A recent article published by The Guardian addressed an issue that Colombians are trying to fight nowadays, “Narco-aesthetics.” The piece, which was reported by Manuela Henao, shows pictures of teenagers who submitted their bodies through surgery, in order to fill a mold that has been imposed to them by their society. Colombia is a country known for their coffee, culture, and talented people (Shakira, Juanes) but unfortunately, it is also known for their drug filled violent world.
Gustavo Bolívar’s “Sin Tetas No Hay Paraíso” was one of the first publications to expose the situation up-close and personal. In his book, Bolívar narrates the story of “Catalina”, a young girl who will do anything to fulfill her dream of having bigger breasts. Desperately, Catalina tries to make money for her surgery which leads to get involved with a drug cartel and eventually, her death. Based on a true story, the book was turned into a TV series and a movie that became a hit in some parts of Latin America.
For most of us, the want and need of these women to get plastic surgery is inconceivable, especially because a lot of these girls are in their early teens. It’s hard to believe that they want to grow up so fast. Also, we can’t go without mentioning the risk factor. These girls are technically putting their life in danger to become, let’s face it, one more sexual object in a society that is just now starting to realize that things are not ok.
Senator Mauricio Lizcano recently presented a new law before the members of the Senate. This ruling has for purpose the prohibition of surgical procedures of this type to underage women, and it also aims to ban all marketing and advertising on the subject targeted to minors. Currently, 420, 955 surgical interventions happen in Colombia, 40% of these are breast implants performed on girls and women who are younger than 18.
You can find Manuela Henao's pictures for The Guardian HERE.
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