Think about the one thing you would want to get done in this short life span of ours. Many would opt for a new kitchen or bathroom or a closet make over. However, in the world as it is today, change doesn’t only exist in material options, but in physical forms too. Hence the next question; If you had the money, the time and you were re assured you wouldn’t go six feet under, what part of yourself would you change; have enlarged, stretched, smoothed-out, or even sliced off?
If you did go ahead with such a process, think about the reaction from friends, colleagues and even family members towards your decision.
Over the years, cosmetic surgery has received a mediocre reception amongst Nigerians, yet soured to be a $35 billion dollar industry in the other countries. Cosmetic surgery, according to the Skin Beauty Care Zone is one of the most commonly hidden surgical procedures that exist today. Most people prefer to keep such changes under wraps.
If you didn’t like something about yourself, what forbids you from getting it fixed? Your nationality, geographical location or religion? The general belief for some Nigerians on this topic embraces the religious perspective which focus’ on the theory that God created us in his own image and altering your looks is a form of disrespect towards Him.
Others argue that getting work done to your body is a luxury and there are “better” things to spend money on and the most interesting of them all, my favourite, is that it’s simply not in our culture. I bet there are many other “interesting” views concerning cosmetic surgery out there. This, I cannot wait to hear!
Based on my personal religious beliefs, I have to agree that God indeed made all of us beautiful beings carved in his own image. He gave us as Nigerians (Black Africans), a broad and flat nose, curvy hips and a thick skin. He gave the German’s and British (Caucasians) a firm jaw bone and their archetypically distinguished light skin.
How much does being a Nigerian faced with problems like the absence of everyday necessities, alter your perception of cosmetic surgery? When did it become a “culture thing?” Does this mean, that if we had the good roads, clean drinking water and a steady power supply, more Nigerians would jump on the plastic surgery band wagon?
In October 2005, the then first lady of Nigeria, Stella Obasanjo died due to complications during a cosmetic surgery.The news shook the nations and people voiced their disdain over the reason for her passing.Some people said, it’s not in our culture to have plastic or cosmetic surgery. Many failed to even feel pity for the late first lady, due to the nature of her death. Hence the rise of the big question. Is it really a cultural issue?!
Shouldn’t it be a decision based solely on the individual; taking into consideration his/her financial potency? I think this issue should definitely be thrown up for discussion. What are your views?
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