Have a Facelift to Get or Keep a Job?
by Barbara Morris, R. Ph.
A recent article by Penelope Trunk, "Why Your Career Needs Plastic Surgery-Literally" created a firestorm of mostly negative comments. The gist of her article is that if you want to get ahead in the business world, you have to look good. That means, possibly having cosmetic surgery, fixing your teeth, and being in shape.
Many women satisfied with how they look didn't like Ms. Trunk's advice. Most were adamant that their ordinary appearance did not hinder their success. But then, how could they know for sure? Perhaps an above average appearance would have paid off in even greater success.
Unfortunately, appearance is often a measure of competence. When you look old, or simply "older" the assumption is that in some way you must be mentally and/or physically compromised. It's worse for women. Withered old men are "wise"; wrinkled old women are, well, old.
Let's get real. We live in a disgustingly ageist society. Not only do we not like "old" people, it is not the norm to appreciate what they have to offer, except, perhaps, when they make fools of themselves. We laugh at old people when they behave like immature teenagers craving attention. Witness Betty White on SNL. What is so funny about an old woman with a raunchy mouth? Yes, I know criticism of bawdy banter makes one an old fuddy-duddy, but so what. She did nothing to elevate the status, potential, or dignity of mature women.
Betty is free to do as she chooses with her life and her appearance but what if she had gotten a facelift, got back into shape, and used her celebrity and comedic talent to inspire older women to explore and develop their latent potential in ways that do not denigrate the number of years lived. God knows there is a shortage of high profile role models to encourage mature women to make the most of their accumulated wisdom, experience, and untapped abilities.
Could Betty have done something else besides getting a facelift that would be inspiring and encouraging for older women? Absolutely. She could have gone back to school, volunteered, or started a new business to help older women. But here's the thing: Regardless of the amount of inspiration received from others, when you are not only chronologically old, but when you look in the mirror the image staring back at you confirms that you have lived a lot of years and the best is over. It sends a powerful message: why bother trying to go forward with your dreams.
But know this, as well: When you are old in years, and you still have a fire in your belly, still wanting to fulfill your potential, and you look like you did even ten years ago, a youthful reflection in the mirror assures you that you still have the stuff to fulfill your dreams. It is unrealistic to deny that what you think about yourself and your abilities is not influenced by what you see in the mirror.
Say what you will about Joan Rivers and her cosmetic surgeries, but she is certainly interesting to look at, and I suspect she sells a lot more of her wares on the home shopping channel because she does look good--as fake as everyone knows it is. Think about it - would you be more inclined to buy jewelry from the wrinkly, saggy version of Joan Rivers or the new and improved, youthful, inspiring Joan Rivers?
Women (and men) who want to broaden their opportunities do what they think they have to do to get ahead. We all make career choices and the choice to have cosmetic surgery is just as valid as a choice to go back to school to get an MBA if that's what you think it takes to help you get where you want to go in life.
If you are satisfied with your appearance, lucky you. If you are not satisfied, lucky you as well because you don't have to live with what you don't like about your appearance, especially if you think it is holding you back from reaching your potential. Life is too short not to go for it when reasonable tools are available to help you along the way.
Source: June, 2010 Put Old on Hold NewsletterBarbara Morris — Image F/X Publications
Barbara@PutOldOnHold.com
© 2010 – Image F/X Publications, All rights reserved. If you "borrow" my articles, or other articles in this newsletter please do not re-write them as your own. Give proper attribution. Thanks!
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