"Idealism" Published Writing Response #4

Over the course of time and continuing today, the image of perfection and beauty has had an immense impact on the way people view themselves and others. People are constantly pinpointing their imperfections and striving to eliminate them unnaturally through plastic surgery and cosmetics. These insecurities and self-diagnosed imperfections are almost always the result of people comparing themselves to super models and celebrities. This idealistic approach to life is the exact opposite of what transcendentalists practice. Instead of constantly comparing themselves to others and being self-conscious of their physical appearances, they accept their natural beauty as it is and see life in a more realistic and philosophical way rather than a materialistic way.

The theme of idealism is greatly portrayed in the short story, “The Birthmark” by Nathanial Hawthorne. Aylmer for instance, is a scientist who is obsessed with finding the perfect potion to remove a birthmark from his wife Georgiana’s face. Instead of accepting Georgiana’s birthmark as a beautiful symbol of nature, he considers it an unfortunate burden that must be eliminated. Aylmer states, “I feel myself fully competent to render this dear cheek as faultless as its fellow; and then, most beloved, what will be my triumph when I shall have corrected what Nature left imperfect in her fairest work” (Hawthorne 215). In other words, Aylmer is saying that perfection isn’t made by nature but instead is derived by the hands of man. This belief is very opposite from those of a transcendentalist in that it greatly supports the current theme of idealism. A transcendentalist in this situation would have accepted Georgiana’s birthmark as perfect and unique rather than as something that didn’t belong. For example, moments before death Georgiana assumed the role of a transcendental when saying to Aylmer, “You have rejected the best the earth could offer” (Hawthorne 225). Through this statement to her husband, one can understand the love and acceptance that Georgiana had for herself even with a birthmark on her face. She saw it as something that defined her personally rather than as something that held her back physically.

Idealistic beliefs and pursuits are increasingly influential on our current society. Everyone is striving to achieve and bring to life the personal utopia’s that they have created in their minds. Whether it be physical appearance or ones level of performance, people are constantly looking to make changes in order to reach perfection. For example, “In 2012 there were approximately 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures done across America” (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). This statistic greatly proves just how widespread the desire for perfection truly is. It also represents that the majority of people in this country do not understand the power of nature and are therefore unable to accept themselves for who they are and how they were born. In addition, our society has somehow managed to make activities meant for leisure and fun such as sports into something that is overly competitive and idealistic in nature. For example, former NFL quarterback, Ray Lucas recently opened up about almost committing suicide due to the stress and depression he experienced from the pressures of playing professional level football. Due to several injuries, Lucas was unable to perform at his idea of perfection and resorted to pills as a way to help him through his imperfections. Lucas states in an interview, “I had such a hard time staring at myself in the mirror, I wanted to punch that guy in the face” (Jaslow). Lucas’s actions and statements were a direct result of his desire for perfection which was impossible for him to achieve. Instead of accepting his injuries and weaknesses as a symbol of hard work and dedication to his job, he looked at them as failures and barriers to achieving his ideal self. Overall, one does not need to necessarily be a transcendentalist to understand that a person’s physical and emotional self isn’t something that is meant to be altered but instead is meant to teach and inspire him or her to accept, overcome, and ultimately be happy.  

 

Works Cited

"14.6 Million Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures Performed in 2012." American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

Jaslow, Ryan. "Former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas hopes story of painkiller addiction will lead others to get help - CBS News." CBS News. CBS News, 20 Aug. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.