Two words: Renee Zellweger. Something tells me I need not elaborate any further.
Today on "The View," Rosie Perez had a few thoughtful things to say on women and looks. She candidly remarked that plastic surgery is like the "new mascara," which I couldn't agree more with. Although women donning make-up, jewels, and nicely coiffed hair has been both typical and traditional in many societies and cultures around the world since the times of Ancient Egypt, plastic surgery has taken fashion and design to a whole new level. If one has the money (thousands of dollars) for collagen injections, nip'n'tuck, or in the case of some Asian countries, even reconstructive leg-bone surgery (to add height), then one can undergo the procedure and change one's appearance. Not for medical necessity, nor even to transform one's appearance from one gender to the other (which makes sense, as does name change, for that type of personal choice of transformation), women--and in some cases, men--prefer to alter and correct their aging flaws. Wrinkles, thinning hair, and arm and thigh flab can all be "transformed." Perez also remarked that being mean, as in the case of the media's response last night regarding Zellweger, doesn't help. I think in many cases, plastic surgery leaves enough change to be noticed as is.
Whoopi then redirected the conversation to midterm elections. And I thought to myself...what a great segue. Because I have often thought, and remarked to my husband on occasion, that it would be great if in the political sphere, such as at election-time, if we didn't get thrown the name and photo of the candidates. Just list them as candidates A, B, C, and D, including their political party affiliation? Wouldn't it be better, I wonder, if we were just given their positions on issues, an evaluation of their ethics and values, and perhaps background information. But, maybe not even that, for is a candidate's religion, marital status, and drink of choice really necessary to know when it comes to running for public or governmental office? I mean, sure, I'm atheist, so the last thing I would want to do is cast my vote for a candidate who is uber-religious and one who will pass through faith-based initiatives. But, where do we, the public, draw the line? Where do we stand on issues like age, appearance, and physical presence? Is Chris Christie doomed for no reason other than his weight? Should James Woods, the blind atheist in Arizona who is running or U.S. Congress just give up because he posseses attributes that may not be the norm?
I thought Perez's comments today were well-considered. I agree with her when she said today that men do not receive the same criticism as women do when it comes to looks (my interpretation of her words). Richard Gere was grey at a much younger age than most and he was applauded for it. Marlon Brando's furrowed brow was both signs of austerity and a trademark of his image. And despite age, Steven Tyler and Keith Richards both get attention still as they row old, as well. But, women--rather than celebrate our age, many of us get depressed at another birthday, another grey hair, another wrinkle. I know I do, with my recent 38th birthday coming and going as proof. The only time I find wrinkles adorable are on Shar-Peis.
Yes, Ms. Rosie Perez said it perfectly. The new mascara. But, perhaps a trend frequented by those with the money, leaving the rest of us to pick up the good ol' Maybelline at Rite Aid and trudge on with a well-curled, blackened bat of an eye.
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