Bullying and Plastic Surgery

I'm not sure how I feel about this. How about you?

Years ago, my first reaction would be, "This is ridiculous. Kids should be happy with what God gave them. Blah. Blah. Blah." I thought that way until a friend opened my eyes several years ago. We worked in media together and we were watching a similar story about high school-age girls and plastic surgery. I was unaware that his sister had gotten a nose job when she was a sophomore. Thank goodness I didn't say what was on my mind. He said that people criticize girls who get nose jobs because they don't know what it's like to have a nose that people make fun of on a constant basis. In other words, walk a mile in her shoes before rushing to judgement.

It made me think. At that age, teens are very aware of the "pretty" factor. There's no way around it. Every tween and teen knows how important it is to look good -- or at least feel like you look good. Remember when getting a pimple could make you want to stay home?

The problem with this story is that I actually think both girls looked beautiful even before their surgeries. In these cases, is it bullying or is it feeling very sensitive about looking perfect?

I'd really like to know what you think.