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The "Swan" Debate

So the other day I caught an episode of "The Swan". I remember this show being on Fox a few years ago, and I believe it has since ended. However, I still want to touch down on the subject, based on the increasingly popular image-changing shows that have appeared on what seems to be a monthly basis.

For those of you who don't know what this show was, it was a program where very homely females (usually overweight) are chosen to be transformed into the "Swan". These women then compete with eachother in the ultimate beauty pageant after their transformations. Hmm. Sounds pretty tasteless to me.

  BEFORE               AFTER

The women involved, went through a couple months of physical training, dieting and here's the big part...seemingly endless plastic surgery. We're talking - tummy tucks, nose jobs, breast implants, face lifts, liposuction and much more. If you could have a plastic surgery field day, these women would be the ultimate participants. Isn't it so sad that our society considers watching "ugly ducklings" become totally transformed artificiallyinto someone they're not? Are they that self depricating and depressed that they feel that is the only way to feel beautiful? What every happened to simply taking care of yourself? Diet and exercising? Yes, it's harder than hell (I personally know), but I simply cannotimagine, glancing into the mirror and seeing a totally different human being, whether more beautiful than previously before, or not. God didn't create you that way sweety, so to change everything he gave you just so you can be hotter than Pam Anderson is a bit messed up to say the least.

VIDEO:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7WkVwrRhxc]

I truly commend the other "makeover" shows. You know, the one's on Style Network that simply do your hair, makeup, and put you in some nice clothes. For example: TLC's "10 Years Younger." These guys take women who are worn and ragged, and literally make them look exactly that! I mean, they really do an amazing job on these women without having them go under the knife for even a millisecond. Now that is what I call helping people.

"The Swan" was only on for about 2 years I believe, and I cannot imagine what has happened to these women since. Having that much plastic surgery done, has to be very harmful for the body to some degree, and also most likely has to be maintained. I'm sure if these women did not have the financial means to begin with to even keep their hair done, I highly doubt they will have the funds to maintain such looks and such work. I'm sure it's more than hard to adjust to a completely different look, especially if you're completely socially inept or even just a bit awkward. I wonder how all of them dealt with their new found looks? To once be, the woman that no one paid attention to, to suddenly the woman who could get any man (or woman for that matter) that walks by her, has to be an immense change. I'm sure they have no idea how to deal with it, and although flattering - probably caused them much anxiety to a degree.

This goes back to saying that we as people, no matter how "ugly" or "attractive" society percieves us to be, are able and willing to adapt to who we are as people steadily over the years while growing up. Some go through a bit of depression, but others do something with it, and accept themselves for who they are, or better themselves (and I don't mean surgically). Changing your entire face and body with a knife simply isn't the answer. I can truly understand if someone is severely deformed or even has one lone problem they'd like to fix, but it is beyond sad that these women feel the need to transform entirely; and even sadder that Fox Network capitalized on it.

Looks, looks, looks.

Beauty, beauty, beauty.

That's all it's about lately. TV will continue to thrive with shows that praise and scrutinize looks - Dr. 90210 and America's Next Top Model being one of them.

On a personal note: When I met Tyra, I absolutely adored her. She was kind and funny and so REAL with me. At the end of our meeting and the show, she had told one of the producers to get my information because she wanted me to be on America's Next Top Model. Funny - I'm not thin. At all. Perhaps she wanted me to be one of the "Plus Size" ones, although I'm not large enough for that either. I was so flattered and honored that she had asked me, however I said no. People slap me and ask me why. Why? Because I refuse to be physically criticized for my size or looks on national television simply because I'm not up to Hollywood "standards". Modeling is not and has never been my ultimate dream, therefore I refuse to be another rag doll via television just for the ratings.

There you have it. Personal proof.

Physical beauty is not everything . . . cmon kids, we've been told that since day one.
Believe it.