Will The Celebrity Plastic Surgery Articles Ever Stop?
Last week, as Hollywood reeled from ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, a news headline emerged with an interesting perspective. It wasn’t an impassioned article about writers being underpaid or productions being halted. Nor was it a commentary on overworked creatives struggling in an industry that’s notoriously cutthroat.
Instead, the story suggested that some stars were using the ‘break from work’ to top up their plastic surgery. Bringing in experts to testify about the rise in plastic surgery bookings, the story used the Hollywood strikes as a springboard for yet another commentary on celebrities undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures. Old news is an understatement.
But why, in 2023, is that being covered in the first place? Can we just pause for thought to understand why the topic of plastic surgery was linked to a trending discussion in which thousands campaigned for better pay and improved work conditions?
We’re not saying people that undergo plastic surgery should be demonized in the slightest, but we're scratching our heads over why this is still something that makes headlines.
So let’s take a look at the wider impact that these kinds of stories might be having upon their readers and what the alternative could be.
The fallout of the media’s fixation on body image
The reality is that there’s still a barrage of articles on celebrity plastic surgery which is adding to an already toxic culture of body image exacerbated by social media. Mainly reserved for the tabloids, these eye-grabbing headlines are still influencing our subconscious on a daily.
While there does exist a growing narrative that celebrates unique features, individuality, and natural beauty, we are still, not-so-subtly, exposed to a surgically enhanced ideal. These articles are then shared on social media and we find ourselves falling down the rabbit hole in a world still obsessed with body image. And we’ve had enough.
This type of narrative that idealizes perfection is troubling for many reasons. When media outlets continually put the focus on physical appearances and promote surgically-enhanced beauty as an ideal, we create a society that undervalues personal growth, individuality and uniqueness.
It’s also creating new generations where people are uncomfortable in their own skin. Given that a recent article also highlighted that there’s been a spike in under 30s seeking cosmetic surgery, we can see the spiral such media coverage contributes to.
How can we change this narrative?
Ok, we know it’s not just mainstream media coverage that’s contributing to body image pressures. According to the National Institute of Health, almost 50% of people surveyed about cosmetic surgery admitted that they were influenced by social media.
Shows such as Love Island also expose us to a certain cookie-cutter beauty standard. And, that’s before we even touch upon the influence that fashion houses, celebrities, runway events, beauty brands, and retailers have on influencing the general public.
However, as consumers of all of this information, we have a chance to change the system. That’s because brands are increasingly starting to listen to their consumers.
Let's start with the basics.
It’s time we stopped mindlessly clicking on articles with eye-grabbing headlines about plastic surgery and body image. That’s because clicks translate to ad revenue which actually drives the media narrative. If media moguls notice that readers aren’t clicking on articles about plastic surgery, then it’s possible that this could help to divert the media focus to topics that are healthier.
We can also challenge such narratives by demanding a shift in focus from physical perfection to celebrating diversity, and body positivity.
This means championing the movements and individuals who are advocating for real change in our society, promoting self-love, and focusing on what really matters. It means supporting smaller outlets that are trying to offer a unique perspective on beauty standards and sharing positive news with our community.
TIB’s role in redefining real beauty
This is also where TIB comes in. Short for This is Beauty, we are a beauty publication with a difference. And, we believe beauty is so much more than what’s typically portrayed in the mainstream media. So, if you’re looking for an outlet free of plastic surgery stories and endless commentary on body image, then you’ve come to the right place.
That’s because we’re all about uplifting our readers.
We believe that beauty is diverse, it’s a feeling, a mindset, a set of values, and we’re here to celebrate ALL of it. We’re not just another magazine, we’re shaking things up in the beauty industry by empowering our readers to redefine what beauty means to them on their own terms.
One of the big things that sets us apart is our focus on real people. When you read TIB, you’ll find fresh perspectives from real people that are redefining their own beauty ideals. They’re unique, inspiring and deserve the platforms typically reserved for celebrities.
At TIB, we are striving for a world where the norm is celebrating one's unique beauty, both inside and out. While we may be fighting an uphill battle against the mainstream media and unrealistic beauty standards, we're determined to provide a platform that celebrates real beauty in all its forms.
This future is one that you can be part of. In this reality, headlines will focus less on celebrity plastic surgery and more on celebrating individuality and fostering self-acceptance, because that's the real news we should be reading. Are you with us?
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