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The Controversial Labiaplasty Surgery

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A topic that we discussed in class that really interested me was the notion of the controversial ‘labiaplasty’ surgery. This topic has caused me to reflect on my thoughts and feelings on genital surgery. Upon first discussing the issue, I was unsure of the reasoning to participate in such a controversial surgery. I thought that ‘abnormalities’ could not possibly be as severe as people seem to think. After discussing this issue in class however, I realized how ignorant my previous opinion was, considering I do not know what other people are going through. Nobody is perfect, and every person on the planet has insecurities. There are a number of physical things I wish I could change about myself, I am sure many women experience this feeling on a daily basis as well. …show more content…

Perhaps it is because I have always been somewhat opposed to cosmetic surgery as I strongly believe people do not need ‘enhancing’. I certainly value natural beauty and diversity. However, after watching the documentary The Centrefold Project in class, it opened my eyes and I could certainly understand why these women might feel self-conscious. Thinking back to my childhood, growing up was extremely difficult. Building a positive self-worth while feeling bad about certain aspects of myself proved near-impossible. For the women that feel as though their labia is ‘abnormal’ or ‘deviant’ in some way, I cannot help but feel bad for what they are going through. I have experienced my own physical insecurities throughout my life, and I have always believed I was able to sympathize with people who might feel less-than-confident in their own

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