Pretty Modern

Edmonds Pretty Modern Cover

Pretty Modern: Beauty, Sex, and Plastic Surgery in Brazil is a comprehensive study that delves into the complex world of beauty, sex, and plastic surgery within the context of Brazil. Authored by Alexander Edmonds, the book provides an in-depth analysis of how beauty standards and practices are intertwined with cultural, social, and economic factors in Brazilian society. It explores the reasons behind the high rate of plastic surgery in the country, examining how global beauty ideals influence local desires and practices.

Overview

Pretty Modern explores the notion that Brazil represents a unique case where plastic surgery is not only widely accepted but is also often encouraged as a form of self-improvement and social mobility. Edmonds argues that in Brazil, beauty is considered a right, and the government even supports plastic surgery procedures for the underprivileged through the public health system. This perspective challenges the common Western view of plastic surgery as purely cosmetic or vain, highlighting the deep-seated cultural and socio-economic motivations behind the pursuit of beauty in Brazil.

Themes

The book covers several key themes, including:

• The concept of the "right to beauty" in Brazil and its implications for class and race.
• The role of plastic surgery in Brazilian society, including its normalization and democratization.
• The influence of global beauty standards on Brazilian ideals and practices.
• The intersection of beauty, sex, and gender, and how these factors impact individuals' decisions to undergo plastic surgery.
• The ethical considerations surrounding plastic surgery, including issues of consent, risk, and the commercialization of the body.

Critical Reception

Pretty Modern has been praised for its thorough research and insightful analysis into the complexities of beauty culture in Brazil. Critics have lauded Edmonds for his nuanced understanding of the subject matter and his ability to discuss sensitive topics such as body image, self-esteem, and social inequality with depth and empathy. The book is considered a significant contribution to the fields of anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, offering a fresh perspective on the global beauty industry and its local manifestations.

Impact

The publication of Pretty Modern has sparked discussions on the ethics of plastic surgery, the global influence of Western beauty standards, and the societal pressures to conform to certain aesthetic ideals. It has also contributed to academic and public debates on the accessibility of plastic surgery and its role in social mobility and identity formation in Brazil and beyond.

See Also

• Beauty Standards
• Cultural Anthropology
• Gender Studies
• Sociology of Beauty