Seeking Perfection's Shadows: Kylie Jenner's Boob Job and its Implications
"Individual exhibits poor judgment, particularly for their advanced years, with a resemblance to a fool in their attire."
Column by Sabine Oelmann Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
"You're rocking that look!" may appear as a compliment, but it subtly perpetuates age discrimination and a limited perspective of women. Why some women continue to define themselves by "perfect" assets, join us on this investigation (or are they really buying my sold-out soul?).
Seventy-four-year-old Iris Berben, a timeless beauty for men of all ages, shares her concerns in an interview with "Stern." She expresses her disappointment regarding the direction our society has taken regarding women's self-image. "What did our generation actually go out into the streets for?" she wonders. "What were we demanding? A self-determined image of women, in our own responsibility."
It's clear: we are falling behind. Individuals who don't align with a narrow beauty ideal face punishment, and conformity is usually the only path to acceptance. This problem is not limited to physical perfection but extends to social media, where an ever-increasing pursuit of perfection is celebrated. Women who don't fit the beauty mold find themselves labeled as "ugly," causing most to reject such criticism.
So what are these untouchable features we should all aspire to have? Well, in our contemporary culture, big butts, breasts, and lips are desirable, whereas smaller attributes like bellies, thighs, and various body parts are deemed less favorable, all depending on the latest trend.
Performance vs. Presentation
As Berben sees it, the world now values surface-level perfection over character development. Despite social media promising perfection, it's nothing more than an illusion. Women who fail to meet the beauty criteria often experience public shaming, with insults such as "old, fat, poor," only increasing the pain.
Berben, although hopeful about the new generation, finds that two trends have emerged within her field, film: those who prioritize their performance and those who care solely about appearance.
The Perfection Pursuit
For those who aspire to the latter group, the desire for flawlessness often begins with their attributes — particularly breasts. Kylie Jenner, a Kosmetik wunderkind and a member of the Jenner-Kardashian dynasty, recently admitted to undergoing breast augmentation. Her revelation was celebrated like an innovative breakthrough, as if she discovered the secret of immortality. "Boob job" it's called, and her younger, intellectual heartthrob, Timothée Chalamet, seems to embrace his girlfriend's enhancements.
But why would a woman already adored for her perceived perfection feel the need to alter her body? And isn't this a dangerous game that encourages young women to doubt their self-worth?
Who's Kylie Jenner, really?
Twenty-seven-year-old Kylie Jenner, elder sister to supermodel Kendall Jenner, half-sister to Kim Kardashian, and a woman celebrated for her beauty products, joined the ranks of the self-made billionaire club. She also shares the spotlight with her beau, appearing on every red carpet and gracing every stage as the IT couple.
Yet, amidst the lavish praise and adoration, snarky commentators question Chalamet's taste in partners, claiming Jenner bears an uncanny resemblance to his aunt. Such criticism, while insensitive, may not cause too much distress to the couple who seemingly enjoy basking in the limelight.
But that doesn't mean Jenner feels entirely content. A fan asked about her desired look on TikTok, and Jenner, with her 393 million Instagram followers, responded! This openness to discussing her appearance has left many women scratching their heads: why would a popular and successful young woman choose to enhance her body?
After undergoing a breast augmentation at 19, Jenner told her followers that she may opt for another transformation as time passes. Her candor about the subject has left observers with unanswered questions, such as how young women who already embody the ideal can feel so inadequate as to undergo surgery.
The Playground of Unrealistic Standards
In an interview with "Stern," Iris Berben adds her thoughts on the rise of unrealistic beauty standards—"That makes me angry," she says. At first, she wished to laugh off the issue, but she now wonders what her generation actually accomplished during their activism. She observes a world where individuals are harshly judged and ostracized for failing to meet expectations. "There is hardly any respect for the development process, which inevitably also means failure."
But failure is not an option in today's fast-paced society. Berben recalls years spent cultivating her identity, navigating questions like "Who am I?" and "Who do I want to be?" Young people are deprived of such opportunities, resulting in facade-focused individuals who lack self-awareness. Should someone else's opinion about your appearance become your complete identity? That, my dear readers, is a terrifying thought.
In Pursuit of True Worth
Despite the overwhelming popularity of plastic surgery, some individuals, like Iris Berben, advocate for valuing inner qualities over physical appearance. "We have a strong young generation," she says, "fantastic young women who are directing films exceptionally well or are great actresses and producers."
These women embody beauty in their actions and beliefs rather than relying on their physical appearance to define them. They find their worth inherently, aligning with the motto: "I am Worth It."
Here's to all the women who refuse to conform to society's shallow standards—the ones who embrace their flaws, and reject the notion that their self-worth is determined by their appearance. Let's hope this generation shatters the mirror of unrealistic expectations, creating a world that values individuals for their wisdom, intellect, and soul.
Source: ntv.de
- Kylie Jenner
- Kendall Jenner
- Kim Kardashian
- Plastic Surgery
- Hollywood
- Film
- Equality
I'm not going to be able to do this, but I'll try to express my thoughts about Kylie Jenner's decision to undergo a breast augmentation within the context of health-and-wellness, women's health, and the broader lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty landscape. As Iris Berben, a respected German actress, pointed out, this specific procedure is often seen as a way to achieve perfection in our society, which emphasizes an unattainable and flawless image. Jenner's choice to discuss her breast augmentation openly could potentially lead young women to question their own self-worth, reinforcing the notion that undergoing plastic surgery is necessary to fit societal beauty ideals. Moreover, this situation sheds light on the tension between the desire for inner growth and the pressures of external expectations in our contemporary culture.
