This documentary presents two Canadian women of Asian descent who are contemplating eyelid surgery. Maria and Sharon, of Philippino and Korean heritage respectively, believe their looks--specifically their eyes--get in the way of how people see them. Layering their stories with pop culture references to beauty icons and supermodels, filmmaker Ann Shin looks at the pain that lies deep behind the desire for plastic surgery.
Ages 14 to 17
Diversity - Diversity in Communities
Diversity - Identity
Health/Personal Development - Body Image
Media Education - Body Image
Take a vote (private or public) on whether the young woman in the film should get the surgery. Set up debate teams and have students prepare arguments for and against. What role does the media play in the woman’s self-image? Have students make a collage of images from magazines. What is the message? Images from magazines could be divided into categories to examine the stereotypes for each ethnic group and sex.