I saw the news about Julie Chen’s blepharoplasty (double eyelid surgery). Some people criticized Julie that she rejected her Chinese culture and was ashamed of her Asian features. I feel annoyed when hearing people say that. Double eyelid surgery is very common in Asia and it’s like breast implant for American girls. It’s definitely not that Asians want to have a plastic surgery to look like Caucasians. Having a plastic surgery never changes one’s race. A friend of mine asked me if it’s true that Asian girls with light skin are considered beautiful due to Western influence. I said, “Nonsense. In ancient time, a person’s skin could show one’s social status. A girl with dark skin means she’s probably in the poor family that requires her to work outside or do labor work. Obviously it doesn’t apply to us anymore. However, it is still deeply rooted in Asian culture. For us, lighter skin represents beauty. It doesn’t mean Asians want to look like Caucasians. Similarly, Caucasians like to have tanned skin, but it doesn’t mean they want to be Africans or Latinos”.
Why does plastic surgery have to do with racial identity? When does plastic surgery become racial transformation? I think having a plastic surgery is a personal choice. I am just happy for Julie Chen’s new look. She looks beautiful with her double eyelids.
