Thursday, February 7, 2008

Time Keeps Marching on...

...and sooner or later you discover it's marching right over your face.

This is one of the many memorable and clever lines from Steel Magnolias. I remember thinking it was funny, but never that it would be applicable. Sadly, in the last year or two I started to see time's little footprints showing up all around the eyes and mouth and who knows where the treacherous little feet will march next.

So this brings me to a question that I contemplate on a daily basis. To cut, or not to cut? That is the question that Shakespeare would have asked if he were a woman. Because frankly, the question is it better to be alive or dead is irrelevant--you are what you are. It is far more important to decide whether to let life take its natural course on your body or to use what tools man has creatively invented to make us look younger and "better."

I'm curious what everyone thinks about plastic surgery. Specifically face-lifts, or even botox. (Which by the way is currently being used by at least 50% of my friends.) Whaddaya think? Is it wrong to want to hold on to your youth and beauty? Does it have larger societal consequences or impacts on self esteem? Should you just age "gracefully" and embrace who you are and what you look like naturally? And why? I can argue both sides equally well and so I find myself in a bit of a conundrum, and I'm sure this is a question to which most have an opinion.

To be cut or not to be cut? That is the question.

9 comments:

xóchitl said...

Firstly, Shauri Quinn is timeless. A characteristic not all of us can claim unfortunately.
Secondly, to the girl who all Korean masseuses conquer has perfect breasts: I wish I had only time's tiny footprints. Instead I'm singing "Swing Low." (sigh)
And to answer the real question: I'm not sure if I will ever do anything cosmetic. I have no judgment on people who do whatsoever. What I find frightening is a) the risk to go under for something unnecessary when my family has so much to lose if something goes wrong and b) you hear about people who will never be satisfied with themselves and become obsessive and addicted. Could I secretly be one of those people and not be able to stop? And yet, I have a friend here who looks a lot like me in every way. She's done having kids and just got implants, put everything back where it belongs and now her body rocks (no one confuses us anymore). She seems really happy about her choice. I would have to do more research. Maybe your blog comments will answer all of my scientific questions.
That's a long comment and still no definite answer...I could be a politician.

Aly said...

I'm all for doing things to take care of oneself emotionally and physically, but I agree with Xochitl, that some of the risks scare me away. Here's my vote: First you find a really good esthetician (I used to be able to afford one when I was single). In my opinion, you look way too good to be considering anything more drastic. Second, take a good look at your beautiful mother, who you happen to take after, and do whatever she's doing to look so great.

KA said...

And maybe just consider the mantra: Michael Jackson.

Lisa said...

I myself have gone back and forth on the subject. After flip-flopping several times I've come to the groundbreaking philosophy of "to each his (or her) own."

Delsa said...

All I can say is that I love Aly -

Kris said...

Delsa, don't be so modest - you can just come out and say you AGREE with Aly. Everyone knows you look good (can I get an AMEN Bob? Gary?). ( :

As for you Shauri, you don't need to worry about a thing...at least not that I'm aware of. It was fun to see you - come back again real soon.

k wallace said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kwallace said...

first: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080208/ap_on_go_ot/botox_warning

second: may i remind you of your own passionate argument when i brought up the mere idea of botox? you said (and i quote) that i was looking to these procedures to fix something inside of me... that i should work instead on being happy with myself. remember that? face!

third: you and delsa are beautiful just the way you are. don't change a thing.

emily said...

I'm all for plastic surgery..in moderation. I certainly wouldn't want to look like some of the Park Avenue moms walking around the city (or should I say being driven around the city by their personal drivers). But if someone wants a nip here and a tuck there...go for it. Once I'm done having children, there will definitely be some nipping and tucking happening on certain parts of my body...

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