Lesson 2: Body Image

Discussion

If we don’t like the way we look – what are all the different things we can do to change our appearance?

Make a list as a group going from the least extreme/ most simple things we might do right through to the most extreme things we might do to change the way others view us.

How many of these were on your list? Are all of these okay? Should we all be allowed to do these without legislation/ restriction/ guidance?

Getting braces to alter teeth Teeth whitening Tattoos Piercings Liposuction Coloured contact lenses Go to the gym Dieting Consuming protein shakes Taking steroids Face-lifts Botox injections Wearing a wig Dying hair Straightening hair/ curling hair Using gel in hair Nose job Waxing Make-up Permanent make-up Facial fillers Using a slendertone at home Genetic modification

How far would you go to change your appearance?

Is a change to our appearance better if it by our own hard work/gradual? Is cosmetic surgery cheating?

For better?

Before and after:

For better?

Addicted to cosmetic surgery…

Is this the only cosmetic surgery we should allow?

Is this beautiful?

How does this image make you feel?

Today’s practical work

In groups you will work on a small section from a play aimed at your age group which reflects on image issues

The play is called ‘The Beauty Manifesto’ and is set in an imagined future

In the play, when people reach their 16 birthday they immediately qualify for corrective surgery to make them look ‘perfect’ and to conform to the expected ‘ideal look’

In the play, there are some people who prepare the 16 year olds (ambassadors) for the surgery, helping them to recognise their faults and that the surgery is for the best

In the play, some try to question the society’s manifesto on beauty and strive to remain as individual’s

For your extract

This is a short practical test of your ability to stage a scripted extract

Add appropriate movementAdd appropriate gestures, tone to voice etc in

order to communicate meaning and character

The play is about an imagined future – but the inspiration for the writer comes from what he already sees in our society in terms of our perception of ‘beauty’ and wanting to look good.