The Celtic Torc

The Celtic Torc, often dated back to the Bronze Age or the Iron Age, was a symbolization of Celtic power and strength. The thickness of the Torc represented ones role in society, or better yet, level in the class system. The torc itself Is a thick, often gold, silver, or bronze ring made by twisting the strands of the metals into a large open ended ring. It was worn around the neck, and often used as a reward to Celtic Warriors for their valiant deeds and accomplishments. There are several famous artworks where the Torc was displayed, such as "The Dying Gaul"(a dying naked celtic warrior wearing a torc), there are also several paintings of Celtic Gods/Goddesses wearing Torcs as a symbol of power and divinity. As Christianity was later on introduced to the Celts, the Torc became more of a relic. A golden torc once owned by Saint Cynog was described as a potent relic where "no one would dare to break a promise which he had made when it was held in front of him. On the torque there is the mark of a mighty blow, as if someone had hit it with an iron hammer. A certain man, or so they say, tried to break the collar, for the sake of the gold. He was punished by God, for he immediately lost the sight of both eyes. To his life’s end he lingered on in darkness."

So what does a rusty old necklace from some era in the B.C.'s have to do with modern pop culture? Well, in today's culture we also have several symbols of society, and our place in society. Such as a Cross for Christians, gang tattoos, and working class labels such as "Blue Collar" Vs. "White Collar"

Even in the Media there are things that represent certain groups in our culture. Like the color pink for women, Blue for men. The American flag lapel pin for the president and other government officials.

Well, there was no actual point behind this blog other than to impart some historical knowledge on my readers. And show that some things from the past never die. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Beauty Kills

We all know that the media, society, and even our peers challenge the way we feel about ourselves and the way we look at our own bodies. We have the media telling us to lose weight, we have society telling us to look a certain way, and then we have our peers to bash on our self esteem for the way we do look. As Americans we are all in love with the quick fix solution, (Oh if only I could win the lottery!) But among these quick fix solutions is Anorexia and plastic surgery. You may be wondering why I've decided to include both of these two sensitive subjects into one blog, well, I find that both are very dangerous aspects of "achieving beauty" that are as widely known for their risks as they should be.

Let’s begin with Anorexia, probably the darker of the two evils, but also the one that receives the most attention. As I was doing my research for this blog, I found this one dreadful website on "How to become a better anorexic". I personally find this really disturbing, why can't we as a people band together to put a stop to things like this? This website not only supports the spread of a serious disease, but shows you how to do it "right". Although I admit it almost seems to be in a sarcastic tone, I feel it shouldn't even exists because way too many young children will find the site and take it to heart. If you just type in Anorexia Tips into your Google search bar, you will find countless other websites like this.
Some of the problems that comes along with the "Anorexic Lifestyle" are as Followed; You can't think right, fear of gaining weight, sad, moody, irritable, bad memory, fainting, changes in brain chemistry, Hair thins and becomes brittle, Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fluttering of the heart (palpitations), heart failure, Anemia and other blood related problems, Weak muscles, swollen joints, fractures, osteoporosis, Kidney stones, kidney failure, Low potassium, magnesium and sodium, Constipation, bloating. Periods stop, bone loss, problems growing, trouble becoming pregnant, if pregnant, higher risk of miscarriage, C-section, baby with low birth weight, and post partum depression, Bruise easily, dry skin, growth of fine hair all over body, get cold easily, yellow skin, nails become brittle. The evil continues. "The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old. 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems"(facts from this site).

What is the relation to plastic surgery? Well plastic surgery is also a quick fix method to your physical appearance. Although I am not 100% against plastic surgery (especially for women who lost a breast or two to breast cancer, and people who suffered horrible traumatic experiences leaving them physically scarred) but I do want to remind people of the dangers. Plastic Surgery Complications: Anesthesia/Sedation Complications; abnormal heart rhythm, airway obstruction, blood clots, brain damage, death, heart attack, malignant hyperthermia, nerve damage, stroke, temporary paralysis, Airway obstruction, and Brain Damage, well, lets just say there is alot of risk involved, and before going under the knife, you ought to know the facts. "Cosmetic procedures by plastic surgeons have increased 195% since 1992, and about 6.6 million Americans had procedures in 2002, according to the plastic surgeons society. Risks range from ugly scarring and illness to death."

As for the statistics of actual death Plastic surgery (in 2000) Liposuction: 1/5000 Tummy Tuck: 1/6000 facelift: 1/10,000

Now of course my stats. Are out of date, and they don't seem very often, but never forget, you might be that one. And if you still wish to go under the knife, just make sure you and your family are prepared for the possibility of your death. It's more of the depression and health risks that I am worried about. And of course the low self-esteem of the masses. Just remember, however corny it may seem, tell yourself every damn day that you are beautiful the way you are, and don't you forget it.