Mutilation and Beautification

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Upon reading Germaine Greer’s One Man’s Mutilation Is Another Man’s Beautification, I felt bitter towards the entire subject. She discussed the various beliefs of many cultures and how they differ in what they view as “acceptable”, beautiful or popular. However, to the near entirety of the text, I despised nearly any type of beautification, especially one that end up with painful, injuring side effects. I truly do not believe such mutilations are worth the “honor”, “pride”, and “beauty” they apparently create. Hair is a natural part of the body, to be shaped in any way we see fit. Of course however, is seen differently among different cultures and people. To some baldness is perfection, a shaggy head of hair is attractive, Mohawks are proud and intimidating, or long vibrant hair is proud and beautiful. “Western conventions of hair management often appeal to younger or recalcitrant members of societies with strict rules for hair management because they find them more convenient; in fact, they are very subtle and difficult, requiring minute calculations of the degree of shagginess which is appropriate to age, and economic and social status.” Hair is unique between people, whether long, short, rough, smooth, dry, conditioned, vibrant, dull, or shaped; everyone can do what they wish to shape it to their personality. Dying one’s hair can give you a unique look, without horridly altering your body immediately. If this is done incorrectly, the side effects will eventually decay your hair and scalp. Natural organic dyes are much less harmful then synthetic artificial dyes. The older you get however, the more painful and dangerous hair dying becomes. “There is a good deal of pain involved as the dyes bite into sensitive old skin and the ... ... middle of paper ... ...you have given up on being normal, you have given in to the common majority of peer pressure seeking acceptance, in the end all you will be viewed as is just a toy, a thing, and perhaps a freak. Works Cited Smith, Michael. "Medical News: Tattoos - Popular Decoration or Dangerous Fad? - in Dermatology, General Dermatology from MedPage Today." Medical News and Free CME from MedPage Today. 13 Sept. 2005. Web. 17 Oct. 2011. . Vet, Lucy. "Health Risks of Chemical Hair Dyes." Squidoo : Welcome to Squidoo. 24 Aug. 2011. Web. 17 Oct. 2011. . Ygoy News. "Body Piercing Side Effects." Body Piercing, Types of Body Piercing, Body Piercing Guide, Body Piercing Jewelry. 24 Aug. 2009. Web. 17 Oct. 2011. .

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