Beauty, Body Modifications, and Plastic Surgery

Have you ever thought about Beauty as a philosophical or even to say an ethic definition. If you can say a definite 'yes', then you will discuss this topic with pleasure. How should you keep a health and spiritual beauty? Do you think that standards of beauty are personal, or rather social constructs? Would you say that people spend too much time and money on beauty? Do you have negative feelings toward individuals who “put a mask on” everyday, thus changing their essential appearance in public? If you are interested in these questions, no doubt, you'll be a part of this discussion.

Topic: Beauty, Body Modifications, and Plastic Surgery

Fun Fact of the Day: “One out of four American households own a cat” (blindloop.com).
Topic:
1. What is “beauty”? What do you consider “beautiful”? Do you think that standards of beauty are personal, or rather social constructs? How do these standards change over time? Are they dependent on such factors as age, gender, socioeconomic class, nationality, etc.? Do you agree with the proverb, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”?
2. Do you think that beauty is directly related to success? Do beautiful people get hired for jobs or promoted more easily? What is more applicable to daily life: physical attractiveness, intelligence, or wealth? Is beauty related to “power”? How so? Do you think that beauty is more positive or negative for those considered as “beautiful”?
3. Would you say that people spend too much time and money on beauty? Should there be a limit to modifications of a person’s appearance through natural means? What can people do naturally to change their looks? What is your opinion about cosmetics and hair alterations? Do you have negative feelings toward individuals who “put a mask on” everyday, thus changing their essential appearance in public?
4. What is your opinion about “plastic surgery”? How is plastic or “cosmetic” surgery different from “reconstructive” operations? Do you think there should be a minimum age for such surgeries? What are the most popular surgeries in Ukraine and worldwide? Do you think a person’s desire for such operations is related more to self-esteem or social pressure? Would you ever consider getting surgery?
5. Have you ever felt pressured to or willingly changed your looks to participate in body modification trends? What is “body modification”? What is your opinion about body piercings and tattoos? Do you have any tattoos? Do you think that someone could have too many tattoos or piercings? How do standards of acceptance vary across cultures? What other, perhaps less common, forms of “body modification” have you heard of?
6. What is your opinion about beauty pageants and contests mostly judged on appearance? How do celebrities alter beauty standards for residents in a particular country? Do you think that these institutions reinforce the idea that “beauty is skin deep”? Is there a way to promote healthier standards of beauty? Is there anything in our world do you consider the most beautiful? Are there any “pure” examples of this beauty? Why do you think it is beautiful?
Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

Thursday, 09 May- Holiday
Saturday, 11 May at 10:30