
4. When I read that the excluded class can sometimes still have privileges if they know people of a higher class, I somewhat agreed. My mom cleans houses for those of higher class, and has been given a couple privileges. On the other hand, given a privilege or not, every individual works hard outside of the web. I have not seen opportunities relating to plastic surgery, but I think it could be possible depending on the situation in which it is discussed.
5. I don't think Tiao would have felt like he had more freedom if similar phrases were implemented. There would still be those standards and expectations form society, just like there is here in the U.S.
1. Both this article and the Travesti group make it very clear that Brazil's culture is very focused on outward appearance. I think they have such a relaxed view of plastic surgery is because it is a quick fix for their appearance issues. They simply view it as a way to improve themselves. In the United States plastic surgery may not be a big deal in the upper class but i think compared to Brazil the middle class is not as open to the idea if plastic surgery. I don't think this is because in the United States is less appearance focused but because plastic surgery is just not as acceptable to the US middle class.
ReplyDelete2. I think the driving force is because plastic surgery had become more and more common. I think as technology improves and these procedures have become safer more people viewed them as a viable option.
3. I think someone who has invested in plastic surgery would be much more accepting to plastic surgery as a quick way be more confident. Those who have not had plastic surgery could have any number of views depending on their personal views of modifying your body. They could believe that you should do whatever it takes to be happy with yourself or they could see plastic surgery as a bad option.
4. The socioeconomic hierarchy is very interesting as it is made up of so many contradictory terms as the article says. The fact that it was viewed as compassion for Suzana to pay for a poorer boys surgery was so wild to me. The idea that someone with money would be willing to do something like that for a less fortunate person yet also might not want to be associated with them in another situation happens all over the world. This type if system also exists in the United States where the idea of helping someone less fortunate is appealing yet actually involving yourself with them is not.
5. I do not think using language and American ideals would help Taoi or give him more freedom. Chances are he would have a very hard time moving up in the world without the help of those already higher in the social hierarchy.
1. In Brazil, beauty is is normality standard that people grow up with the idea of of having plastic surgery. They feel the feed to constantly improve their appearance to fit into society standards and to alternate your body is the best way to achieve it plus happiness as well.
ReplyDelete2. I feel it has to do with the media and what is portrayed on the television, because they are constantly seeing this "perfect" figure, it makes them want to be a part of it as well.
3. I don't feel as if having surgery done affects your opinion, bc I have never had surgery and I'm pro the idea of alternating your body if it is what makes you happy. However, I do believe culture could play a part.
4. I think in our western minds we see it as a shock to hear that the higher class pays for the surgery of the lower class as a kind of charity, but in Brazil, where their lives revolve around surgery then I can see why they would be so appriciate, because it is something they long for.
5. I don't believe those phrases can have such a great impact on someone bc they are just sayings and don't portray what we see in the real world.
1. I think that plastic surgery in our current time is very normalized not just in Brazil but in every country. For Brazil, I feel that plastic surgery is less stigmatized than in other countries but I believe in every country many people do have plastic surgery.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the increase in plastic surgeries over the past couple of years in Brazil is pretty remarkable. The increase could largely be due to people from all background having more access and means to have plastic surgery. I also think that the increase of plastic surgery in Brazil may be due to the fact that plastic surgery now has become an embedded practice in Brazilian culture.
3. Personally, I have never had any kind of plastic surgery, but, I do not think there is anything wrong with the practice. I think that if someone has plastic surgery it is mainly their choice and should be respected. I think the differences an attitude about plastic surgery among people are mainly centered on whether people should be able to change how they look or not, rather than, between those people who have had plastic surgery or not.
4. I do think this idea of people having different statuses does exist not only in Brazil but also in the United States. I do feel that money does make a huge difference in how people think and conduct themselves. The more money you have or the less money you have does really determine the kinds of experiences and knowledge that people are able to have about life.
5. I do not think that Tiao would have had any more freedom than he has currently within this ethnographic account if his life in Brazil were changed to that like the United States. I think this idea that the United States has fostered about people having the ability to lift themselves up and become successful is not necessarily true for everyone in society. I think that Tiao's circumstances of helping his family still would have remained and would ultimately cause him to continue to live the way he was originally living even if Brazil did change to be more like the Unites States.
1. I believe that plastic surgery has been normalized by society over the course of time. Plastic surgery is common all over the world as people value their appearances a lot. Although some countries like the US has people who shun the use of plastic surgery, there are some that agree that it can improve how people view themselves.
ReplyDelete2. The main driving force behind all of this plastic surgery is probably the media. Many people want to have the perfect image or figure so they undergo plastic surgery. It is also more widely available for more people to access. It also modifies the body faster than growth hormones.
3. I've never had plastic surgery, but there is nothing inherently wrong with it in my opinion. It's an individual's choice on whether or not they want to undergo plastic surgery after all. Maybe a person who hasn't had any plastic surgery might be reluctant at first, but perhaps their viewpoint may change after hearing the positives of having plastic surgery.
4. I believe that individuals within higher social classes exist in countries outside of Brazil. Although the offer to pay for someone's plastic surgery is definitely a unique case. I think in the US, most people would prefer money upfront due to people needing it more for their living expenses. I imagine in the US, most people see plastic surgery as a solution for injuries like burns or etc.
5. Although the US has many sayings like the "American Dream" or "Pull youself up by your bootstraps," these phrases may not actually help people in the long run. In Tiao's case, I think being able to help his family would be his main priority. Also I imagine that Tiao would have a much harder time climbing up the social hierarchy on his own.
1. I think the normalcy of plastic surgery in Brazil is both positive and negative. I think that if it is available and they want to have something done, then that’s fine. However I think it can come with pressure to look a certain way and to feel insecure about the features you have. Plastic surgery is becoming more normal and casual even here in the U.S. and it is common for people to strive to look a certain way.
ReplyDelete2. I think it is due to the availability of the procedures and how accepted it is there. I think it has increased also because of the pressure to look a certain way put on Brazilians by friends, family members, and the media.
3. I think the attitudes and opinions on plastic surgery don’t depend on who has had it done and who hasn’t. Personally, I don’t care if anyone wants to have work done and I would never shame someone for it, even if I don’t agree with their reasons behind it. I think those that have had work done can even change their minds about plastic surgery.
4. I think there are definitely some cases like Suzana and Tiao’s that happen in the United States. It is done differently here and not by paying for plastic surgery, but I think that “web” does exist. We see examples of this a lot when wealthy individuals help out the less fortunate, but I am not sure if the relationship is ever the same as Suzana and Tiao’s.
5. I don’t think those phrases would change Tiao’s situation and his position in society.
1. I think that people can do what they want with their bodies. After all, if a man feels uncomfortable having man boobs, then he may undergo surgery to fix it. If the surgery can make these people more comfortable with themselves, that is a desired outcome.
ReplyDelete2. Well the text mentions that beauty is one of the factors in maintaining social differences and for social visibility. It is definitely a matter of class.
3. Brazil is a very open country where the text states that half a million people have undergone plastic surgery. If it is so openly accepted and normal for most people to do, then the people who do not have plastic surgery may still recognize it as normal as well.
4. I think this web or hierarchy exists in all cultures including the United States. It's rare for a person to be another person's benefactor since as described in the text, that person would have to see that person as a human being first and not just another poor person before helping them.
5. The thing is Tiao needed to help his family out with the work whether or not the American Dream is involved. The American Dream still states that a person has to find success through working hard at a job and studying, which was Tiao's original plan. However, he wasn't given that opportunity to follow through with that plan. But that kind of American Dream would involve more financial freedom.
1. Although I do believe that people have a right to do what they want with their bodies, I also believe the normalization of plastic surgery as a "quick fix" is not a healthy thing. This push for plastic surgery to "fix" a person's body is often a repercussion of societal ideas about how a person should look. It is also another way to highlight socioeconomic differences between those who can afford plastic surgery and those who cannot.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the push behind the increase in cosmetic procedures is the increasingly strict and often unreasonable ideals society comes up with about beauty. These ideas put more pressure on individuals to look thinner, more fit, more "beautiful", etc.
3. Someone who has had successful plastic surgery before might be more open to it or may be more confident about it while someone who has never undergone plastic surgery or has had unsuccessful plastic surgery might be more worried about the risks.
4. Socioeconomic hierarchies do exist in the U.S. as well. I believe that most people in the U.S. would not pay for someone else's plastic surgery in most cases, but help them in other ways if they could not pay for food or other necessities. An exception to this that I could think of would be people helping pay for cosmetic surgery for children with cleft lips.
5. I don't think phrases like these would have helped on their own. These phrases are based on having new/better opportunities to succeed. Without these opportunities, the phrases would not mean anything.
1. I think that this normalcy towards excessive plastic surgery is due to the unhealthy beauty standards that come from Brazil's culture. I believe that everyone has the right to do whatever they want to their bodies, but this need to have excessive amounts of plastic surgery is unhealthy both mentally and physically. I think what bothers me most about the normalcy of it all is how it is easily accessible to young adolescents, whose bodies will change with age. The push for the removal of perfectly healthy tissue and fat that has developed in a majority of young boys is not something that is healthy for young boys.
ReplyDelete2. Again, I think that this ties to the unhealthy beauty standards that come from Brazilian and Western culture. In America, we think of Brazilians as tan, beautiful individuals who are think, toned, and curvaceous. Now, most of these standards are not granted to most individuals naturally. But with the rise in pop culture, this has become the normal ideal body type.
3. I think that someone who has had plastic surgery themselves will probably be more open about talking about, taking pride in their transformation. As for someone who has never undergone plastic surgery will probably be more reserved about it, due to the fact that it is a new experience that alters the body they have always had.
4. I think that is shocking how much social and economic inequality occurs in Brazil.It seems corrupt and unfair to those who were not born with the same advantages. And I think it's crazy how the use of plastic surgery acts as a signify-er for those of middle and upper class. I think we see parallel inequalities in the US, where there are still huge economic and social inequalities in certain communities.
Tiao’s life is greatly controlled by the people surrounding him. Do you think Tiao would have had more freedom if Brazil were to implement more phrases like “The American Dream”, or “Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”? If so, what would that freedom look like?
5. I don't think that these phrases would change the opportunities that Tiao would have. He is already a hard working kid, and he still faces inequality. If it weren't for the connections he made with Suzana's family, he would not have had the opportunity to have plastic surgery.
1. I think that the normalcy of plastic surgery in Brazil is unique and in a way, refreshing to see because here in the United States I'm sure that many people would have surgery if they could and many people do go ahead and have surgery when they can, but unlike Brazil where it's seemly embraced, here people are shamed for getting it and it even seems like taboo at times, which is why so many people lie about getting work done. I do think 12 years old is a little young though.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the increase of cosmetics produces comes from the constantly changing beauty standards in the media and people feeling like they have no other ways to achieve what they what other than surgery.
3. I think that it's possible for both to have either positive or negative opinions on plastic surgery, if someone who has had work done in the past had a negative experience the would probably feel badly mostly because of their own isolated experience versus someone who had a great surgery experience. Someone who has never had plastic surgery might find it to be good because it makes people who aren't happy with their appearance a way to be happy or they might judge it for being too vain, if it's for cosmetic reasons, I think it just depends on a person's point of view.
4. I think that the United States is similar to Brazil is the sense that there is a blatant socioeconomic hierarchy however, I think Suzana is rare I don't think there are many people who would pay for their son's friend to get surgery.
5. I don't think that Tiao would have more freedom if Brazil implemented phrases like "The American Dream" I went to elementary school in Nigeria and the atmosphere of how children are treated in countries that aren't in the western world is very similar to Tiao, many parents are protective and heavily invested in their children because they consider it a part of their culture and way of life so I don't think that these phrases would mean anything to his freedom.