Some countries grapple over beauty standards. They argue over shapes, sizes, age, and gender. Brazil doesnt have that problem.
According to a recent expose in Vice, health care is a constitutionally accorded right in Brazil. And some pretty shocking procedures fall under “health care” in the South American country.
“I documented hundreds of instances where surgeons and residents purposely blurred the boundaries between reconstructive and aesthetic procedures to get them approved by the government,” Vice reporter Alvaro Jarrin says.
The report goes on to suggest that Brazilians value their beauty as much as their health — and sometimes even more. They believe they have “the right to beauty,” and stop at very little to achieve the ideal human image.
At first, I was pretty shocked when I read this. We Americans take our health very seriously — perhaps above all else — and going under the knife for a risky beauty procedure seems not only vain but deranged.
And then I thought a little deeper about it. I started to open my mind. And I suddenly gained a lot of respect for the Brazilians.
Now, I watched the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. I admired the beautiful beaches, the perfectly bronzed locals, and the fact that pretty much everyone seemed to live in bathing suits, all year round.
And then I started to think long and hard about this whole beauty-care scheme. You know how much money I spend annually on stuff like makeup and self-care? More than Id like to admit. And youre telling me the Brazilians dont have to worry about budgeting this stuff out? Well, they had me listening.
Now Im not advocating for government-subsidized beauty. Thats absurd and I bet our Founding Fathers would laugh their wooden teeth off at the idea. I am, however, saying that Brazil seems to be a lot less concerned about embracing beauty in all sizes and a whole lot more concerned about stuff like teeth whitening, achieving a great tan, and sculpting the perfect bikini body. And any country that considers those issues as equal with other human rights like food and water is a country I can get behind. I may have to book a trip there soon.
Follow Jena on Twitter.
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