Kelly Rowland was interviewed in last week's People Magazine, where she explained that she finally feels complete after a long soul-searching journey. What exactly was that journey all about? Deciding to get breast implants.
This makes us so mad that we are seriously endangering our computer right now by pounding so hard on the keys. What message does this send to young women, who are Rowland's entire fan-base and undoubtedly look up to her? Obviously, it tells them that they should turn to plastic surgery if they feel insecure with their bodies, but it also goes deeper, telling them that if they feel incomplete as a woman, as a human being, that plastic surgery will remedy that, too.
This is ridiculous. Sure, Kelly might be feeling a bit sexier right now with her new curves, but that feeling won't last forever. Plastic surgeons and psychologists alike tell us that surgery is addictive, and it is for the same reason that some of the most beautiful women on the planet torture themselves with Botox and liquid fasts - because all women, no matter what size their boobs or their waist, share the exact same insecurities and "body issues." And most women who've been made over by plastic surgery still have the same issues as their former selves. Rowland is merely perpetuating the same myth that surgeons and diet companies want you to believe: that you can be made complete by a quick fix, whether it is a fad diet or botulism injected into your forehead or silicone stuffed into your chest.
But it's no wonder why so many women fall for this myth. Plastic surgeons have been preying on women's insecurities more and more by advertising their services. We just passed a billboard advertising tummy tucks for a mere $4,999 and we keep hearing those radio ads for bigger boobs, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Just as they finish singing along to Kelly's latest song, our innocent, pre-pubescent girls get to hear, "This summer, get the bikini body you've always wanted!" And now Rowland herself is making it even worse by telling these girls her own uniquely superficial reason for going under the knife.
Rowland explained that a major factor in deciding to get implants was that she would fill out her shirts better. "I was sick of not fitting into my tops," she said. Really? Is it possible she doesn't realize that some tops don't fit no matter what size your breasts are? We, in fact, are often jealous of our smaller-boobed friends who can go braless or wear the cute little halter tops and tube tops and bandeau bikini tops that we cannot. But we wouldn't spend thousands of dollars and risk our lives to have major surgery just so we could expand our wardrobes. Once you go down this road, where does it stop? There will always be someone out there who's taller or thinner or has bigger boobs or better hair, and so we think that the only way to be happy with yourself is to be grateful for what you have, work your hardest to make the most of it, and stop trying to be something that you are not.
This interview saddened us most of all because Destiny's Child has a history of helping women embrace their bodies as they are. How many insecure teens went from hating their posteriors to confidently calling themselves Bootylicious? That song was a powerful anthem that helped girls triumph over ridiculous tabloid ideals, and now one of the voices behind it has turned on them. We want these young women to know that bigger boobs or a smaller butt or any other physical change will not complete you. The only thing that will do it is embracing yourself as the sexy, powerful, unique woman that you are, no matter which types of tops your real boobs allow you to wear.
For more uplifting tips, visit www.heydayproductions.com or pick up a copy of How to Eat Like a Hot Chick: Eat What You Love, Love How You Feel by Jodi Lipper and Cerina Vincent.