The vintage ads from The Art of Manliness, submitted by Dmitrity T.M., reveal that we have been trying to use technology to change our appearance for quite some time. Cosmetic surgeries are a brave new world of personal body modification, but they do not represent a break from the past, so much as a historical trajectory.
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Lisa Wade is a professor of sociology at Occidental College. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Comments 7
Lance — August 23, 2009
I don't need more hair. But I want that hat!
lilpocketninja — August 23, 2009
I want a nose adjuster! I wonder what groups those were marketed at. Was it for white folks? Jews (given the nasty stereotypes about hook-nose Jews etc)? People of color (to make their nose more caucasian?)
The nutsling is cracking me up.
Village Idiot — August 23, 2009
Hmm, I think the nose shaper is just an extra-small Lantz Supporter. Interesting that it appears they were totally oblivious to the irony of their product being called a "Lantz Supporter" (no offense intended, Lance). Might as well just call it a "Banana Hammock."
Elsa — August 24, 2009
I like how the exercise belt ad was able to claim that exercise is bad for you. I suppose this was before false-advertising control started.
How to Build The Perfect Body: A Discussion on Body Image | Nerd Fitness — December 19, 2013
[…] Vintage body modification and cosmetic devices show men of past generations struggling to adapt to their time. […]