Published: May 02, 2008 05:49 pm         

Beauty is only skin deep

WEATHERFORD, Texas — Literature has always been a way for parents to teach lessons to children.

Moms and dads have forever pointed to Tom Sawyer's plight as a reason to tell the truth, to The Grapes of Wrath to point out that money and status don't matter as much as character, and the Brothers Grimm to make sure little Hansel and Gretel don't go walking in the woods near a witch's house alone.

Well, with new generations comes the need for different morals to the stories.

Enter plastic surgeon Michael Salzhauser, who has written a children's book, My Beautiful Mommy.

The tome, a mostly picture book, described in an Associated Press story, tries to calm the fears of kids with parents getting tummy tucks, breast enhancement and nose jobs.

Right.

This book will calm their fears?

More than likely the book will help build the skill of judging others by their physical attributes instead of their character.

"Look Mommy, that lady is too poor to have liposuction."

"I know, Sweetie. We are certainly blessed above those who have to live in the body God gave them."

Don't misunderstand me. If someone wants to surgically change their appearance, more power to them. But getting kids involved seems to send the message that outward beauty is something to reach for.

According to Dr. Salzhauer, "Many parents don't explain to their kids what's going on."

That's right, Doc. And the reason is if the kiddies don't know about Mommy going under the knife they can't blurt it out at an inopportune time.

For instance, the little tikes might recognize Mom's doctor in the grocery store.

"Look Mommy," her little darling screeches excitedly across the produce section, "Isn't that the nice man who fixed your nose and tummy? He's the guy who made your bottom smaller and your bra bigger and made Daddy smile so big."

Whereupon Mom drops the casaba melon she was checking for ripeness, and rushes for the car as the other silicone injected, knife scarred women gather at the organic strawberries and begin to whisper, "I knew it all along."

I guess she'll have to find another grocery store...and put that blasted book higher on the shelves.



Phil Riddle writes for the Weatherford (Texas) Democrat.