Posted by spoc on May 25, 2004, at 18:22:02
In reply to Re: Anyone watching Swan? » partlycloudy, posted by Wildflower on May 25, 2004, at 12:14:00
Hi Wildflower!
>... They're more positive people overall and they're able to now share the positive outlook to those who didn't go through the extreme surgery.
<<<< I would agree to the extent that the people in their lives can only benefit from an increase in general positivity from that person, but not that they would now have some kind of "authentic" or earned wisdom to share...
> ...It's like they were given a second chance. Don't we all wish we had that? ...Besides, I think many of us would go through a similar transformation if money were no option. We all have insecurities that we'd like to fix, don't we?
<<<<< Agreed again, but therein lies the rub, and what I find unfortunate about the trend towards these types of shows: a dubious bar is being raised, one that may soon look like just another torturous standard for people (and probably predominantly women, again) to live up to. But one that they cannot afford; may forego necessities or reason to procure; or may feel inferior without.
At this rate, "alterations" will be almost the norm someday, and while maybe prices would come down in relation, plastic surgery will always be something many can't afford and a medical/cosmetic risk they might not wish to be "pressured" by society to take... Free will of course remains, but the human tendency to feel insecure about one's appearance does too, and exerts a strong enough force already...
These transformations can definitely be entertaining to watch, but I don't really see this type of programming leading to anything healthy or good, or even innocuous. I don't think people can as easily put this kind of impossible dream behind them or into perspective when the show is over, like they may be able to after watching Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or something. Look at existing sure-fire profit industries, like cosmetics/anti-aging cremes and weight loss products. There will always be too many unhappy moths to those flames. Soon some may need more therapy just to be able to metabolize TV without further psychic damage!
Or at least that may be true for enough people to make this programming trend unfortunate. Expectations of being on the *receiving* end of "new and improved" will also rise for some, as in "...hey, ever think about tweaking this or that hon? That would look great on you.."
And geez, with The Swan, they even add another questionable dimension... A final judging between the subjects. The advice that the vulnerable/insecure forego such shows would help, but regardless, I wouldn't be surprised to see a societal shift in the drive for and/or expectation of plastic surgery. But sorry, don't mean to hamper any innocent fun either, carry on! ;- )
poster:spoc
thread:350242
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040525/msgs/350555.html