It’s 2023, and there is a lot to consider when we discuss beauty standards, patriarchy and women empowerment. In totality, I think it’s safe to say that women are done with catering to the male gaze and trying to fit into a certain mould to meet a beauty standard. But what about that blurry, grey space of when we want to change our appearance, whether that’s with the help of cosmetic procedures or make-up for ourselves more than others? Where are we with that?
Well, we’ve had a little discussion, and spoken to our writers about what their take on getting cosmetic procedures is. Because we’re wondering; Does a person have to dislike themselves to want to change their appearance? And, is there no possibility of a person having insecurities and still liking themselves?
Here are the few things we’ve kept in mind for this discourse:
- How do we view cosmetic procedures in 2023, what’s the current census on the scenario?
- What do we think about how the public views celebrities and people in the limelight who choose to undergo cosmetic procedures?
- How does self-love show up in such scenarios? Can you have love for yourself and still want to get your appearance altered?
- How can insecurities factor themselves into the idea of getting cosmetic procedures done?
1. “A.) If someone wants it (cosmetic procedure) and they’re getting it, it’s their business and not mine. Their body, their choice.
B.) It’s good that celebs are opening up about their procedures, but again, they come from an industry where they are always held to unrealistic beauty standards and most of the time they do it under pressure. They also do it if they want to and that’s okay. When influencers/celebrities acknowledge that they have gotten work done, it shouldn’t become a national issue because again, their body, their choice.”
– Snigdha Oreya
2. “It should be a choice. People get cosmetic procedures for different reasons – insecurities can be a common reason. But, the people who judge other people about getting procedures done, also make people feel insecure. It’s a vicious circle. My the point is, there should be no judgment at all.”
– Manya Ailawadi
3. “A.) I believe everyone has the right to treat themselves the way they wish to. It is always a personal choice. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to owning yourself. I just feel cosmetic procedures should never be a result of peer pressure or in the light of meeting the unrealistic ‘beauty standards’ set by society. It’s okay to feel comfortable either the way you are, or by putting efforts or getting things done as long as it’s your call.
B.) People in the limelight have a lot of pressure on their shoulders to guide or influence a large group of people. I just feel whatever they do, they can be honest about it and let people make their own decisions. People might get inspired by them so it is important to put across every information and all the pros and cons about the procedures. That being said, it should be understood that they have the right, freedom and agency to treat themselves however they wish. It’s their choice!”
– Khushboo Vij
4. “A.) You can come from a place of respect for yourself and opt for cosmetic procedures. What I mean is that, as long as you get a cosmetic procedure done with a clear mindset, some amount of healthy self-esteem and compassion for yourself, and not because of peer pressure, it’s probably not the worst thing in the world. If something boosts your confidence (and you already have some kind of confidence and security within you), what’s the harm in pursuing it? There is a fine line between being a conscientious citizen of the world and being on your personal ascension journey. There is space for both.
B.) Having said the above, celebrities, and people in the limelight also have the right to think about themselves, about their personal goals. So as spectators, we can have opinions about their lives, but we can’t harass them or be cruel – that’s distasteful and unkind.”
– Harshita Singh
5. “It’s okay if it’s coming from a healthy place. You do you. I think at the end of the day we all are humans, just doing human things. Trying to fight our insecurities. Bashing someone because they’re trying to find their way through their insecurities is just uncool and unkind. Conversations around such sensitive topics are important, but pulling someone down to make your point is not going to solve it.”
– Ishi Kanodiya
6. “Personally, I feel to each their own. We can love our bodies, and ourselves and still opt for cosmetic procedures. However, I understand why celebs, especially women, are noticed for it much more when they get it done. There’s this conversation about the pressures of unrealistic beauty standards on women, about having to constantly look ‘flawless’ and it adds to that narrative. However, I think they have the right to do what they want to do with their body, with their money. Unless they aren’t being hypocritical about it. I mean, again, you can love your body and still get surgeries done. It’s a choice and not an index of your self-love.”
– Anonymous
7. “I believe cosmetic procedures are a blessing in disguise. With everyone going gaga over self-love, if one believes they’ll like themselves better with a little touch-up here and there, then why not, right?
When it comes to expressing our opinions about celebrities and influencers, I do not stand for it. After all, they too are humans and deserve the same kindness that you’d show to your friends & family. If they are willing to talk about it and embrace it then who are others to pass judgement?”
– Smridhi Girotra
Join the conversation. What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments!
