She's given her two cents on everything from abortion to anorexia -- but where does plastic surgery stand in the world of feminism?
The older we get as women, the more difficult it becomes to hold on to our youthful looks. Sure, we're living longer, but that doesn't stop our hair from turning grey, boobs from sagging and our wrinkles from appearing.
In a world where age-defying surgeries are possible, many women opt to have a few nips and tucks to beat the process. But where does cosmetic surgery stand in feminism?
The political activist dropped by Mondays with Marlo and was asked by a 50-year-woman (who was considering a surgery) if she thought plastic surgery sets back the women's rights movement.
"Well, it depends on the motive," Gloria replied. "It depends on the nature... it depends on what work you're doing. I can understand it's part of your life if you're in the public eye and you know, I've known women whose public life has been extended by 20 years by plastic surgery. But I think we ought to think carefully. If that's not the case, if it's not necessary in that sense, I think we ought to think carefully about a society that makes us change ourselves and instead of changing society. And there's something great about aging. It's like watching your body do something you don't know how to do. It's kind of great."
While I agree we should embrace aging, Gloria's response came as a surprise to me. I thought she would have been more open to idea.
As many of you in the RealSelf community know, opting to have plastic surgery is a very personal decision. For some, it's the right one -- for others, it's not (just check out the implant removal community). Childbirth can definitely take a toll on a woman's body, and sometimes the only option for a woman is to go under the knife if that's what she feels most confident doing. I think if a surgical enhancement boosts a woman's confidence and helps her get her groove back, then why not? Whatever the reason is though, it's up to the woman to make the best decision for her body. The reason shouldn't matter to anyone else but her.
Isn't feminism all about women having the right to make a choice anyway?
Now that I've shared my opinion, it's time for you to do the same.
