Black women Quote by Jennifer L. Pozner
““Some series teach us that ethnic features must be "fixed," by drastic means if necessary. Plastic surgeons with questionable ethics give insecure women of all ethnicities boob jobs, liposuction, and face-lifts on shows such as Extreme Makeover, The Swan, and Dr. 90210, ignoring medical risks and reinforcing problematic ideas about women's worth. Yet they don't make white surgical candidates feel like their cultural identity should also be on the chopping blocking - or that they'd be so much more attractive and fulfilled if only they didn't look so... Caucasian. In contrast, TV docs' scalpels reduce or remove racial markers on patients of colour. Black women's noses and lips are made smaller. In an increasingly common procedure targeting Asian women, creases are added to Asian women's eyelids.””
About This Quote
Source TV Show: Extreme Makeover and similar reality programs, 2000s
The quote critiques how cosmetic surgery media normalizes altering ethnic features, reinforcing harmful beauty standards and racial hierarchies.
In simple terms: Media pushes risky surgery to change ethnic looks, reinforcing harmful standards.
Key Takeaway
Question media narratives that equate beauty with altering ethnicity.
Themes
beauty standards
media influence
racial identity
body autonomy
ethics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- reality TV producers
- women considering surgery
- ethics boards
- cultural critics
Key Concepts
cosmetic surgery
racial politics
media ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal choice with societal pressure?
- What responsibilities do media creators have?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overgeneralize all surgeons and viewers, ignoring personal agency and diverse motivations.
![“It wasn't [Barack] Obama per se; it was the feeling on the ground; it was seeing an old black woman in a wheelchair being wheeled by her son waving a big American flag, and then seeing a guy with his baby in his arms saying, "I didn't want her to miss tonight! I wanted to be able to tell her!" And…” quote by Bill Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/806/bill-ayers-1848_able_it-wasn-t-barack-obama-per-se-it-was-the_20409.jpg)
