Aging – Anti Aging Health Issues News & Articles by HealthTree

In a study released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), it was noted that rhinoplasty (nose jobs) were the highest-ranking facial surgeries in 2007, particularly for those of African American and Hispanic ethnicities. Over the years, many have criticized these types of ethnic nose jobs as a sort of “whitification” of a person’s looks. Such people may have been accused of being ashamed of their culture or their heritage, despite whatever they could have said or done to the contrary.What, then, do these same critics say to the AAFPRS that 66 percent of men and 65 percent of women requested cosmetic surgery to remain more competitive in the workplace? Are these individuals suddenly “professionalizing” their look? Or, are they just taking advantage of cultural tendencies in order to get another step ahead by essentially putting forth no extra work?

Humans as babies are more drawn to beautiful things, and humans as adults are told to respect and love more beautiful people (at least this is the case in Western cultures). Rather than criticize people for taking advantage of this subtle evolutionary loophole, perhaps there is some respect to be given to people that are willing to go under the knife and change the appearance they are used to in order to give themselves a sharper edge against the competition.

African, South American and Guinea tribesman would ritually change their appearance through scarring and tattoos to make themselves more experienced and tough-looking. This would help them to gain respect from their peers and incite fear in their enemies. In essence, they would do this to make themselves more able to stand up against their adversaries and stand over their fellow tribesman. If 66 percent of people who had plastic surgery did it to make themselves more competitive, then how is that any different than the practices of tribesman, or more deserving of criticism?

It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there–in business as in the bush. Humans have always adapted to their environment in order to survive. Maybe nose jobs are just the first step in this new world?

Angela Bull

Photo Credit: Michael (mx5tx)