Plastic Surgery Pressure
Plastic surgery pressure:
Image credit: Simon Davidson
Bleached hair – check!
Boob job – check!
Nose job – check!
Lip injections – check!
Because in today’s culture, there’s only one path that leads to “beautiful.”
—
Related Reading:
Women’s Magazines
Media Portrayal Of Women
Hire Me as a Blogger
Subscribe to this Blog Via Email or Reader
Filed under Women & Feminism —
Email This Post,
Subscribe To Comments, Trackback,
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm →
You sure have a way of digging up photos like these….LOL!!
I’m so glad that you are highlighting this topic for discussion. It is a reminder that we can be beautiful, just the way we are!
I hope I am the first to comment today!!
Much blessings to you,
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Blessings For Healing
Jill responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm →
Funny and sad at the same time.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm →
Wow! What a makeover! j/k
Remember, just because this is what the media says we should look like doesn’t mean we (American women) strive for that. I think its only a small percentage of women.
Carla’s last blog post..Petroleum jelly possible cancer risk
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:09 pm →
@ Evelyn: Yay! You managed to be first today!
It’s not always easy to feel beautiful just the way we are. But it should certainly be our goal.
@ Jill: I agree. Funny, but also sad. Mostly sad, actually.
@ Carla: This photo reminded me of a recent visit to Beverly Hills. I was amazed at how all the women there looked the same – fake blond, fake tan, fake breasts. It made me feel SO SAD for the young girls that have to grow up in that culture.
Randall responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:14 pm →
Priceless!!!
Randall’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Carla responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:19 pm →
@Vered Ah! I’m not in SoCal (closer to your neck of the woods I think)- thats probably why I dont see it much.
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:34 pm →
Her roots are showing but other than that, good job.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..SIGN – The 4 Signs of a Strength
Scott McIntyre responds:
Posted: September 16th, 2008 at 11:49 pm →
A Mona Lisa ‘mash up’ with Pamela Anderson. Very clever
I guess it could lead to an entirely new, updated collection of the Old Masters…
I can picture it now…
Ruben’s portraits of voluptuous women re-imagined as images of size 0 models?
Perhaps not. You can see enough of those already in those magazines you recently highlighted.
Adrenalynn responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 12:04 am →
Great picture- it illustrates what I find to be true with almost every woman who has “enhanced” her appearance like this; they were so much more beautiful before the “improvements”.
Adrenalynn’s last blog post..No, I couldn’t think of anything more interesting to say
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 12:13 am →
LMAO Vered. If she was around today, I have to wonder how much touching up she would ask for. Also, I wonder if the original picture was enhanced to begin with? A portrait painter I know says folk often ask to be improved.
After Kelly posted that photoshop video, I had a good look through YouTube and it’s amazing what folk do to pictures. Yet, I’ve tried to remove a simple scar on photoshop and I can’t. I don’t know how they do it.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Grilled Frog On Toast Anyone?
Shamelle - TheEnhanceLife responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 1:18 am →
Good one!
Shamelle – TheEnhanceLife’s last blog post..Sleep Deprived ? 7 Ways To Revive Your Tired Body And Stay Energized After A Sleep Deprived Night
Lance responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 2:15 am →
There is this perception that “looks” have to meet a certain criteria. Unfortunately. Part of it is trying to match an image we see in a magazine, or on tv. And, that’s usually an image that’s been “enhanced” somehow, too. Especially for women… Beauty is much more than skin deep.
Avital responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 3:27 am →
What about the azure-hued eye-lenses… Truly, I think that if indeed every one would resemble the same beauty-model, than the exact opposite would have been reigned… In the age of starvation – it’s being voluptuous and in the age of abundance – it’s being skeletal. It’s always the hard-to-get perfection that rules (along with some theories about symmetry and the “golden-ratio”).
Avital’s last blog post..Journaling Prompt #17 – Regrets
Tricia responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 3:43 am →
That’s quite a makeover!
Busymama Kellie responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 4:06 am →
Well she looks sooo much better now. She really let herself go earlier.
Busymama Kellie’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Shh, if you don’t move she won’t find us!
Tiff@Three Peas responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 4:17 am →
The wonders of a boob job and a hair appointment!
Tiff@Three Peas’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Robin responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 4:29 am →
Oh Vered – that’s so funny!
It’s funny how in Australia the weather girl on the TV always has straight pale-blond hair and that wide-eyed face structure. What has happened to celebrating differences!
Robin’s last blog post..Insects Versus Mother Theresa
MizFit responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 5:07 am →
ok
) but that’s a personal issue.
it mightcould be FAR PAST TIME for a hair appointment here (a decade since Ive visited anywhere but supercut
I laugh that I told my husband premarriage: THIS IS IT. this sh** is gonna get wrinkled and saggy. Ill make an effort through healthy living but if you want someone who will make an effort via Dr 90210 methods pick another woman.
M.
MizFit’s last blog post..Viewer Mail. Subtitle: That depends on what your definition of average is.
BC Doan responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 5:20 am →
A total make-over!!!
BC Doan’s last blog post..To Add or Not to Add?
Chris responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 6:09 am →
My Main Man Leonardo would have love this one.
“Modern American Art” beat that Renaissance Man! LOL
Chris’s last blog post..Do You Practice What You Preach?
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 6:18 am →
Mona Lisa on the Swan. Does anyone remember that show? It was a low point in world history.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Are You Questioning Me?
Dot responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 6:28 am →
She looks SO much hotter now, and we all know hot is more important than anything ever.
@J.D. Meier – Everyone in Hollywood has roots showing. It’s the new “no roots showing.”
@Busymama Kellie – LOL!
Suzie responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:02 am →
Too funny. I like the boobs
Suzie’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
zoe responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:09 am →
Ah, the ever changing definition of beauty. I wonder what will be concidered beautiful 100 years from now.
zoe’s last blog post..LGBT High School, Good Idea?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:11 am →
Awesome.
One of the Adsense ads that are rotating on this page says:
“Plastic Surgery Vacations to Panama are safe, easy and affordable”.
Yay for contextual advertising.
Hey, maybe I should book one. I can get all beautiful and enhanced, AND meet Marelisa at the same time!!!
OK, off to make me some coffee, then I’ll be back to read your comments.
Tara responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:18 am →
Crikey I nearly spat my cup of tea out when this page opened!
She’s looking a bit chunky mind. Doesn’t her head have to be far too big for her (permatanned) body?
Tara’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Black Boxes
Max Forlani responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:43 am →
In other words, a Paris Hilton meets Pamela Anderson do-over
Max Forlani’s last blog post..How I Will Stop Smoking in 7 Weeks
SpaceAgeSage responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 7:59 am →
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was a Renaissance man, so he might be laughing his head off in his grave instead of rolling over in it … I’m sure his eyes would be popping either way.
SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Does life really have an Easy Button?
TheAngelForever responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:06 am →
LOL – Thanks for sharing that! Happy WW
TheAngelForever’s last blog post..Happy 1st B-Day to my niece (WW)
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:24 am →
It must make it hard for her to sleep on her stomach. And I bet her back is killing her.
Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..Stuff This in Your RSS – 9/16/08 – Shows Recently Added to Hulu
Vintage Mommy responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:29 am →
YIKES – those boobs look downright painful; someone needs to pop ‘em with a pin and release some pressure for that poor woman . . .
Vintage Mommy’s last blog post..Vel-a-cro, Spungie Cords and the Mirr-o
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:50 am →
Sitting here in sweaty work out clothes after a run, pre-shower laughing my head off…Um…I better go get my AFTER look going on…
I’m looking pretty *before*. Thanks for “reminding me”
You are SO funny.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..Dirty Dishes in the Sink
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:54 am →
You forgot trip to the tanning salon – check.
I find the concept of what is attractive very interesting on the French side of the Quebec/Ontario border. Now, I’m not talking Montreal or Quebec City here, where the look is more cosmopolitan. Nope, I am talking Gatineau. Hair the texture of straw from the use of home dying products, then 3 or 4 extra colours added in for good measure. Orange skin from trips to the tanning bed. Pancake make up to cover the lines created from the pack of cigarettes. Stilettos, too tight jeans, and a low cut top. Lovely.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Half light
Kmommy @ the Poopie Patrol responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am →
LOL! Hilarious and so true.
Andre Kibbe responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am →
Bleached hair – check!
Boob job – check!
Nose job – check!
Lip injections – check!
So many jobs mastered. A true Renaissance woman!
Andre Kibbe’s last blog post..The Multitasking Checklist
RC - Rambling Along... responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am →
I’ve already had to share this one with one of my coworkers.
RC – Rambling Along…’s last blog post..Where’s the fire?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 11:06 am →
@ Carla: My visit to Beverly Hills was quite memorable. I don’t plan on ever going back there, if I can possibly help it.
@ J.D.:
@ Scott: I LOVE comments that are even more articulate than the post itself.
@ Adrenalynn: “they were so much more beautiful before the “improvements”. Very true. There’s something plasticky and frozen and unnatural about an “enhanced” pesron. They are not themselves anymore.
@ Cath: It’s very possible that the original painting was enhanced. Re Photoshop, I have no idea how they do that – I guess you need to learn how to use Photoshop before you can perform all that “magic”.
@ Lance: No doubt, the media has a BIG part in promoting beauty “ideals”.
@ Avital: “It’s always the hard-to-get perfection that rules” – I think you’re making a very good point. It’s also true that there are theories about facial symmetry that makes a certain face appear attractive. Supposedly this preference is timeless, but when looking at ancient beauty ideals, I’m not so sure it is.
@ Busymama Kellie:
@ Tiff: Indeed. Just like magic.
@ Robin: “straight pale-blond hair and that wide-eyed face structure.” Yeah, I know the type.
@ MizFit: Ah, another comment that’s even better than the post. LOVE it. You’re smart. I think all women should have this premarital discussion. Wouldn’t hurt to tell it to themselves too!
@ Chris: I wonder… if he could see the blond ample bossomed version… would he think she was better looking than the original?
@ Writer Dad: I never watched The Swan but I read the reviews. What a terrible concept.
@ Dot: Of course it is the most important!
@ Suzie: You LIKE the boobs?? They look so… painfully swollen.
@ zoe: I am curious too. It keeps changing. Although preferecne for thinness, and viweing aging as ugly have been going strong for a some time now.
@ Tara: “Crikey I nearly spat my cup of tea out when this page opened!” – Glad my blog has this effect on people.
@ Max: The boobs are definitely Pamela-Anderson-size.
@ SpaceAgeSage: I hope he’s laughing!
@ Kim: I’m sure it is.
@ Vintage Mommy: They DO look painful.
@ Wendi: “I better go get my AFTER look going on…” You better! It takes TIME and EFFORT, you know.
@ Urban Panther: That’s an awesome look indeed. And the men LIKE it? Hoe classy.
@ Andre: “So many jobs mastered. A true Renaissance woman!” Indeed.
@ RC: Glad you liked it.
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 11:39 am →
@Vered – LOL Hoe classy! Too funny. We call it Gatineau Trash. Yes, the men they associate with definitely seem to like it. NOT the Lion I might add!
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Half light
Brandi responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 11:43 am →
Hey.
I just found your blog. It’s awesome but judging by the comments you don’t need me to tell you that! I especially like how Google Ads decided to post Plastic Surgery Vacation Ad on today’s post! Extra funny!
Martini Momma
DJ responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm →
Oh my! I believe it could happen, thanks for the best laugh I’ve had today!
DJ’s last blog post..Just Because It’s Funny And I Needed A Laugh!
Tena @ Punky Monkey responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm →
This is classic, wonder if she went to see Doctor 90210?
HA HA HA
Tena @ Punky Monkey’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
stpaulslim responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 1:36 pm →
You know, I was just in Paris a few months ago and was thinking how much prettier La Joconde would be if she had two soccer balls glued to her chest.
stpaulslim’s last blog post..Ana Marie Cox and Megan McCarthy on the current state of journalism. Two of the funniest bloggers ever.
Friar responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 1:49 pm →
Mabye somewhere between those two extremes….:-)
Friar’s last blog post..Motivating Yourself with More Inspirational Quotes
Connie responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 1:54 pm →
LOVE IT! its just so true
Marelisa responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm →
Well, now she’s lost all of her subtlety and mystery and is just another bimbo. Who’s going to stand in line for hours to see that?
Marelisa’s last blog post..Success – On Your Own Terms
Marelisa responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 2:48 pm →
I just saw your comment above. See, I told you, Panama is filled with women with enormous fake breasts, and most of them go to my gym. Come on over and I’ll take you to my gym so that we can have a good laugh
Marelisa’s last blog post..Success – On Your Own Terms
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm →
It’s sad how true this is. Did you ever see that British romantic comedy, LOVE ACTUALLY? One of the characters goes to the US with visions that all women are gorgeous and then he finds some small American town where the women all look like your Mona Lisa adaptation. They’re supposed to be goddesses, but both MusicMan and I thought the more unique and apparently “average” British women and the one Portuguese love interest were way more beautiful than Denise Richards and her plastic cronies. They sparkled, had character, and looked like a flesh and blood woman, not a PLAYBOY blow up doll.
Even sadder is that so many women believe this is how they must look for men to think they’re beautiful, when that’s not true at all. The physical traits my boyfriends have fancied in me over the years have included things like my smile, my curves, delicate hands and feet, rounded butt and more predictably, my boobs. No bleached hair, buffed bod, stand up fake tits and bulging lips in sight!
I love how you make us think with such simple images, Vered.
Kelly
Natural responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 3:40 pm →
Oh man, this is too funny. I looked at the after picture and thought it was a former coworker. Um, I’m a little jealous of her boob job.
Natural’s last blog post..EntreCard Therapy
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 4:32 pm →
@ Urban Panther: I would HOPE the Lion doesn’t like that particular look. I asked Ido and he said he doesn’t find it very attractive either, but he would need to see a picture before he can say for sure.
@ Brandi: Welcome to MomGrind! I know, contextual ads can create some funny situations.
@ DJ: You’re welcome.
@ Tena: Ah, Doctor 90210, another timeless TV show.
@ stpaulslim: And isn’t she indeed prettier!
@ Friar: You are such a GUY. You’re lucky you’re so funny.
@ Connie: That was my first thought when I saw this image: SO TRUE!
@ Marelisa: Panama sounds like heaven. : ) I know what you mean about using all her uniqueness and character.
@ Kelly: It’s interesting that many men just want real women, with flaws and curves and all. They don’t excpect us to look “perfect” and they certainly don’t want us to be too skinny or have implants. I wish we could be as accepting of ourselves as men are of us.
@ Natural: I wouldn’t be jealous of her boob job. It looks… very uncomfortable.
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 5:26 pm →
This Monalisa picture may be very reminiscent of a lot of actresses and their before and after pictures!
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Some Bits About Me
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm →
Hi Vered,
Good one! I’m betting she’s also sporting designer clothes and accessories.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..How Can You Tell If They Are Real
Jade/MommaWannabe responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 6:29 pm →
Hahahha you just made my day Vered!
Jade/MommaWannabe’s last blog post..Mom Wannabe Worries
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:11 pm →
@ Bamboo Forest: I think you’re right!
@ Barbara: I’m sure she is.
@ Jade: Glad you liked it.
Tara B. responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 8:44 pm →
LOL!!!!! I can’t stop laughing….sooo sooo sad, but sooo sooo true!!!!!!!!!
Tara B.’s last blog post..A Mommy Moment
Monika Mundell responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 9:00 pm →
Hahaha…the most obvious was the boob job. Now, why am I not surprised about this? I wonder whether she has auditioned for Hollywood yet?
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Do You Diversify?
Linda Abbit responds:
Posted: September 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm →
I think her AFTER name should be “Moaning Lisa” with all the plastic surgery she’s had to endure! UGH
But please, not ALL southern CA (or even LA) women go this route, Vered. I am au naturale, and my motto is “Nothing elective!” Luckily my husband loves me just the way I am.
Rita responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 6:43 am →
Vered,
Well, at least we know WHY she is smiling in the second picture and not in the first! Thanks for the grins
Rita
Rita responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 6:46 am →
Oh – and Vered,
FYI – I got my first “flame comment” today, telling me to crash, burn and die. Frankly, I’m flattered. I really moved somebody emotionally!
Rita
Rita’s last blog post..A Tail of Two Kitties
Dot responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 6:57 am →
@Marelisa – “Well, now she’s lost all of her subtlety and mystery and is just another bimbo. Who’s going to stand in line for hours to see that?”
At least half the men in America, from what I can gather.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 7:28 am →
@Vered
*Note to all of my blogging fans*
After a careful review of how much time it actually WOULD take to get my *AFTER* look right, now that Vered has shown us exactly what the AFTER is SUPPOSED to look like, I regret to inform you that I will only have time for one very short post a week. The rest of my time will be spent scrubbing, lifting, painting, filing, whitling away, starving, exercising for hours, photoshopping myself and standing on my head. Sorry to disappoint you but to make up for it, I will try to post my glorious self on my site so that you may admire me at your convienience.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..Dirty Dishes in the Sink
Don Mills Diva responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 8:19 am →
In the immortal words of Homer Simpson: “It’s funny ’cause it’s true.”
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..Marriage and the art of dance
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am →
@ Tara: Glad you like it.
@ Monika: Obviously, the next stop is Hollywood.
@ Linda: Moaning Lisa. Ha. That’s a good one. I’m sure not all SoCal women do that. I’m glad you didn’t! But I have to say that the women I saw in Beverly Hills were amazing, and not in a good way.
@ Rita: “crash, burn and die”. Wow. I’m glad you’re taking it so well!
@ Dot: The blond bombshell look certainly represents a sexual fantasy, but when choosing a real-life partner, I don’t think it’s the preferred look for many quality men. At least I hope so.
@ Wendi: Hahaha. Thanks for the laugh. I must admit that I woke up in a foul mood this morning and this really helped!
@ Don Mills Diva: Amen!
Raymond White responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 12:56 pm →
Aaaah the endless obsession with the externals while we neglect what is deep inside us. We deal with the stuff on the outside so we don’t have to deal with the stuff that sits inside us. It is easier to build a facade then to build your character. It is easier to build/create the person who you think the world out there would like then to stand up for your own truth and who you uniquely really are.
LoCTY!(=Love of Christ To You)
Raymond White’s last blog post..Who is this knocking……?
Kristi @ kikolani.com responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 3:31 pm →
I always find it funny when men say they are not into the fake looks, but then oogle the bleach blondes and unnaturally DD cups that go by. After watching Nip Tuck in particular, I have vowed I will never have plastic surgery unless I am disfigured in an accident and scare small children.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 18th, 2008 at 10:04 pm →
@ Raymond: So nice to have a comment from you!
It’s true. In a way, it’s easy to obsess about looks. To believe that if you only achieve a certain look, you will finally be happy.
@ Kristi: I’ll repeat what I told Dot, above… the blond bombshell look represents a sexual fantasy, but when choosing a real-life partner, I HOPE that quality men are not looking for that.
Stacey / CreateaBalance responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 5:25 am →
I think I’ve said this on your blog before… sometimes I just want to shake our culture upside down. Thanks for providing me an outlet to shake!
Stacey / CreateaBalance’s last blog post..Bingo! Embracing Money
Sire responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 7:26 am →
And yet she looked so much better before the enhancements. You will have leonardo turning over in his grave.
Sire’s last blog post..Man’s Struggle With Controlling His Urges
Ellen Wilson responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 8:16 am →
Vered,
I wonder if this makeover stuff happens is more prevalent in California than in other parts of the US. Well, it probably happens where ever women have money and feel insecure. It would make for an interesting study, though.
I remember when the lip injection stuff started getting popular. Silliness.
The new Mona Lisa is ready for a shot on American Idol. Haaaa!
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..Theme Contest
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 9:45 am →
@ Stacey: me too.
@ Sire: “You will have leonardo turning over in his grave.” Or, he is laughing at the whole thing.
@ Ellen: I’m sure it has a lot to do with local culture and of course with being finanially able to affors all this stuff.
Dave Jones, CPA responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 9:58 am →
I hate to be a sexiest shallow pig but I am a male so what do you expect. I think she would be more hot (in a slutty kind of way) if you took the boobs and put them on the before picture.
Munchkins and Music responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 2:44 pm →
It’s sad but true!
Munchkins and Music’s last blog post..Rhythm Lesson #5
Christina Narciso responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pm →
This left me wordless…
Sire responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 4:56 pm →
I don’t know, shocked is more like it. He’s probably shaking his head at the way some women ruin their natural artistic beauty.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm →
@ Dave: “I hate to be a sexiest shallow pig but I am a male so what do you expect.” I’m glad you said it, so I don’t need to.
@ Munchkins and Music: I agree.
@ Christina: Same here.
@ Sire: Shocked sounds about right.
Dave Jones, CPA responds:
Posted: September 20th, 2008 at 7:12 am →
On a sadder and more serious note….I was watching a TV show (reality or whatever) about a plastic surgeon on the west coast doing plastic surgery on girls as young as 13. Personally, I don’t think it should be allowed on anyone under 21 even if they do have their parents consent (a lot of parents are idiots).
Davina responds:
Posted: September 20th, 2008 at 8:05 pm →
Hi Vered. Now THAT is something to smile about! (Especially if you are a plastic surgeon.) I wonder if She is still a She? Could be a He under all those clothes!
Davina’s last blog post..Stepping Out Of These Old Shoes
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 20th, 2008 at 10:11 pm →
@ Dave: I agree. This is highly disturbing. Some parents ARE idiots.
@ Davina: Everything’s possible.
hyrcan responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm →
HAHAHA! I laughed out loud when I saw this on my trip, I didn’t get a chance to comment though. But had to come back and comment on it… I suppose you’ve seen the Dove “Evolution” ad? If not… here it is.
Ahh so many great comments, and I’m sooo behind… must catch up to the rest of you! haha! Attack of the longs posts…lol
@Scott: Hmm… Ruben in size 0. I may take on that challenge, but I’d be afraid of a large portion of people missing the point.
@Adrenalynn: “they were so much more beautiful before the ‘improvements’.”
I agree completely.
@Cath: “I wonder if the original picture was enhanced” That is an intriguing question. It was after all one man’s perception of her. I wonder if it was enhanced, even if only on a sub-conscience level.
@Writer Dad: I mentally block out all “reality TV” from my mind.
@Vered: I got a “Kellie Pickler Ringtones” ad. Do they do visual contextual advertising too? Because after the make over “Lisa” looks like her sister.
@Marelisa: Who’s going to stand in line for hours to see that? Sadly more people than you may think… And they’ll usually pay quite a bit for the opportunity.
@Rita: Ha! Welcome to the Internet. One almost can’t say they post things online till they get someone flaming them.
@Dot: And some portion of the women sadly.
I’ll be in the other half of men, incase anyone had any doubts…
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm →
@ Hyrcan: Did I mention that I missed you?
Yes, I saw the Dove video. Amazing.
“Do they do visual contextual advertising too?” – Ha. Apparently they do.
On Simplicity » Blog Archive » Weekly Links: No Excuses Edition responds:
Posted: September 27th, 2008 at 9:47 am →
[...] this one’s not fresh, but MomGrind’s Wordless Wednesday last week is a fantastic reminder that simple can be [...]
Women's Magazines | MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 10:51 am →
[...] post, you will probably enjoy these too: Top Ten Fashion Mistakes Powerful Men, Half-Naked Women Mona Lisa, Enhanced Ten Bizarre Ads: What Were They Thinking? Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe by RSS or email and [...]
10 Bizarre Ads: What Were They Thinking? | MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 12:22 pm →
[...] Men, Half-Naked Women You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten Reasons To Stop Mona Lisa, Enhanced Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe by RSS or email and you’ll always know when I publish a new [...]
Hicham responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm →
‘Sad But True’ because natural beauty has not merely been dimmed behind fake extreme make overs but mainly iconized into who buy what for how much!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 1st, 2008 at 8:33 pm →
@ Hicham: I agree.
D responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm →
I disagree with your allegation that there’s only one path to beautiful in America.
The boob job is unnecessary. Many women with less in that department than the Mona Lisa (i.e. Keira Knightley) are popularly viewed as beautiful. Of course, Keira Knightley is painfully thin, but beautiful nonetheless.
And for my money, she should keep her dark hair… but get some blazing blue eyes (contacts?) to go with it.
Carla responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm →
I hate the idea that the celebrities set the standard of beauty in this country. In the ’80 and 90s, celebrity women pumped themselves with silicon because big breasts were in, now its all about the AAA cup. Why cant we just accept that the natural DD cups are just as beautiful (in its own way) as the AAA?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm →
@ D: So. You like dark hair and blue eyes.
@ Carla: Small boobs are in? I had no idea. I guess that’s because I don’t read women’s magazines anymore.
dishthehappyfish responds:
Posted: October 4th, 2008 at 2:53 pm →
OMG…you are kidding?????? AAAs in style. Wahhoooooooooooooo. Bless you all for telling me this. I had no idea. I live in the country and we are always the last to pick up on the latest fashion trends. I wonder how many months til the trend reverses? Well at least I’m hot for now!
Heck…I may even be a bit large. Nah…I just peeked. I bet I am just right.
Carla responds:
Posted: October 4th, 2008 at 5:44 pm →
Yep! Thats right! AAAs are in. Look at the fashion magazines. Most of the tops and dresses are designed for women who dont have large breasts. Small breasts is a good indication that you are most likely thin too.
Carla’s last blog post..Schwarzenegger Vetoes Bill to Ban Cancer-Causing Teflon Chemicals in Food Packaging
D responds:
Posted: October 5th, 2008 at 9:12 pm →
@MomGrind: I think I’ve been conditioned that way. It’s been my fortune to meet some truly amazing women who happened to have dark hair and blue or green eyes. I think all women are beautiful and certainly have nothing against blonde or red hair or brown eyes, I just have certain emotions (I believe they are the emotional parts of memories of one or two women I’ve known) connected with certain facial configurations.
I probably think about these things way more than most people do.
Women Who Say No To Photoshopping | MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 13th, 2008 at 9:26 am →
[...] Reading from MomGrind: Mona Lisa, Enhanced You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You 10 Reasons To [...]
Meredith responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm →
Can a sad person be happy, just by pretending?
Can a fat woman be thin, just by redefining terms?
Can a poor man be rich, if he complains enough about women wanting to date rich men instead of him?
Sorry, but standards of ideal beauty aren’t unfair just because complainers don’t meet them. I sure don’t–but I’m not complaining; I’m improving. I’m far healthier and happier now than even my best days as an entitled self-esteem demander. You don’t deserve respect or self-esteem if you did nothing to earn it. This is something men are taught early on, but women are taught that these things are inherently deserved and should be demanded.
Tell me, how many men do you see complaining about the portrayal of charismatic, successful, strong, rich, and buff men in the media? Surely this doesn’t reflect reality, so why don’t we have such a strong backlash? To a man, a standard presents goals and a chance to be inspired to do something about it. To a woman, a standard is another excuse to complain if she doesn’t already meet it through no effort on her part.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm →
@ Meredith: I think the main problem is, that the male ideal focuses on something that can be achieved through hard work and using one’s brains and talent, while the female ideal focuses on how a woman looks.
Carla responds:
Posted: October 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm →
When you are expected to wear makeup to many job interviews when all a man has to do is shave in the morning, how is feeling upset about it acting/being entitled?
Carla’s last blog post..Nine Ways to Avoid Household Toxins
Funny Hairstyles | responds:
Posted: November 14th, 2008 at 2:15 pm →
[...] you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy these: Top Ten Fashion Mistakes Women In The Media Plastic Surgery Pressure 10 Bizarre Ads: What Were They Thinking? You Read Women’s Magazines? I’ll Give You Ten [...]
I Read A Vogue Article And Now My Brain Hurts | responds:
Posted: November 26th, 2008 at 4:04 pm →
[...] this article? Try these too: Media Portrayal Of Women Women Who Say No To Photoshopping Plastic Surgery Pressure Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed Non-Botoxed Actresses. Awesome. Bookmark this on [...]
20 Ways To Help Your Child Develop A Positive Self Image | responds:
Posted: January 12th, 2009 at 1:01 am →
[...] message that the most important thing about a woman is her looks, and that beauty has a very narrow definition. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of your daughter; avoid buying women’s [...]
Women And Body Image: Ten Disturbing Facts | responds:
Posted: March 1st, 2009 at 10:48 pm →
[...] Reading: Sex Sells? You Tell Me Plastic Surgery Pressure Breaking: Cosmo Magazine To Change Its Name I Read A Vogue Article And Now My Brain Hurts [...]
Love Yourself as a Woman responds:
Posted: August 7th, 2009 at 11:17 pm →
[...] Reject the notions that a woman must suffer for beauty, and that “beautiful” has just one definition. During my teens, in the late eighties, I desperately wanted to look like the models I saw on [...]
Lyn Harris responds:
Posted: October 10th, 2009 at 3:36 pm →
This is really a good post. There’s no way we can be perfect. Maybe if we stayed out of the wind, wore a girdle, and slept with our hair in toilet paper like days of old. I still remember when I was a psychologist in training and had to learn interview techniques. My prof’s constructive comment, “You ought to wear a girdle.”
What’s interesting, too. The ads picked up around the post are for laser hair removal, lipo & plastaic surgery.
Somehow I missed the smile but those boobs were eye catching.
Thanks for funny. We need more funny in this world so we don’t take ourselves so seriously.
Lyn
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 10th, 2009 at 7:44 pm →
Lyn,
Thank you for your comment. I visited your blog – that post by Beverly Isenberg broke my heart. I am only 38, but I’ve watched grandparents lose their spouses. I often think about what it must be like and my heart aches when I do.