Under the sharp knife

Nothing surprises me anymore. Older generations are now proved wrong. They always believed that humans are not machines.When Hollywood made movies about bionic people years ago, most of us thought it was pure fantasy.
  But it was a grim warning for things to come. To feel young is never enough and now older people want to stay young forever. I was astonished to see a middle aged television presenter look like a teenager.
  I thought they were playing old tapes. It was only weeks later that I learned that she had been under the surgeon's knife on many occasions. Old wrinkles had been smoothened and drooping skins on the chin cut-off. She reminded me of my old washing machine. Over the years we changed its door, the switch and the knobs giving it a complete facelift.
  Soon like the washer, she could change most parts of her body to keep herself serviceable to her employers. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against anyone who could afford to keep themselves youthful. However I feel for people who get maimed in accidents or wars who cannot get fixed up because plastic surgery is too expensive. Plastic surgeons stay clear from such people since they are busy following the trail of celebrities.
  It is no wonder that such experts do not work for government hospitals. They simply cost too much. It is also not surprising that poor people who get limbs amputated are crippled forever.
  Actors would not have large followings if they are not supported by the likes of us. To maintain their glamorous image, they regularly visit the butchers. The only butcher you and I can afford is that one who sells us red meat. In a recent newspaper article, a self-styled beauty consultant predicted that in ten years, changing one's features would be as commonplace as having false teeth. Such people in my opinion, are completely detached from reality. Millions of people around the world cannot even afford a toothpaste let alone a new set of dentures.
  It is funny isn't it? When you have a healthy bank balance all you think of is how to get rid of your big nose while the poor rummage the street bins looking for crumbs.

  That 'small' amount of cash would feed a few households for a month in the third world. But then you only get concerned about what you see and it is you face that you stare at every morning. I guess there is that selfish side in every one of us. A trickle you manage for charity is all you have time for. After all, you would not give half your chicken to the stray cat, would you? A scrap is enough.
  These days looking good is important when you are in a public eye. Diet takes a long time and exercise is too laborious.
  The sharp knife of a man in a white coat is a quick remedy to take celebrities back in time. Until, that is, when the Angel of Death comes calling.