If you follow Big Brother Naija season 5 edition like myself, you would have watched the heated quarrel between Lucy and Nengi. Both housemates were ‘yabbing’ each other. Nengi was ‘age shaming’ Lucy who is apparently the oldest housemate while Lucy was ‘body shaming’ her in return.
Twitter went wild over their bickering. It appeared Lucy won their hearts with the insults she rained. It became obvious to the public that Nengi had undergone cosmetic surgery to look that ‘hot’. Her beauty is undeniable but her body parts were ‘fake’. She is not the only one to have done this. Big Brother Naija season 4 winner, Mercy Eke, who happens to be an friend, has also gone under the knife. Media personality, Toke Makinwa, Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh not forgetting the likes of Kim Kardshian, Nicki Minaj, have in fact popularised the trend.
So this got me thinking why ladies especially do cosmetic surgery. This goes without saying that it is to look more attractive. It is disturbing that it comes with high risk. Anything can happen in the process. We have heard of cases of cosmetic surgery going wrong. Imagine the complications. But if a lady is doing body surgery for herself probably because she has self-esteem issues. I think it is fair enough but if it is just to entice men then I think there might be a problem.
The media plays a huge role in shaping people. They remain one force to contend with when it comes to body shaming. Having painted what the ideal woman should look like, it is expected that as an African woman, has to be endowed in front and back. Then those that are not gifted naturally are left with this ‘lifelong battle’. For this purpose, the gym membership is increasing. You scroll down social media and you find adverts placement on butt and breast enlargement, And yes, they have a large market. Looking good is good business.
Every lady seeks attention. One way to achieve this is by using what she has to get what she wants. Her body becomes the tool. But how about other things like character, intellect and skills? And the men are not making it easier for women at all in this quest.