This article was downloaded by:[Lee, Sharon Heijin] On: 8 April 2008 Access Details: [subscription number 791976111] Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t741771153 Neoliberalism, race, and the (geo)politics of beauty Sharon Heijin Lee a a Program in American Culture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
Online Publication Date: 01 March 2008 To cite this Article: Lee, Sharon Heijin (2008) 'Neoliberalism, race, and the (geo)politics of beauty', Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory, 18:1, 25 - 41 To link to this article: DOI: 10.1080/07407700801902809 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07407700801902809
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE
Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article maybe used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 http://www.informaworld.com 10.1080/07407700801902809 DOI: online ß 1748–5819 print/ISSN 0740–770X ISSN [email protected] *Email: countries. rare different a 17 received from and Oprah’’ women with 30-year-old world of the lives ‘‘Around the went inside viewers glimpse 2004, October 6 On 25–41 2008, March theory 1, feminist No. of 18, journal Vol. a Performance: & Women opeewt asosadservants’’. and mansions with complete aehdtrehsad yteaeo 0 hl hs itekon‘fcs’mybe may ‘‘facts’’ little-known these While 30. of age the by husbands three had have atad h ihihe ot oenwmnspnhn o lsi ugr stheir as surgery housewives) plastic American for middle-class penchant American of women’s characteristic. 30-year-old their that Korean exotic of of (and South defining because gaze attitudes highlighted her precisely and she turned exotic eastward, lifestyles Oprah and perceived When unique the women. as from them difference highlighted marked show the interesting, ere ht‘2 ecn fFec oe r vregtcmae oawhopping a to compared overweight are women French Americans’’. of of percent percent 62 ‘‘21 that learned 08Tyo Francis & Taylor 2008 oenAeia oe;noiea eiim osmrchoice consumer feminism; neoliberal Women; American Korean First Keywords: a along plastic on constructed of discursively based divide. are framing subjects World feminism but feminist a however, World/Third neoliberal neoliberal equally, these such reach, produced of global not suggests, more her production are Given essay a choice. Oprah’s race, towards this of on notions self neoliberalism, of As liberal the contingent of future. intersection in era is investment better an the a surgery an not in as as at that, if rationalized Oprah’’ show beauty normal, often with to is examines order world surgery in essay plastic the (geo)politics very ‘‘Around this and the Using then, technology, about itself. obscure point, musings beauty psychological starting of such Korean what nature South ask of political to psychologization the order beyond in goes racial women but essay oppression This patriarchal well. only as not oppression to the acquiescence women’s popularity, Korean South widespread its Given ot oenWmnspatcsreycnupin oto hc oue on focuses which of the surrounding or most discourse surgery consumption, Western surgery. eyelid surgery of cosmetic plastic plastic housewives) emblematic Women’s for is American Korean penchart Korea middle-class South countries. South women’s of to different Korean ‘‘trip’’ that 17 South Oprah’s (and from highlighted gaze women she a her 30-year-old eastward, received of turned and Oprah’’ lives Oprah with the When world inside the ‘‘Around glimpse went rare viewers 2004, October 6 On rga nAeia utr,Uiest fMcia,AnAbr USA Arbor, Ann Michigan, of University Culture, American in Program elbrls,rc,adte(e)oiiso beauty of (geo)politics the and race, Neoliberalism, esn rm‘Aon h ol ihOprah’’: with world the ‘‘Around from Lessons pa ife;patcsrey elbrls;SuhKra women; Korean South neoliberalism; surgery; plastic Winfrey; Oprah 2 uat oe eetue shvn ‘xrvgn lifestyles, ‘‘extravagant having as touted were women Kuwaiti 4 hrnHii Lee Heijin Sharon sangapul 3 pa eeldta,o vrg,Cbnwomen Cuban average, on that, revealed Oprah sangapul rcdr si scle nSuhKorea. South in called is it as procedure rcdr a oet signify to come has procedure * 1 Audiences Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 oe’ oiinwieesnilzn n omlzn etr oe sliberated as women Western normalizing and essentializing subjects. while feminist volition women’s ailymre om fpatcsrey sotnrtoaie sa neteti h self the in as investment future. an well better, as as not rationalized surgery, if often plastic normal, is more shows, surgery, rationality a Oprah’s plastic towards neoliberal of of core a forms and the is marked self-care, at surgery self-management, racially of lie plastic forms that other neoliberalism, in topics the Like of (geo)politics such. self-improvement, and era as surgeons, medicine’’ normalizes technology, an herself race, the in Oprah of then, of that that, point, intersection actors: structure starting show the a other to at the as beauty order Oprah’’ ‘‘decenters examine ideologies, with will world patient the essay the intensity this ‘‘Around or media, Using ‘‘the 184). subject’’ the writes, 2007, Pitts-Taylor (Pitts-Taylor technologies, the Victoria the on As about itself. psychiatrists, focus obscure beauty our instead of bodies—might nature of their ‘‘normal’’ political musings—and and psychological very such ‘‘natural’’ the what on ask to discourses order attendant in particular, in women Korean of most consumption, surgery plastic sangapul women’s Korean which—from South surrounding discourse and eyes features. rounder Western have you more if for beautiful more features.’’ looks considered Western Korean been more always traditional it’s shedding cultures, Asian droves, in knife explorer oiain eepitda h rdcso nenlzdrcs n described and These surgery racism so. plastic internalized doing of of for kinds motivations products what their the and also as segment, much self-loathing. but the decidedly that painted how as of undergo, assertions were on focus their women The motivations only underscoring feminity. Korean not by Korean South South dialogue remained defines the however, beauty, into not subjectivity motherhood, and self-image ttoewmn hysillo oen htwudb iem aigsreyto surgery having me like be would Asian? That look Korean. to not look black idea still the look They is not ‘‘So women. to: those relate at readily more might viewers 26 e soslo elbrlfmns ae nlbrlntoso hie ie e global her Given choice. of notions liberal on based vis-a feminism subjects neoliberal feminist a neoliberal of of espousal production Oprah’s her on contingent is surgery plastic oenadKra mrcnwmn eae urudn the South surrounding amongst popular debates most the women, far by American is it Korean that fact and the Korean and procedure particular this of ideEsenwmnsopeso nbt oua n cdmcdsore,the discourses, oppression racial academic but oppression and patriarchal well. only symbolize as popular not to to come both acquiescence women’s has American) in veil the oppression as sangapul women’s Much Ling’s women. Eastern and Korean Oprah’s Middle to South by desire exemplified of reduce a explanation treatment discourses to consciousness’’ discursive consumption ‘‘false these surgery a typically, plastic Asian’’, Most women’s look ‘‘not American choice. Korean and and agency Korean South of questions around revolve h hwsSuhKracrepnet n otof host and correspondent, Korea South show’s The hsesysest obyn h scooiaino hs eae n fSouth of and debates these of psychologization the beyond go to seeks essay This Western of emblematic is Ling, by mediated as Korea, South to ‘‘trip’’ Oprah’s 9 iaLn none,‘3-erodSuhKra oe r on ne the under going are women Korean South ‘‘30-year-old announced, Ling Lisa , nbt ae,Wsendsore buct ideEsenadSuhKorean South and Eastern Middle obfuscate discourses Western cases, both In rcdr si scle nSuhKorea. South in called is it as procedure rcdr a oet inf ot oen(n nmn ntne,Korean instances, many in (and Korean South signify to come has procedure Oprah ... 10 o’ e it.’’ get don’t I othe to 5 7 biul imyd pa re oda aallta her that parallel a draw to tried Oprah dismayed, Obviously alSre Journal Street Wall 6 igatmtdt netSuhKra women’s Korean South insert to attempted Ling ..Lee S.H. 11 fcsso h omtceei ugr or surgery eyelid cosmetic the on —focuses sti sa ilso,sc rmn of framing a such show, will essay this As 8 eas ftercaie connotations racialized the of Because ainlGorpi ultimate Geographic National sangapul ... ’ looking I’m procedure ... ` -vis In Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 acfleeo h hla otx,bt h ntdSae n rti lotre to turned Margaret and also Reagan Britain Ronald and of States leadership the United to respectively. under the so), 1980s Thatcher, Keeping both early do 7–9). the context, to (ibid., in Chilean elite policies States the business neoliberal United on the the of eye favor by University watchful in the funded a economy at were socialist trained (and Chile’s were the neoliberalism who restructure economists of bring Chilean to School of Pinochet Chicago group Augusto of a allowing boys’’, 1973, Chicago in ‘‘the Allende in Salvador President Socialist against oiia,sca—ahrta tepigt le hs pee.Ad ic vrtigis everything from model everything since affects The And, governmentality neoliberal are. spheres. purchase, spheres—economic, these choices or multiple calculation alter those a within to as constrained choices measured attempting choices his how make than or to matter social—rather her ability political, no calculates the then, citizen and citizen, self-care the neoliberal for benefit capacity a will by that measured is autonomy Moral dooia n utrlwr,however. work, cultural and decision ideological the or education college like surgery. choices, life plastic to undergo wrong’’ to and ‘‘right of evaluations our ne Slaesi fteItrainlMntr ud(M)adWrdBn,albeit Bank, World and (IMF) Fund Monetary International the unevenly. of leadership US under eeuainadpiaiaina h xes fcletv odb utn public cutting by good collective of expense the services. at social of privatization expenditure and deregulation n17 Hre 05 2.Acrigt ai avy hl a h is onr to country first the d’e was coup Chile successful a Harvey, supported David States United to The economics According experiment. in neoliberal Prize 22). the Nobel of 2005, undertake the Friedman won (Harvey who Milton 1976 neoliberalism, by of States in School United Chicago the of in University popularized the was theory economic Neoliberal show Winfrey Oprah Oprah The of are rise the but and however, Neoliberalism equally, produced divide. not World World/Third are First a subjects along feminist constructed discursively neoliberal these reach, cosi vr peeo ieadaetu ‘‘controlled thus are and life entrepreneurial Brown of as interpellated sphere Wendy are Neoliberalism every subjects 3). neoliberal as in that 2003, actors so the (Brown Thus, level of empire’’ ideological ‘‘soul of an individuals. on practices the works to from private policy far-reaching, education are governmentality to to governmentality of citizen-subject neoliberal mode government of a effects of as the functions contends, strategies also but shifts sector private that the to functions state shift tak enhl,croaeadtpproa a ae eect pnn or for doors opening cut, under were increasingly rates came tax unions personal labor top flight while consolidation. and monopoly common capital corporate of more and Meanwhile, deregulation and Deindustrialization attack. the more airlines. to became due to abroad opened telecommunications markets from New everything thereafter. and administration Reagan elbrls sahgmncdsorewscntutdi h 90,Hre set that asserts Harvey 1970s, the vein, in look constructed must was discourse ‘‘we hegemonic a as neoliberalism uhapoieaino elbrlgvrmnaiya omnsnehsrequired has sense common as governmentality neoliberal of proliferation a Such seooi oiy elbrls rmtstefedmo h aktthrough market the of freedom the promotes neoliberalism policy, economic As h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The ... oteqaiiso vrdyeprec’ Hre 05 04) nthis In 40–41). 2005, (Harvey experience’’ everyday of qualities the to oe efrac:ajunlo eiittheory feminist of journal a Performance: & Women 12 sntteol lblpeoeo ohv oeoto Chicago. of out come have to phenomenon global only the not is 14 lbly elbrlplce aesra vrtels 0years 30 last the over spread have policies neoliberal Globally, e,a ayshlr set elbrls osntsimply not does neoliberalism assert, scholars many as Yet, 13 oetcly uhplce a rmtcefcsdrn the during effects dramatic had policies such Domestically, rvdsawno noeaiighwneoliberal how examining into window a provides 15 nseigt nesadhwcnetfor consent how understand to seeking In through hi reo’ ii. 7). (ibid., freedom’’ their ´ tat 27 Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 aus hc rvlg icusso niiulsltost oilpolm.I this In problems. social to solutions individual Party of Republican discourses undergirding rhetoric capacity, privilege such find which we particular, values, own In their neoliberalism. of share crux which to self-improvement, viewers market. to her consumer journey and the self-made guests in own begins her their often impels begin Oprah and story, narrative therapeutic own her sharing By 51). exclusively— 2003, not people’s real least (Illouz tells news—at that life’’ world show one and of Winfrey scandals, favor Oprah politics, in The tackling Donahue of Phil modern- Instead by the precisely established stories. from format departed landscape Oprah show cultural Significantly, talk everyday. US day the on contemporary focus Oprah’s the of within because proliferated have rationalities 28 aktdsl-epboso rgas ssc,Orhfsssl-aewt h consumer mass the their with their through self-care fuses making usually most Oprah show, consumption, such, drawing the As her by mass programs. of market on for or trainers one books available self-help and help is marketed Oprah advisors world. thus she the so personal in and also although own In but knowledge States her woman’’ adversity. United the to brings ‘‘every psychological in potentiality consistently only or as not women’s people of class, wealthiest herself and example race, influential positions an gender, as Oprah despite herself doing, uses self-manage Oprah and viewers. achieve her of service psychological the self-help’’ of the myth overcome masculine the to of female ability parody ‘‘a feminine as 33). her a herself (ibid., offering presented as has Alger, much Oprah Horatio again, to so and does response her Time itself Oprah posed. to however, about hardship hardships stories, only these revelations these the obstacles not personal sharing on In privy her use. focus to been drug also not have and but self-esteem, on Americans poor schoolgirl 1986, hinges abuse, Mississippi child in a that national (ibid., as success biography’’ went beginnings ‘‘therapeutic celebrity humble show her on other her built Since Unlike been has 34). 30). notoriety Oprah’s 2003, youth, and (Illouz beauty icon’’ engenders biographical areas also ‘‘a to society 73–80). suggests 1994, it civil did (Foucault criteria economic’’ which making primarily decision in or the exclusively and ways not proposes, words, market, are the it the other that of analysis of In rationality of ‘‘the empire. parcel schemes extends global describes, the and Foucault multimedia Michel her as part which, of vis-a neoliberalism, is rest viewers her the show of and lives Oprah’s show the into television reach daily everyday her her through it influences significantly nomto yasaeo epta istsato n iyha eiet aho and fashion to 164) desire (Ibid., Sisyphean self-improvement. a and dissatisfaction and set of dissatisfaction are a dynamic perpetual activities dual with and consumer of congruent self. and is state own therapeutic one’s creed a improve both This by ought market: introspection. perhaps motion consumer and and into the can self-management identity of that willful feature and by structural perfectible are shaped we be that to creed therapeutic basic the on hs hrpui meaie idsnrywt h oiia n cnmcoe tthe at ones economic and political the with synergy find imperatives therapeutic These ehp oeipraty oee,hr‘teaetcborpy’i liaeyptin put ultimately is biography’’ ‘‘therapeutic her however, importantly, more Perhaps too so States, United the in stage center took policies neoliberal Reagan’s Ronald As h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The 16 h pa ife Show Winfrey Oprah The xmns‘tetiil’ rte‘mcocpctxueo everyday of texture ‘‘microscopic the or trivial’’, ‘‘the examines pa osntjs oueteeya ie oee,but however, life, everyday document just not does Oprah n pa esl s nEaIlu’ characterization, Illouz’s Eva in as, herself Oprah and a ese sa‘tcnlg fsbetvt’.Ahiwa subjectivity’’. of ‘‘technology a as seen be can ..Lee S.H. oiistevee-osmrwti hsfine this within viewer-consumer the solicits ` -vis Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 n‘Aon h ol ihOrh’ta nhrteteto mrcncnuesof consumers American of treatment her in than Oprah’’ evident with more neoliberalism world and the feminism, culture, ‘‘Around consumer in between link the is Nowhere and feminism and Neoliberal Western divide. both World of bodies World/Third Oprah’’ the with govern First world rationalities women a the neoliberal Korean which women. ‘‘Around erecting non-Western South in women, ways construct women, Korean the discursively South American elides to psychologizing to serves by to rather, relation Moreover, essential but, is in neutral choice not only of is concept it, 28). ‘‘the (ibid., of culture’’ since consumer existence’’, to as its feminist well the for as of as neoliberalism democracy it representation with in struggle choices’’ on participation a a in dependent ‘‘having as engaged also was choice posed ‘‘feminism but of which largely in centering situation have a This created feminists agency oppressed’’. ‘‘being rights, of reproductive or violence opposite domestic of against internationally favor circles activist in in privileging with a outlines, through Grewal discourses like culture As show, consumer choice. therapeutic to Oprah’s of feminism does club twentieth marries yoke too of generally, of show so more health self-fashioning, manifestations feminism end Oprah’s of Western new privileging the and as the with [by through Just exercise culture along practices 16). consumer topic, feminist 2005, movements, the dominant (Grewal age on to century]’’ books key new and became and shows cosmopolitanisms, talk spiritual female and through equates attendance, self-esteem, that self-help ‘‘Empowerment, widespread: become feminism and has feminism of neoliberal consumerization of of that kind argue brand I a 354–55). choice. 2000, (consumer) is to (Squire with success. women’’, feminism empowerment feminism’’ empower American ‘‘to ‘‘televisual is televisual African calls show and the Oprah’s Squire of feminine priority Corinne a both what that of clear specifically be it female beacon instances made black has a only many Oprah the as Moreover, in and so entertainment perceived is in is become woman rationalities richest billionaire, the have neoliberal Oprah, of gendered. that and espousal raced rationalities her neoliberal female, Thus, largely the administration. Reagan puts with the ‘‘help’’ tune since this life however, in of show ways, Winfrey is sphere many every website, In that in lives. her commonplace logic their on with a others deal countless forth people as helps members well ‘‘self- put, audience as simply of amongst guests modes community-building other through multiple Oprah professionals, and from viewers as advice her well therapeutic as and offers herself confession Oprah Through multifarious self-government’’. arenas, employing and by multiple animation and in market by consumer Indeed, experts the 6). self-help with 2006, world (Ong therapeutic conditions’’ expert the market choices, and marrying turbulent optimize knowledge can in of citizens competitiveness that array and so an efficiency, self-government on and self-animation rely induce subjectivity to of systems ‘‘technologies that suggests Ong sw hl e ntefloigscin elbrlfmns,adOrhsespousal Oprah’s and feminism, neoliberal section, following the in see shall we As this Grewal, Inderpal scholar studies cultural feminist transnational to According is audience her that and woman American African an as positionality Oprah’s Given sapwru lblmdafr htbtrse elbrls ssca ethos. social as neoliberalism buttresses that form media global powerful a is oe efrac:ajunlo eiittheory feminist of journal a Performance: & Women rudtewrdwt Oprah with world the Around h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The h Oprah The 29 17 , Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 eia ‘ne etr ys eiitshlrhpadclna icuss’ charac- discourses’’, divide. World colonial World/Third and now her First scholarship in for Mohanty, a Feminist Chandra so as what eyes: for see do terizes it we Western to do Thus, that. to choosing ‘‘Under at enough only location seminal smart tropical not but a counterparts, in are Korean and Brazil cheap, their other than in In reasons cannot. surgery ‘‘better’’ subjects plastic somehow their non-Western that by electing ways guided Americans in subjects, choices words, Western make that to assumptions able liberal are individuality, animates also it conditions’’. but market rationality abilities turbulent women’s in and American competitiveness highlight surgery and Ling cosmetic Ling efficiency, and Oprah undergo and choices, American such, ‘‘optimize to Oprah As segment, to choice as time. same Korean cost-effective investment the women’s economic South at vacation American their the of for to note lauded on numbers contrast make are segment ‘‘Huge Korean women marked that South note white) In the and (ostensibly surgery’’ of happen.’’ plastic heels of operations the ‘‘Mecca on of the Ling, Brazil and deem Oprah surgery, irony, plastic of trace a Without Brazil: in Oprah’s informing procedures market surgery the plastic of logic electing the Americans see of we segment, interpretation following the In surgery. plastic osrcino ot oenwmna ‘vrg hr ol women’’. world third ‘‘average as women Korean South tradition- uneducated, of self- poor, construction discursive ignorant, (ibid.). (read: sexually such etc.)’’ world’ world (read: victimized, third gender family-oriented, ‘third of ‘‘average feminine domestic, being the her bound, part contrast, on her marked based and In life necessary home. truncated constrained) as at essentially a even site an feminism contested ‘‘leads is Western a woman’’ be stabilizing to seemingly woman’’ continues thus it women, world Western 56). 1991, of third (Mohanty representations decisions’’ and own ‘‘average bodies their their make over to The control freedom having the as [exercising] modern, and as sexualities, ‘‘educated, as characterized are women eitda lc u mc ihtcnlg,wihotngt eoe as recoded gets often which technology, often in with is spaces amuck Japan, multiple like run Korea, created which South place within modernization result, culture a a rapid burgeoning consumer As a Korea’s as collide. flourishing by South modernity a depicted realized and Thus, and were tradition spend industrialization it. which such to spend Chung of money Park to fruits of with regime the class dictatorial 1980s, the middle under Korea the 1970s South By War, and Korean 1960s Hee. subsequent the the in and industrialized 1945 rapidly in Japan from independence political 30 IFE:Gtabkn a,wa hn,adg home. go and Yeah. thong, LING: a traveled Ms. wear in I’ve wax, vacation bikini expensive. can a you Get less and WINFREY: expensive significantly recovering. less it’s you’re it’s how because you’re—while by there while because encounter shocked Rio I always Americans, women I’m American Brazil—and of many Venezuela, America—Colombia, lot South A throughout LING: women lot right? Ms. American a is, of fact, It lot in surgery. a and, plastic That happen of WINFREY: operations Mecca of the numbers as Huge known LING: is Ms. Brazil hear I you. Thank WINFREY: o nyde hsfiuehglgtAeia oe’ aaiyfrneoliberal for capacity women’s American highlight failure this does only Not nti ae oee,SuhKrassau sa ‘nutiltgr’cmlctsthe complicates tiger’’ ‘‘industrial an as status Korea’s South however, case, this In 18 ..Lee S.H. ... 19 n h eacto scer Western clear: is demarcation the And ... 20 fe its After Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 orlt orc n htSuhKra oe n lc oe aeashared a have essentialisms women biological black and that women assumes Korean statement South desires as and This that whiteness actions and whiteness. to women’s Korean relationship race to South to name relate to correlate which they with currency as the her for gives stick measuring short. a fall becomes women making choice Korean racism, (unfettered) and internalized Thus, liberation by others. feminist implicit constrained than the are but better choices itself choices surgery ‘‘having women’s of some cosmetic Korean pathology not Oprah is signals South hand of context, that at Oprah American idea issue that the context, the in to Significantly, US that, kind. equivalent the worst something the black’’, within as look experiences experiences not women’s to women’s surgery Korean Korean South South put translates to efforts her In US—vis-a the to status 1980s. Japan’s the threat way in cosmetic same industry—did economic by the in an symbolized South much aptly and anxieties as lifestyles, American advancement aggravate bourgeois technological consumption, in Korea’s surgery participation South words, middle-class other Korean In excess. perverted epo ig dniisSuhKra oe’ aaya nenlzdracism: the internalized (with as Oprah malady Western,’’ women’s ‘‘more Korean look as South to described identifies desire is Ling) women’s craze or of Korean surgery problem help Part South plastic psychological 167). Korean a of 2003, South of outcome the identification (Illouz the since the women is here, Korean narrative Clearly South therapeutic maladjustment. therapeutic of the the of treatment see parcel Oprah’s we and in consumption, play American at for of narrative pastiche experiences postmodern format women’s a instead standard international offering the of abroad, suffering from American exports departs typically Oprah’’ which with as world represented the implicitly is consumption whose women representation discursive self-controlled. Western ‘‘other’’ this rationally of an Moreover, as that consumption. constructed alongside modern are of exists instance excesses this the in by women defined Korean South then, woman, World IFE:Idntgti.Yeah. it. get don’t I WINFREY: know. know. I you LING: me, Ms. to black look still You black. WINFREY: Right. look black. not look to Not surgery LING: having Ms. me like be would That WINFREY: Asian. those look at still looking pictures. They you—I’m the LING: Because all Ms. Asian? destroy Korean. look They look to married. still not get They idea even women. the they is Korea is in Asia before my frequently So in it on so WINFREY: happening do more happening notice What’s it’s women you considered and eyes. of deep-set, if my been lot more mean, over it a always skin I making that of and features. it’s skin flap Western this cultures, of lifting more sort they’re Asian and this eyes have desire—in Chinese—I rounder a eye—I’m have there’s you if think beautiful I LING: Ms. pa sal oda hsprle rcsl eas h sntwie e blackness her white; not is she because precisely parallel this draw to able is Oprah eseti yai nmto n‘Aon h ol ihOrh’ lhuh‘‘Around Although Oprah’’. with world the ‘‘Around in motion in dynamic this see We oe efrac:ajunlo eiittheory feminist of journal a Performance: & Women 21 ahrta h ‘or ndctd rdto-on’ Third tradition-bound’’ uneducated, ‘‘poor, the than Rather oe fcolor of women 22 ` vsJpns oiac fteautomobile the of dominance Japanese -vis rtclrc hoitKmel Crenshaw Kimberle theorist race Critical . h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The 31 , Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 32 vntoepoeue efre nwiewmn(n e) sKtyDavis Kathy in beauty feminine As participate of racialized, men). ideals identities, and European ‘unmarked’ (and Northern gendered of ostensibly women both mentality their are oppressive white and with surgery domination on privilege plastic women, the and performed of ‘‘White power assumptions forms procedures These explains, enacts all ‘‘normal’’. those that as backside that body Brazilian even system fact white the the representational the to posits eye’’ obscure Western thus ‘‘Asian and a the representation from through of traits 167). 1998, physical parts (Zane racialized Other’’ as are say, Asian to the identifying is inscription That racialized a is icon) slashed (a nw o hi uvcosbcsds att oklk themselves. women, like Brazilian look that to is want it.’’ segment backsides, an shake this curvaceous surgery undergirding gotta their implants’’, plastic assumption for marked ‘‘They the ‘‘bottom known but racially Asian’’, since electing mutilations look with as normal, to perceives bodily engagements ‘‘not form, Oprah whom gendered surgery women’s women, as Korean plastic Brazilian Unlike surgery marked find plastic feminist racially trenchant of to ostensibly uphold not forms seems does all Oprah instead fact, categorize In reaction. that garners playful implants’’ views not ‘‘bottom if get the neutral, women to more Brazilian reactions that a Oprah’s assertion through the segment, resounding Korean judgment South and bewilderment the than Rather a takes forms surgery 30-year-old on plastic assumptions segment marked on following racially the based regarding In logic forms turn: types. different this surgery body women, ‘‘normal’’ plastic Brazilian subject. American and universal racialized ‘‘natural’’ centers that and by to about women’s effectively relation non-racialized Korean in dominated statement only between South women Oprah’s and specific Korean create the South such, that represents structured effaces experiences and As experiences meanings women world, women’s women’s cultural situation. American Korean overlapping and globalized African contemporary in of of contingencies South a engaged lens ‘‘woman historical translating the called are of through subject. subject women supremacy, solely universal universal black white members unitary, unitary, and a no institutionalized women as not is as Korean experience 1995, there ways ‘‘woman’’ struggles color (Crenshaw South that of in women’’ of While here idea white racism women color’’. argue of the experience color’’, experiences I critiques of color to Similarly, thus men parallel of by Crenshaw always ‘‘women not experienced 360). that ways those way in as ‘‘sexism same same the the always in that writes pcfclyt supin bu h ‘sa y’,Zn otnsta,‘Lk the ‘‘Like that, signs contends or Zane titles in eye’’, Asianness ‘‘Asian representing for the Speaking used traits. about script racialized assumptions of ‘Oriental’-ized notions to hierarchical constructed specifically socially reify actually look IFE:Te ot hk t eew o K aealook. a Take OK. go. we Here it. shake gotta bottom They more WINFREY: it. do imagine? They shake a you this: gotta in Can to They time world. Listen LING: of the must. bit stop, Ms. a in a is next else quite bum Our anywhere spending beautiful world. than a you’re there the having Brazil, implants so around in beach, woman live the 30-year-old 30-year-olds at a thong how you’re seeing if cool, Now Brazil. so is This WINFREY: codnl,Orhsso,lk te eae npatcsrey rae distinction a creates surgery, plastic on debates other like show, Oprah’s Accordingly, codn oKtle ae uhasmtosaottewypol oadshould and do people way the about assumptions such Zane, Kathleen to According ..Lee S.H. 23 24 ... h sa eye Asian the Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 tnado euyn ogreit nmliehi America’’. single multi-ethnic a in that exists awareness helped longer darker-skinned has no media for beauty American scarring of ‘‘the middle reduce that standard growing idea that numbers—a the advances finally, in and, medical between jump of patients income, Academy this patients American expendable for white the with from Surgery, in class taken Reconstructive reasons, increase and main 34% three Plastic cites a Facial article with The Latinos 2001. compared Americans while and 300% increase 1999 by Asian 200% increased had a treat consumption experienced surgery reports cosmetic American media Korea counterparts. Asian more South that diasporic some Oprah’s whitening, their by however, than exemplified less differently treatment enough, sand: discursive Interestingly of proverbial kind segment. the the receive in also would lines sentiments Oprah’s These color. 49). her with of 2007, people present up (Pitts-Taylor for to color’’ acceptable match pains of to people great whitening, for less take seem multicultural, acceptable ‘‘more doctors more as thus general and in and producers surgery’’ cosmetic show’s ‘‘ethnic and The her makeover has In woman. and States. Filipina anxieties United a racial the its in of surgery of reflection episode plastic a of as forms racialized States book, ‘‘ethnic-appropriate’’ United and to the way ethnicized to given particular specifically is a Ling and it making surgery, 99). 2003, cosmetic (Davis, practice’’ have they when ot oenwmni e oea mother’’. a a defines as most the that role in thing into silencing her the agrees this subjectivities is with see spoke own woman doing, we I segment, context their Korean ‘‘everyone so that Korean Korean South insert In states South South Ling to women. Oprah’s when the to effect attempts of Korean then, of notions women’s South Returning, US specificities narrative. Korean onto both historical maps South anxieties and Oprah despite racial geopolitical Oprah’’ with attendant obscures world Oprah their the and ‘‘Around in one. race Korean and our of South context of the image the US from why the much explain differently that for helps so America’’ fact characterized accounts of is ‘‘the ‘‘image unflattering this case words, avoid so American other to Asian is urge plastic In The reflects 182). whole. marked (ibid., face a discomfort’’ Jackson’s] Racially as well- the nation [Michael about 177). but American America well-being the 1997, patient’s the of about (Haiken awry only being gone not has not feelings America’’ larger uneasy signals something invoke that North face surgeries suggests it haunting land; twentieth-century never-never ‘‘Jackson’s in that in well not writes is all Haiken that factor’’. only Jackson Michael ‘‘the Sentinel Angeles mns h sa mrcnptet) tasrsta ioiyptet ‘ekt enhance to ‘‘seek patients minority ethnicity’’. that their asserts shed it than the patients), rather American that Asian affirm the to amongst on goes article nevee ttsta aig‘cr fm hlrni— hn stevr apettigin thing happiest very the is think is—I children my of ‘‘care taking that states interviewee h yeo nes cuiyo omtcsreyptet fclreepiidb Oprah by exemplified color of patients surgery cosmetic of scrutiny intense of type The twudmk es,te,ta sa mrcn lcigthe electing Americans Asian that then, sense, make would It lal,te,rcal akdpatcsreycnue prca nite nthe in anxieties racial up conjures surgery plastic marked racially then, Clearly, and women Korean South of treatment Oprah’s between juxtaposition This ugr uke:Wlns n ahlg ncsei culture cosmetic in pathology and Wellness junkies: Surgery xrm makeover Extreme steteto sa mrcn lutae htEiaehHie calls Haiken Elizabeth what illustrates Americans Asian of treatment ’s oe efrac:ajunlo eiittheory feminist of journal a Performance: & Women h is nasrn fpatcsreyraiysos featuring shows, reality surgery plastic of string a in first the , 26 sangapul rcdr stems oua (presumably popular most the is procedure h o nee Sentinel Angeles Los The 27 olwn hssaeet Ling’s statement, this Following 25 ept h atta the that fact the Despite it-alrrasan reads Pitts-Taylor , sangapul eotdi 2002 in reported procedure h Los The 33 Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 ylf’.Aohrwmndcae ht‘Kra oe r eysrn moms.’’ strong very are women ‘‘Korean that declares woman Another life’’. my hi aiis’ owihLn ele,‘‘Absolutely.’’ replies, Ling which to families,’’ their ailprdgs oe fclrwti mrcnntoa odr r fe rmdin framed often counterparts. are international borders their national US American as American within within ways together Asian color lumped similar perhaps been of historically and Women have paradigms. women groups ethnic racial South American United Asian about since Korean the well only as about as of not well women also as opinions landscape but Asian’’ audiences’ the look women American ‘‘not within Korean reproduce to want women reactions women non-verbal of Korean her South types as that women various assertions World Oprah’s Third between States. and World relations First as between relations well inform rather, but, isolated not emn o nyfist drs h itrcladsca ocssaigSouth shaping forces social and Oprah’s historical such, the As address given (post)modernity. also to but Korea’s self-conceptions. them subjectivities fails South women’s about motherhood only with Korean of South commentary not role irreconcilable are traditional Ling’s only as segment self- the not for painted and their reverence Thus, is women’s and Oprah make! ‘‘excessive’’ Korean surgery mother words, authority—but silenced—and traditional more other plastic women a In in simultaneously. not Korean engaging exist does cannot women consumption mothers, modern Korean good South as conception issues, two these 34 orsodn aigsmlrcam.Tu,teso’ plcto fa priori a white centering again an a once South robs subjectivity, of from and only agency not application result political Korea this and South might show’s historical in within own women that the service their to into of color) discomfort Thus, Korean (of put the women is claims. of imagines race notion similar homogeneous Oprah’s) one as making when well correspondent (as clear Ling’s for is speak that to about license segment fact speak her The to gives her Asianness Asians. allows Ling’s blackness all whiteness, Oprah’s to as relationships just color’s Thus, which of Asia. women through with relationships more engaged word neo-colonial has or, and West hegemonic the Asia the colonial ideals in of these uneven ideal made historically use beauty have the that normative Ling’s specifically, contingencies the historical ‘‘authority’’. as erasing features her also facial while Western given discursively fixes particularly women, and is stabilizes Korean features’’ ‘‘always’’ Western South more and towards thus eyes Asia, violent rounder on have you ‘‘expert’’ if claims. an beautiful psychological as even in and stands historical home descent, make psychologists, to Asian strategists, authorized shows—life of into being her person groups Much on a adequately. Islander employs as purposes Pacific Oprah the these decorators—Ling, even experts serves Asian that and American other an Asian given ethnic the an Asian as like American, as all status Korean positionality Ling’s conflates specifically category, Ling’s US one the not Lisa of is by schema Ling however, racial Although complicated, woman. more South American about ever claims Orientalist are segment. Korea Korea South Oprah’s in those like representations home. the at to Asians susceptible with especially abroad are Asians foreigners’’, between ‘‘perpetual as interchangeability culture American dominant by iil ihdsan as ‘ o’ e it get don’t ‘‘I says, disdain, with visible h ooiigefcso hs icussaepwru rcsl eas h fet are effects the because precisely powerful are discourses these of effects colonizing The codnl,Ln’ seto ht‘I sa utrs tsawy encniee more considered been always it’s cultures, Asian ‘‘In that assertion Ling’s Accordingly, by fueled are difference and foreignness women’s American Asian about ideas such, As 30 ... ..Lee S.H. produces u h oe r elysilcnendabout concerned still really are women the But 31 sa mrcn,priual marked particularly Americans, Asian oenwmnotieo hi own their of outside women Korean 29 mlcti pa’ ttmn sthat is statement Oprah’s in Implicit 28 Oprah, Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 h ofnso yWsenha n rn tit lsros oe,adcfe hp in shops way’’. coffee and that homes, answers classrooms, into my it seek bring and and head Seoul Western my of confines the fcsei ugr nSuhKramyb ‘ en ywiht cespwri Korean in power access to which by means what ‘‘a asks be She may insights. Korea self-reflexive society’’. South own In in her aired. surgery with Oprah’’ cosmetic process with if this world begins the and ‘‘Around women that Korean year her same for the 2004, good in circuit festival and film self-entrepreneurship her of for acts Lee’s Elizabeth as ones, racialized rather of women. favor Korean but both in explanations Although these Asian’’ film herself. over documentary Oprah gloss look by Oprah espoused and ‘‘not rationalities husband’’. Ling neoliberal a surgery to and plastic very finding electing the and for desire Korean management, motivations more job their good looking describe a South not a say do getting as women women connect Korean of ‘‘Korean say, chance to to that is better That notes have fail Ling you segment, means but Western Korean differences South Oprah’s crucial In the vis-a their on to women flatten generally serves American more also that experiences but ways color’s experiences, of others’ women to and front. referent domestic women ultimate Asian the homogenize as women American ot fe h rssbgn ot oe’ nmlyetrtssae n workfare a and but in soared office neoliberalism rates Song, took Jesook neoliberal unemployment to who According Korea’s the president, 40–42). 2006, South civilian Under (Song began, implemented first institutions. were crisis Korea’s policies financial dollars when the South American foreign 1997 after Jung, the November from Dae month lacked 21 Kim it loans on because of back bailout began regime pay IMF which of to Crisis, subject IMF necessary the the became Korea, Korea South South in and, Crisis o xml,2-erodJenO,asueta waUiest iesthe yourself’’. likens for surgery caring University plastic and of yourself Ewha means on by investment at yourself an changing making student like think is ‘‘I a investment: as society. an Oh, competitive making surgery unduly to plastic Jieun an procedure of in 24-year-old conceive womanhood Korean example, or of utilize For terrain women the navigating Korean of which means film in a Lee’s in ways women women multiple Korean The agentive. of the as picture reveal surgery a cosmetic with offers engagement Lee their highlights internal’’, entail. that ‘‘power might and translation, power’’, her of ‘‘understanding act possible the an to as attention documentary, her signaling her film, elisions Lee’s probable of minutes and five first the composes process omn epeta edepomn u nyahnflgtjb.S naturally, So jobs. get handful important’’. others. also than a is abilities which English height, only better and states, have face but to better interviewee try a employment People women, another For fierce. need become As has that implications. competition are the people There 1997]. as of Crisis many Economic well the [since so worse as even gotten has impetuses situation economic ‘‘the practical real very rncly pa n iglknSuhKra oe oU oe fclrin color of women US to women Korean South liken Ling and Oprah Ironically, rte,drce,adpoue yKra mrcnflmkrEiaehLee, Elizabeth filmmaker American Korean by produced and directed, Written, e’ nevee lue oteEooi rsso 97as nw steAinDebt Asian the as known also 1997 of Crisis Economic the to alludes interviewee Lee’s hog utpescin ild ‘oe nbiglk tes’ ‘oe external’’, ‘‘power others’’, like being in ‘‘power titled, sections multiple Through saFlrgtFudto udddcmnayfl hthtteAinAmerican Asian the hit that film documentary funded Foundation Fulbright a is 33 nodrt idot e xlis ‘ eddt aetecnestosoutside conversations the take to needed ‘‘I explains, Lee out, find to order In e tepst elamliaee tr bu h utpesbetvte of subjectivities multiple the about story multilayered a tell to attempts Lee odfrher for good oe efrac:ajunlo eiittheory feminist of journal a Performance: & Women ` vsternoiea utfctosfreggn npatcsurgery. plastic in engaging for justifications neoliberal their -vis fesacutron oOrhsOinaitdpcin of depictions Orientalist Oprah’s to counterpoint a offers 34 oal,ti efrfeieadself-conscious and self-reflexive this Notably, 36 35 uha netethas investment an Such sangapul good 35 32 Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 ot oe a eoea‘sca to fmrleooi au htgisits gains that South in concern value States. a United suggests, much moral–economic the Song as in As is is of 55). subjects, it (ibid., Lee’s as ethos agents’’ Korea by social evidenced ‘‘social of as variety governmentality, a wide neoliberal a become through power has explanatory Korea South ol ihOrh’bcueo pa’ hlnhoi okesweemse h other the to attention misses continued Winfrey’s elsewhere Oprah work provides. show philanthropic Oprah the the ‘‘Around Oprah’s insight from of cultural lessons of the because types dismiss public to Oprah’’ and Africa, awareness or in with raising relief sorts, statement AIDS world other as official such of causes issues no for domestic resources the and commentary, global signals While to viewer perhaps attention released. deletion to much-needed ever to this genre Oprah Although was Presumably, prompted Oprah floor. apology countries. apology room the public 17, cutting of a the than for sensitivity on demands rather on segment narrowing organized documented 16, the show, as as leave mere fans, well the American as of a Korean boards, airings to and message Korean subsequent world South of from the out outcries around cut trip was segment Oprah’s Korean South The Conclusion obscures. choice of rational global psychologization on the what focus that ask questions overdetermined part such to an the precisely and on neglect is surgery women Oprah It cosmetic Korean world. and of South the consumption Lee around mass all both of women kind individual, of is this That the for Korea. allow on South might and focusing conditions States United by booming the say, connects both neither in to Moreover, consumption surgery and bodies. through cosmetic their femininity of rationalities Lee governing policy rates Korean ideology neoliberal consumption, market South subjects’ free negotiate their economic surgery the problematizes and nor however, plastic power both Neither, access women’s consumption. to as the that ability Korean on their focuses neoliberalism South affecting Oprah on While focuses concerns of that others). universal (amongst connotations US women are see Korean of racialized feminism South the lens also and neoliberal American the underscoring attendant both we through its in experiences and color, Similarly, women’s governmentality 226). of Korean 2003, South women (Mohanty translating theorize to of fully’’ us allows limitations ‘‘difference more how First illuminate between concerns to difference hoped the universal had about she writing women in World that Third illuminates and Mohanty fact. the after years value’’. question to moral–economic order of in ethos choice ‘‘social individual fails a an also as Lee as consumption Oprah, neoliberalism surgery like cosmetic agency, to beyond attention look Lee’s to given Oprah’s from different markedly 36 aese,hwvr ‘oe’ sactgr htrssuo h nvraiainof universalization the upon issues tackles rests certainly Oprah’’ that with category world the a we ‘‘Around while As is And 357). the ‘‘women’’ women’’. 2000, at ‘‘American however, (Squire practices advancement’’ seen, educational beauty have and and economic beauty political, ‘‘women’s of (geo)politics neoliberalism. ideal and the an technology, particular, expose race, in of Oprah’’ to with intersection which world the through ‘‘Around and site show, her makes everyday the h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The ten some essay seminal her on reflects Mohanty revisited’’, eyes Western ‘‘Under In uprst moe oe safmns ultfor outlet feminist a as women empower to purports , 37 h pa ife show Winfrey Oprah The lhuhLesdpcino ot oenwmnis women Korean South of depiction Lee’s Although ..Lee S.H. a nobel brought undoubtedly has Oprah.com ’s Downloaded By: [Lee, Sharon Heijin] At: 10:30 8 April 2008 hnst enSrnli h u smc fotit hsatcea fi eehsown. his were it if as Notes article this loving into most effort a much lastly, as and confidence put you unwavering Thank who their comments. cohort Saranillio for and Scholars Dean Lee, suggestions Matthew to of Songza advice, thanks and their Quintana, Community Myungho offered the Isa parents, have hours Groovetheory, my who Chung, to others Kim, many Brian countless Haeyon spent the Chung, Collier, Remala, have and Nguyen, Kate 2007 Julie Seung to who Mimi also Lee, Hye mentors thanks the Naber, John sincere – Abelmann, A from Stiffler, Nadine particular. Ticktin Nancy in greatly to Miriam piece Fujikane, as this benefitted goes and and Candace well work Diaz also also my as Vicente inspiring) gratitude have Browning (and Em, improving deepest I Barbara Henry My and article. See, Davis. Chambers-Letson this Sarita and Joshua Kathy suggestions of members their reader, for versions board external Wilf, Eitan many editorial and of reading Illouz Eva criticism in editors, guest patience journal’s the their thank to like would I Acknowledgements general. in hegemony the US obscuring uphold while that hegemony structures cultural US economic are perpetuate and representations to Such political ability lives women. their American women’s South in to Korean precisely relation Oprah’s South in powerful such, shape only them that with As logics constructs specificities colonize. instead lessons racial historical and discursively US many the to of flattens provides mapping serves segment Oprah’’ the Korea contexts how with geopolitical well exemplifying other world as by onto viewers the feminisms mainstay transnational ‘‘Around Oprah’s and, to are world Thus, respect the countries 3). around these countries 2003, of 120 women to (Wilson middle- the exported white, is a of show to many cater the presumably, to US, thought the largely in and borders is demographic Oprah national manages class While across Oprah, medium. and televisual by domestically the transforma- another espoused through one as bodily to feminism, and relationships women’s neoliberal image, constructs how body illuminates dissatisfaction, also women—beauty, tions—it many to relevant .T esr,patcsreyhsrahduprlee egt nSuhKrasnete1980s the since Korea South in heights unparalleled reached has surgery plastic sure, be To 7. Ibid. 6. be Ibid. to 5. seem which demographic, television her on light shed may readers magazine Oprah’s 4. Ibid. 3. Oprah’’, Ibid. with world 2. the ‘‘Around 1. nteU.Ad ssae rvosy mns h aiu rcdrsaalbeto available procedures 3% various to reductions—cosmetic the compared calf amongst surgery to cosmetic previously, enlargement of stated breast 1). form 2000, standard as some or surgery the in And, eyelid that, cosmetic from engaged notes had US. statistic Koreans twenties patients—everything general early more the of A their breasts. 13% in in or American women mouths, 2000, even Korean noses, somewhere eyes, surpassing unmarried in that their all 1989 1997), on in of performed of reported surgery 30% magazine Crisis and weekly Economic Korean 20% a the between vary, before reports While peaked consumption. economy its (when median a and years 43.1 race 2005). of to April according age 15 demographics median provide (accessed not a