Paper 1 - Sneha Yedulla

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Sneha Yedulla
Dr. Henry Cowles
History 305
22 October 2021
Warning: Reflections May Violate Socially Construed Ideas of Beauty
Society is bombarded with hundreds and thousands of images of beautiful models and
celebrities every year. Although these images portray surgically modified individuals and are
subject to intense photoshopping, those with low self-esteem and body image issues fail to
recognize this and see beauty in an unrealistic way. In fact, surgeries can be so deceiving that
Lang (1930) writes, “You can no longer be sure where God left off and the surgeon began his
handiwork!” (p. 1). Sadly, the appearance of “flawless” celebrities triggers the need for plastic
surgery in hopes of satisfying the picture of perfection ingrained in some people's heads. Having
the goal of perfecting one's looks typically leads to a cycle of chronic dissatisfaction, and
undergoing cosmetic procedures one after another can become just as addictive as drugs! To
better understand why individuals opt for cosmetic surgery, it is important to consider the
historical narrative and understand the origins of plastic surgery in the name of beauty.
In the early half of the 19th century, as Hollywood was growing as the center of the
American film industry, so was pressure among actors and actresses to look perfect for the
cameras. According to Lang (1930), in just a five year span, Dr. Ginsburg (a plastic surgeon at
the time) operated on over six hundred actors. Plastic surgery was becoming as commonplace as
The Paleo Diet is today! Lang (1930) lists “nose corrections, new chins, pinned-back ears, face
lifts, deep acid peels, [and] fat removals” as several of the procedures undergone by actors (p. 1).
At the time, actors chose to have such procedures done in the name of advancing their careers
and being recognized as popular movie stars. In other words, undergoing plastic surgery was not
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always a personal preference, but rather, a sacrifice for the chance at something greater. But, how
far was too far, even if it meant attaining fame?
Lang shares the story of Otto Lederer, a Czech-American film actor, who landed several
Jewish comedy roles following a nose job. However, he felt the surgery was a mistake as he
wanted to play different non-comedic roles, so he got another nose job from Dr. Ginsberg.
Unfortunately, he faced several rejections from Warner Brothers and other companies who were
displeased and told him his nose was out of character. As a result, Otto grew very dissatisfied
with the look of his nose. Otto’s story makes one wonder if altering one’s appearance multiple
times to achieve a desired look is worth the emotional turmoil. In fact, those who feel pressured
to do so are at risk of developing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and an unhealthy obsession
with perfection, which can lead to plastic surgery addiction—a serious illness which can have
devastating effects on people's lives. The addiction may cause someone to spend thousands of
dollars on surgeries (all of which may not make them any happier), continue undergoing
operations despite life-threatening side effects, and constantly shift obsessions to another feature
that needs to be “fixed.”
Despite the risks, many aspiring actors and actresses still opted for surgery. This raises
the question: How important was physical attractiveness to succeed in Hollywood? Lang shares
the stories of two actresses—Belle Baker and Vivienne Segal—who were originally singers, a
position in which talent proved to be more important than looks. When they came to Hollywood,
they were hit with the harsh reality that their noses did not photograph well. Vivienne Segal,
having undergone nose reconstruction, had a successful career as an actress. Belle Baker, on the
other hand, decided against surgery, and unfortunately did not experience a future as bright as her
counterpart. The stories of these two women highlight the significance of appearance for success
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in Hollywood, but whether it is just or unjust to prioritize looks over talent to such an extent is
still up in the air. Additionally, the stories of Belle and Vivienne raise the question of whether it
is moral to get cosmetic surgery.
Lang (1930) writes, “Are these people wrong? By no means. They are right. Their faces
and their voices are their stock in trade. They have as much right to try to perfect their faces for
their business as they have to take voice culture” (p. 1). This take on the matter is
understandable, as it should be up to an individual to do as they wish with their body. Lang
(1930) also writes that “A slight bump on the nose assumes the proportions of Mount Everest,”
emphasizing the harsh judgment faced by celebrities in Hollywood (p. 2). The statement almost
induces a feeling of sympathy for the actors who deal with immense pressure to maintain a
certain appearance. But, is there sympathy for the people viewing these celebrities on
inescapable magazines, billboards, and televisions, and comparing themselves to these
unrealistic standards? Unfortunately, there isn’t. This raises the question: Do celebrities have a
responsibility to be honest about plastic surgery? And, does it make someone a bad person if
they conceal the truth?
Lang (1930) writes that “a visit to the plastic surgeon was considered as great a secret as
to get married” (p. 2). This is quite upsetting, as celebrities have significant influence over much
of the general public, and being truthful could reduce many individuals' insecurities about their
looks. Specifically, people would stop having unrealistic views of beauty after seeing surgically
altered faces and bodies and being led to believe that they are natural. However, the truth remains
that whether or not a celebrity discloses undergoing plastic surgery, it is the responsibility of the
public to keep in mind the power of surgery and photoshop, and maintain confidence in
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themselves. However, it comes as no surprise that celebrities who are honest and transparent are
generally more liked and respected by the public.

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References
Lang, H. (1930, August). Would You Like a New Nose? Photoplay. Retrieved October 20, 2021,
from http://www.oldmagazinearticles.com/Hollywood-stars-discover-plastic-surgery-
1930_pdf.

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Yedulla 1

Dr. Henry Cowles

Warning: Reflections May Violate Socially Construed Ideas of Beauty

far was too far, even if it meant attaining fame?

that needs to be “fixed.”

is moral to get cosmetic surgery.

understandable, as it should be up to an individual to do as they wish with their body. Lang

inescapable magazines, billboards, and televisions, and comparing themselves to these

they conceal the truth?

generally more liked and respected by the public.

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