Edmonds illuminates the connection of beauty in Brazil to social class, vocation, and further medical opportunities. Through his conversations with the people he meets, it becomes clear that he is trying to paint a female-centric picture of Brazilian beauty; instead of reinforcing his male presence to the women he interviews, he attempts to let them speak for themselves. Naomi Wolf is right in many ways by saying that beauty keeps “male dominance intact,” but I believe that her interpretation is a gross oversimplification of how different aspects of beauty interact (Edmonds 29-30). In Pretty Modern, Edmonds examines how beauty in Brazil is less defined in terms of explicit gender roles and more defined by socioeconomic standing in general;
…show more content…
During the interview, she states that she is “horrified by [my] stomach” and that in her profession, “you can’t have a belly” (Edmonds 206). Unfortunately, she does not have the money for the surgery; Amelia comes from a very poor background, and was only able to become a model through a special opportunity program for those of low socioeconomic background. According to Amelia, her dream is to have the surgery on her stomach so that she can continue doing modeling. This has very little to do with male dominance and everything to do with money; in Brazil, having plastic surgery means that you come from a middle class background. This is why most models are middle class; beauty is partially by how much money one has and is able to spend on one’s appearance. Amelia’s desire for liposuction comes mostly as a means for economic and vocational survival; in order to continue modeling, she must appear middle-class. Without her plastic surgery as a means to appear wealthier than she is, she will not be able to have a steady …show more content…
In Brazil, “women who are more attractive than average enjoy a higher income” (Edmonds 108). He also points out that the penalty for not being attractive is losing socioeconomic standing, and can truly threaten the survival of those who do not have the means to ‘improve’ their appearance to fit social norms. While this behaviour in Brazil is likely to be seen as harmful to many citizens of the United States, it is important to consider that beauty has always been tied closely to wealth in our country as well. Even now, specific treatments like laser hair removal and skin dyeing are all related to one’s socioeconomic status. At the end of the day, it is difficult to imagine a society which isn’t completely equal to have beauty standards that are not based on one’s social and financial background and
During the interview, she states that she is “horrified by [my] stomach” and that in her profession, “you can’t have a belly” (Edmonds 206). Unfortunately, she does not have the money for the surgery; Amelia comes from a very poor background, and was only able to become a model through a special opportunity program for those of low socioeconomic background. According to Amelia, her dream is to have the surgery on her stomach so that she can continue doing modeling. This has very little to do with male dominance and everything to do with money; in Brazil, having plastic surgery means that you come from a middle class background. This is why most models are middle class; beauty is partially by how much money one has and is able to spend on one’s appearance. Amelia’s desire for liposuction comes mostly as a means for economic and vocational survival; in order to continue modeling, she must appear middle-class. Without her plastic surgery as a means to appear wealthier than she is, she will not be able to have a steady …show more content…
In Brazil, “women who are more attractive than average enjoy a higher income” (Edmonds 108). He also points out that the penalty for not being attractive is losing socioeconomic standing, and can truly threaten the survival of those who do not have the means to ‘improve’ their appearance to fit social norms. While this behaviour in Brazil is likely to be seen as harmful to many citizens of the United States, it is important to consider that beauty has always been tied closely to wealth in our country as well. Even now, specific treatments like laser hair removal and skin dyeing are all related to one’s socioeconomic status. At the end of the day, it is difficult to imagine a society which isn’t completely equal to have beauty standards that are not based on one’s social and financial background and