Popular+articles

Works Cited- Popular Articles **  Campbell, Kim. “Just One Look.” __Christian Science Monitor__. 8 May 2003: n.p. __SIRS Knowledge Source: Leading Issues__. Springfield Township HS Lib. 22 Apr. 2009. [] .

A staff writer of the Christian Science Monitor, Campbell presents an informative commentary on America’s growing interest in cosmetic surgery, inspired from media spreads and the recent (at the time of publishing) premiere of the Extreme Makeover television series. Written for the average mature reader, “Just One Look” notes how, despite a recent, slight decline due to the recession, researchers predict that plastic surgery may become a trend as common as braces (2, 1). This is related to the U.S. culture involving celebrities and consumers, promoted by the media such as the show //Extreme Makeover// (1). Critics argue that with artificial procedures, countless persons will begin to look alike (2). For example, in an alarmingly short period of time, Brazilian women have shifted from reducing their breast size (lessening their “primitive” appearance) to enlarging it to meet the Western status quo (1). However, there is also a point that this definition of beauty is constantly shifting. Quoted in the article, University of Chicago professor Sander Gilman explains: “Freud called this the ‘narcissism of minor differences,’ and, taken together with the radical shifting beliefs over time as to what beautiful is, we may desire uniformity, but it will always elude us (2). Others also attest that cosmetic surgery merely enhances one’s own unique look and leads to a positive self-image, along with excellent relationship and career outlooks (2). Incorporating statistics and opinions from a variety of professionals and consumers, Campbell successfully eliminates bias and covers a good amount of information on the subject. This article contributed greatly to my thesis as it provides reasoning for America’s growing interest in plastic surgery and describes how users may be unknowingly losing their unique identity.

Cloud, John. “Joan Rivers’ Cure: Will Plastic Surgery Make You Happier?” __Time in partnership with CNN__. 30 Jan. 2009. Time Inc. 24 Apr. 2009. [] .

Since 1997 John Cloud has been a staff writer for Time Magazine, and before that a senior writer at Washington City Paper. This extensive experience shows through his concise and witty analysis of Joan Rivers’ philosophy: “Looking good equals feeling good” (1). Cloud clearly acknowledges a number of studies which have determined plastic surgery’s impact on psychology; in fact, 86%-97% of women are happy after undergoing breast reductions, and the majority of facelift patients over the age of 40 are pleased with the outcome (1). However, he also mentions that patients under 40 are not likely to be happy with a face lift, young men are less common to be pleased with results than older women, and there is a higher suicide rate in women with breast implants (though one could argue that they had implants due to their psychological insecurity) (1-2). Some consumers even have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition where they are never fully happy with their self appearance and usually undergo multiple surgeries. Overall, those with realistic expectations are those that are confident with the end result (2). A very factual piece, there was no opportunity for bias. Cloud simply provides distinct data and information which creates a developed understanding of the psychological aspects of plastic surgery. This piece supported my thesis very much by providing a foundation for how cosmetic surgery affects self image.

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Farrell, Jodi Mailander. “More Teens See Implants As a Right.” __Miami__ __Herald__. 14 Dec. 2004: n.p. __SIRS Knowledge Source: Leading Issues__. Springfield Township HS Lib. 22 Apr. 2009. < http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SPL2870-0-6979&artno=0000206958&type=ART>.

Farrell, a Special Sections and Features Editor at the Miami Herald and self-employed freelance writer, provides a detailed description of teens’ growing interest in cosmetic surgery. Overall, youth’s obsession with such procedures, especially breast implants, has grown dramatically between 2002 and 2003, probably because of a higher consciousness in body image due to today’s fashion and beauty trends. The total amount of women’s implants grew by about 215,000 over the course of 11 years; in 1992 surgeons performed approximately 32,000 operations, while 247,000 took place in 2003 (1). Advocates and most consumers state that the surgery promotes self esteem. One girl, like many others before and after her, explains her reasoning for putting out approximately $5,000 for a breast augmentation in April 2004, shortly before turning 18: “I just wanted to look like a girl. Girls have boobs and hips, you know what I mean?” (qtd. in 1). Many critics counter that adolescents are too young to consider the long-term effects of surgery—in the case of breast implants, breakage, scarring, additional replacement surgery, and/or complications with mammograms or breast feeding may result (2). One 19-year-old bought size D implants in 2001; two years later her family finally paid $6,400 for a removal procedure after her enduring frequent exhaustion and pain in the upper body (2). In addition, girls’ bodies are not fully developed enough to undergo such procedures (2). Including various interviews with doctors and patients alike, Farrell produces ample qualitative information on the topic. However, there is slight bias as more content is provided on the critical point of view. This article offered several first-person opinions on the physical and psychological effects of plastic surgery, as well as a societal concept of beauty, which aided in developing my thesis.

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Tancer, Bill. “The Young and Plastic Surgery Hungry.” __Time in partnership with CNN__. 7 May 2008. Time Inc. 24 Apr. 2009. [] .

General manager of global research at Hitwise, Bill Tancer writes a weekly column for both Time Magazine (“The Science of Search”) and The Wall Street Journal (“Click.”) In “The Young and Plastic Surgery Hungry,” he describes youth’s increasing interest in plastic surgery, based on visiting rates at plastic surgery websites. Most likely due to the media, such as the shows //Nip/Tuck// and //Dr. 90210//, young adults are now the age group with the most significant obsession with cosmetic surgery (1). Oddly enough, this situation is only present in the United States. However, recently there has been a decline due to the recession; most site visitors earn less than $30,000 annually (1). While younger consumers are now looking for the same drastic procedures at economical prices, their older counterparts are turning to smaller jobs such as facelifts, liposuction and Botox. Providing a series of well-defined statistics and facts, the article shows definite trends in cosmetic surgery interest; the factual essence of the piece leaves no possibility for bias. The information stands as an adequate support for my thesis as it describes and provides reason for the current interest in plastic surgery within American society.

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