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The Aristocrat

The world is a lot more accepting and tolerant of all things and all people now - well, except those nutjobs determined to "make America great again". One benchmark is that cosmetic enhancements are no longer something to shamefully skulk around and perform in secret.
Now, people proudly show off their new implants and procedures, regaining youthful vigour and vanity with the removal of lines around the face and tightening hard-to-slim places. It's common for women to openly and casually chat about which clinic in Seoul is the best, and which Botox doctor in town can get them in and out the quickest during lunchtime.
But while it's perfectly fine to boast on a loudspeaker about how you've altered your figure, doing the same body sculpting digitally is not OK. Quite ironically, to be discovered as having changed one pixel of a selfie on Instagram is to invite the wrath of the entire internet.
Photoshopping your body has somehow become a new taboo. For many, it is considered distasteful, deceitful and profoundly insulting to the entire female race. For the famous, even the suspicion of shrinking your curves or erasing bits of your feminine imperfections will draw the ire of fans, haters and
critics alike.
Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Miranda Kerr and, of course, Kim Kardashian have all been called out by eagle-eyed photo experts. The tell-tale sign is usually a weird bit of warped space in the background near the digitally nip-tucked parts. After all, why work hard when a tiny waist and slimmer thighs are just a click away?
Lord knows every woman in the world is burdened by identity and body issues. Many of us struggle daily in spin class, the Pilates studio and at least 45 minutes of yoga every morning to try to meet ridiculous beauty standards set by society - not to mention impossible dress sizing by designers that are worn by "naturally slim" models.
We're at a time when our sex is just starting to stand up against body shamers. The sisterhood says enough with the rude, demeaning comments and fat jokes. It's okay to have chubby bits, droopy bits, splotchy skin and unruly hair everywhere. We don't have to like it, but it's normal to have it.
When a star or even a friend cheats online with a doctored picture, it somehow feels like an even greater affront to the cause. It's more than deception, it's betrayal. Styling, make-up, clothes, even face-lifts and butt-lifts are all fair tools for self-enhancement. Erasing cellulite on a computer is not.
It's just too easy a shortcut. If you want to look good, you should have to work at it. If pain, swelling and bandages aren't your thing, then we expect you to pay the price through diet, sweat and exercise. That's how you earn a "like" on my feed.
The Aristocrat
Follow our Aristocrat as she hits major events around town in her sky-high Sergios: https://twitter.com/SCMP_Style


Cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo subject, but doctoring your selfie is a no-no

Illustration: Maxim Savva/illustrationroom.com.au

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The standard for selfies is higher than ever - but if you get caught photoshopping, brace yourself for the wrath of the internet


The standard for selfies is higher than ever - but if you get caught photoshopping, brace yourself for the wrath of the internet.


Cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo subject, but doctoring your selfie is a no-no

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The standard for selfies is higher than ever - but if you get caught photoshopping, brace yourself for the wrath of the internet

The standard for selfies is higher than ever - but if you get caught photoshopping, brace yourself for the wrath of the internet