Simply Being | Simple Being

Treacher Collins Syndrome…

Last night, Discovery aired a programme featuring individuals suffering from Treacher Collins Syndrome. These individuals have rather misshapen features. Sunken eyes, missing cheekbones, underdeveloped and sometimes non-existent lower jawbone, tiny/invisible ears – they appear very different from most people, to say the least. Most of the people spoke about how every day was a struggle of sorts. Dealing with stares, snide remarks, probing looks – TCS takes a toll on the spirit too, needless to say. Amie is a Medical student who suffers from TCS. She reaches out to many TCS patients and their parents through her website where she provides details and information about TCS. She has opted to not do any more surgery to improve her features.

At this point, I couldn’t help recalling ‘Nips and Tucks’ telecast on E! channel. This show features people who’ve gone under the knife for various cosmetic reasons. Liposuctions, botox injections, collagen, breast implants, tummy tucks – the works. One Mexican girl spoke about how her mother sponsored her liposuction surgery as a graduation gift.

Makes me wonder: Is it unfair/callous/ungrateful to want to enhance your appearance or improve your looks? Does it show a lack of value or sense of perspective?