Joshua
How do you defend yourself to others that question plastic surgeons confirm to the “society’s view of beauty”?
I’m an incoming freshmen in college and have always wanted to be a plastic surgeon. However, plastic surgeons have this stereotype of confirming all of their clients to a certain image and are in it for the money. How do you, as a surgeon, defend your occupation? #plasticsurgery #surgerons #defend #money
2 answers
Rahul Amin
Rahul’s Answer
For me it's pretty simple. Why even need to defend against others? Don't let their opinions shape you.
There will always be stereotypes: soccer players are dumb, bankers are slimey, lawyers are risk-averse, accountants are boring, actors are volatile.... the list is endless. People are always looking for things to say about other people. A lot of them also can't stand others succeeding, that's life.
Do something because you love it, full stop.
And be bloody good at it.
All the best,
Rahul
Austin L.
Austin’s Answer
Hi Joshua,
Interesting question. The career that you choose to pursue is yours and yours alone, others are in no place to be making snide comments about what your passion is. Those who do make snide comments about your career must have too much free time on their hands which is never good. There is nothing wrong with being a plastic surgeon and it can be a really great career. If you encounter people who are judgmental about your career choice, respond politely and say that you are helping people feel better about themselves. Everyone has insecurities about themselves and if someone is wanting to change something about themselves then you are really doing them a service and bettering their lives.
Sure plastic surgery may turn some people off, but for others it can improve how they feel about themselves. And to your point about conforming to society's beauty standards, you didn't create those standards; those standards aren't your fault so why should you get blamed for them. It's like blaming an attorney for the alleged crimes of their client, the attorney wasn't the one who drove through a red light so why should they get the flak.
You are going to encounter some not so nice people in life and learning to brush aside people's comment and remain positive and polite is a great skill to develop.
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck in your future career!!
Best,
Austin