Beauty: A Human Right
Beauty as a Human Right: What Can America Learn from Brazil?
"In a world where beauty is often seen as a luxury, Brazil has dared to deem it a right."
Imagine a nation where the government foots the bill for your plastic surgery, where cosmetic enhancements like nose jobs, breast augmentations, or liposuctions are accessible either for free or at a nominal cost. Envision a society where beauty is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right, where you are empowered to alter your appearance to align with your inner desires and expectations. Picture a place where the pursuit of beauty is so intertwined with social and economic success that individuals are willing to brave risks and endure pain to attain it.
This is not a figment of imagination, nor a dystopian reality. It's Brazil, the world's second-largest market for plastic surgery, with an astounding 1.2 million procedures performed annually. In this South American country, the government subsidizes nearly half a million surgeries each year, providing plastic surgeries at public hospitals either for free or at a low cost. The concept of the "right to beauty" in Brazil dates back to the 1950s, when a visionary surgeon named Ivo Pitanguy persuaded the president that the "right to beauty" was as essential as any other health need. He argued that the psychological suffering caused by perceived ugliness should be addressed as a humanitarian issue.
"Beauty is not just skin deep; it's a reflection of the soul."
But what does it mean to have the "right to beauty"? What are the implications of this right for the economy, society, and politics of Brazil? And what can America learn from Brazil's unique approach to plastic surgery?
In Brazil, the "right to beauty" is not a legal or constitutional right. Instead, it's a cultural and social norm shaped by various factors, including history, geography, media, and identity. Brazil, a melting pot of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and races, embraces fluid and flexible beauty standards, allowing people to express their individuality and creativity through their appearance. However, it's also a country of stark contrasts and inequalities, where beauty can serve as a form of capital and power, enabling individuals to access opportunities and resources that might otherwise be out of their reach.
"Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."
The "right to beauty" in Brazil has both positive and negative implications for the economy and society. On the positive side, plastic surgery can boost self-esteem, mental health, and social inclusion for those who suffer from body dysmorphia, disfigurement, or discrimination based on their appearance. It can also be a form of self-expression, identity, and empowerment for those who wish to alter their appearance to align with their gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background. Furthermore, it can be a matter of justice, equality, and dignity for those who face barriers to accessing or affording quality healthcare, especially for medically necessary or beneficial reconstructive or corrective procedures.
However, plastic surgery can also have negative impacts. It can create unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, reinforce social pressures and stereotypes, and marginalize or stigmatize those who do not conform. It can expose patients to physical and psychological risks, such as infections, complications, or dissatisfaction with the results. Moreover, it can perpetuate social inequalities and injustices, as those who can afford private clinics or travel abroad have access to better quality and safer procedures than those who rely on public hospitals or illegal providers.
So, what can America learn from Brazil's experience with plastic surgery? While America is not Brazil, and there are significant differences in culture, politics, and healthcare systems, there are also valuable lessons to be learned.
One key takeaway is that beauty is not merely an aesthetic or personal matter, but a social and political one. Beauty influences how people are perceived, treated, and valued in society and can be used as a tool or weapon to advance or hinder certain interests or agendas. Another lesson is that plastic surgery is not just a medical or cosmetic intervention, but a cultural and ethical one. It involves not just changing or enhancing one's appearance, but also expressing or transforming one's identity, values, and goals. Lastly, the "right to beauty" is not just about access or affordability, but also about quality and safety.
In conclusion, Brazil's "right to beauty" is a cultural and social norm that has shaped the practice and consumption of plastic surgery. It has both positive and negative effects on the economy and society, and raises various questions and dilemmas about the meaning and implications of beauty. America can learn from Brazil's experience with plastic surgery, and reflect on its own attitudes and policies regarding beauty and health.
Sources:
- Rapana, J. (2018, May 10). Beauty is considered a 'human right' in this country. New York Post.
- Edmonds, A. (2018, May 2). In Brazil, patients risk everything for the 'right to beauty'. The Conversation.
- Mueller, R. (2018, May 2). Beauty as a human right in Brazil leads to risky experimentation on the poor. Medium.
- Dots on a Map. (2023, April 22). Looking at Brazilian beauty standards & culture.
