Originally Posted by Black_Eagle
Since symmetry is a universal standard of beauty that can beperfected only through unnatural means, most other physical traits you could think of that might be considered beautiful can be duplicated through unnatural means. Remember, my argument was that plastic surgery will become so widespread that it will eventually boil down to certain genetic factors that plastic surgery cannot possibly alter.
It may be "perfect," but I've seen a lot of naturally symmetrical faces in my day, too. I myself am fortunate enough to have one. In truth, a nicely symmetrical face isn't as uncommon as I think you think it is. In many of the cases I've witnessed, plastic surgery wouldn't make a difference, or if it did, it would be totally unnecessary. Humans aren't perfect...we aren't built to be. I think if you ever achieved perfect, totally flawless symmetry, there would be a definite intimidation factor, combined with that "plastic" feel. We expect flaws...it's kind of in our nature, which plastic surgery cannot alter. Symmetry is only one issue, too. Skin quality, hair style, fashion sense, the way a person carries themselves, behavior, body language...they all play large factors in how we perceive attraction. So, while plastic surgery may achieve a "perfect" face, and might even take care of skin issues, they aren't going to change human beings on the inside, and strangely enough, the inside factors can play one of the biggest parts in attraction. I'm not saying it's the sole determining factor, but it is there. If you're flirting with a supermodel and find out she's a whiny bitch with mental problems, you're going to second guess your attraction. On the other hand, if you chat up more of an average Jane and find out she's awesome, you'll find yourself much more attracted to her.
This is true, but everyone has a bare-minimum threshold of how beautiful a potential partner can be to get through the door.
Granted, and plastic surgery may help the truly desperate, but most of the women I've met either don't need to change, or else a few minor changes that don't require slicing their faces open and long recovery times. Hair style, I guess, is one thing I can be really attracted to. Fabulous hair and a face that doesn't look like a general plague area (i.e. not a total sea of zits) will generally get a girl in my "good" book. Note that these are both easily altered variables that don't require a total facial overhaul. I've never really looked at a girl and gone, "darn, if only she had better bone structure." Physical attraction issues (for me) boil down to more than plastic surgery can accomplish, but not beyond what an individual can accomplish with a curling iron and maybe some face cleaner. Personality remains the determining factor for me in most instances. A girl can be hot as hell, but if she's dumb as a stump or just plain irritating, she's out. By contrast, she doesn't have to be a supermodel to catch my eye. I'd rather spend the rest of my life with a moderately attractive girl with a great personality than a spoiled bitch. Just saying.
Not necessarily. If the phenomenon becomes widespread enough people may begin unconsciously assuming that those without plastic surgery cannot afford to do so and are therefore low-class. And if people are exposed to the idea of plastic surgery at a young age, whatever negative emotions one might associate with plastic surgery (lack of confidence, for example) might very well disappear from society.
An unsymmetrical face, even though it might become scarce, is still unattractive.
If it becomes widespread enough to be looked on as an absolute necessity, I'm moving. And then I'm unleashing a plastic-munching bacterium plague upon the populace. It may be the case that it becomes more accepted, but if every single individual becomes so shallow that they feel they all need a surgeon to be good enough for one another, that is a particular strain of humanity that needs to reevaluate their priorities (and what better way to reevaluate than having their faces all simultaneously regain their natural features?) I have a feeling that eugenics is going to reign supreme far faster than plastic surgery, being that the technology is here, relatively sound, effective for life, and useful on multiple levels beyond mere appearance. And eugenics, at least, is offering a long-term solution beyond the control of the individual. You don't want to marry who you think is a goddess, only to find out your children are butt-ugly. That is one of my largest issues with plastic surgery...that element of deception. I have seen women in their fifties who still look about 30, and in my book, that's kind of messed up.
And asymmetrical faces, as stated, I think aren't as uncommon as you think they are. I've never really looked at a girl and noticed a stark asymmetry. It's usually something else (like hair, misdemeanor, or skin condition).
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