So I was reading Us Weekly.com and came across an article that was called, "New Children's Book Explains Mom's Plastic Surgery". I included a link below, but the article is written by a plastic surgeon who thought it was a good idea to write a book that explains that surgery helps moms feel better. I can only imagine that this is going to be a very controversial book and thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss whether or not people would have this book in their classroom.
http://www.usmagazine.com/new-childrens-book-explains-moms-plastic-surgery
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8 comments:
I was reading this same article! I was wondering how Valerie thought about this...?
I think that by having this book in the classroom it will give children unrealistic expectations about adults and what beauty is. Although our culture is focused around perfect supermodels I think children need to know that this is not true for everyone’s case. If mothers are getting plastic surgery, and this seems to be more common, it should be their responsibility to inform their child what is going on. I know girls who have developed eating disorders just because their mom’s were on the next best diet and plastic surgery is the newest way out. Plastic surgery is turning into an ever so common thing these days and I’m not so sure that teachers should be discussing this with their students; they might take it the wrong way and look at it as a positive “quick fix” to their beautiful flaws.
I think that having a book written about a mother having plastic surgery is going to be incredibly controversial. I think it gives children expectations of looks that arent real. Are we not trying to make sure our society doesnt get over involved in looking like supermodels. I am almost to the point of appalled at the fact that someone would even write a book about this.
I could not believe it when I read that elective surgery is a topic for a children's book! I feel that it is better to keep children informed on current sultural issues, but this seems to have gone too far. Over exposure to ideas such as elective plastic surgery desensitizes children of its magnitude and seriousness. This book sends a message that a quick fix is a better choice than healthier alternatives such as diet and exercise.
I agree with Sarah when she said that this book would not be appropriate for a classroom. When it comes to educating young children of plastic surgery, the responsibility is that of parents.
Like the rest of you I cannot believe this! Plastic surgery is plastic surgery, it's one of the most common hobbies in today's society whether people agree with it or not. Personally, I feel there are worst things in the world. The issue with plastic surgery, however, is how it is marketed to younger girls. Such as this book. Plastic surgery is a way to enhance exterior beauty. It is directly correlated with self-esteem and self-concept. What children need to understand, however, is that the emphasis should be on internal beauty and what one may view as perfect or beautiful may not be to everyone else. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thus, books such as these are extremely inappropriate for young children. I agree with Dayna in saying children should informed on current social issues--practical or not--in today's society, however, taking such a superficial topic to the classroom is absolutely absurd.
I can imagine the book in the class room, but would use it as an opportunity to teach kids to "read against" texts. Since the book is didactic, not "literary", this would be pretty easy to do. (What does this book say about happiness? Gender? Medical treatment? etc.)
My guess is that this book will end up in waiting rooms of doctors' offices. (Did people notice that the author is a doctor, not a professional children's writer?)
I don't worry so much about these types of books because they are so didactic and transparent. In some ways I worry about more subtle messages around beauty that kids see on a regular basis. (For example, all the "moms" on tv shows look a certain way, but kids don't realize that they are seeing actresses not the "typical mom".)
I read this article too! I can see why it would be a good book to help explain why mom looks different, but its so strange that kids these days will grow up so exposed to plastic surgery. I don't think I had ever heard of it until I was at least in 5th or 6th grade! It will be interesting to see what is said about this book.
Here's a link to the Today Show's segment on the book.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24272192#24272192
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