Thursday, June 17, 2004

Subtle Makeovers!!!!

I was just watching "Extreme Makeover" for the first time, and I now know more than I ever wanted to know about chin implants. Who (other than the surgeons who implant them) knew that they look like miniature breast implants?

It would be great if there could be a show called "Overly Subtle Makeover" in which participants go to the dentist for a regular cleaning, or maybe change from flats to high heels. It could be on IFC or Bravo, as an antidote to the other, more flashy show on ABC.

Here's an ethical dilemma posed by "Extreme Makeover," one entirely unrelated to the obviously controversial surgeries:

Let's say, like the chin-challenged woman on tonight's episode, you're at a restaurant with friends when suddenly someone comes to your table and announces that you're about to receive an Extreme Makeover. Isn't it at least a little bit rude if your friends start cheering, thrilled that you're finally going to be made less hideous? Sure, they're just happy for their friend who so wants a new nose/face/body, but such enthusiasm is simply uncalled-for.

What, then, is the appropriate response to finding out that one's friend is about to be made less ugly, on national television, no less? It seems there couldn't possibly be a correct response, given the ridiculousness of the situation, so maybe loud, enthusiastic encouragement really is the way to go.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

hey, i always thought the same exact thing about the show. I watch it occasionally- my cousin is one of the producers. Imagine throwing a party or celebrating because you are so ugly that you are getting plastic surgery- and having all of your friends and family join in!!! If someone bought me a gym membership for a present, or a personal trainer, I'd be fairly insulted unless I'd made it clear that I wanted it. Maybe all these people are just really, really open about their insecurities to everyone they have ever met.


-Diana (we're at school together-I was screwing around with the facebook and looked at your blog tonite).