The News Coverage of Plastic Surgery And Its Culture in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Fan I-Hua, 范逸華
• Other Authors: 吳珮慈
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/57829202258947373318

碩士 === 國立臺灣藝術大學 === 應用媒體藝術研究所 === 95 === Abstract The term “plastic surgery”, or “orthopedic surgery”, is originally defined as reconstructive surgery. However, with the high growth industry of beauty treatment, plastic surgery develops into an opportunity for women to strive for a reviving brand-new life. So what exactly is the discourse or force that the concept of plastic surgery in Taiwan could have been turned from a kind of reconstructive surgery for congenital deficiency into the characterization of women’s initiative in reforming themselves, even into the representation of a fashionable trend? Therefore, plastic surgery not only becomes the most profitable department in the majority of medical institutions, but also emerges throughout the metropolis of Taipei with plastic surgery clinics seen everywhere. What is more, considering the fact that a doctor’s earnings are cut down according to current health insurance policies, a great many non- plastic surgeons, specialized in dermatology, gynecology, otolaryngology, etc., labor over acquiring Taiwanese or foreign diplomas relevant to plastic surgery with a view to sharing this lucrative market. This research centers on the investigation of the constructed power by plastic surgery culture under the discourse of mass media in Taiwan, exploring the cultural aspects which plastic surgery industry in Taiwan has established among mass media, plastic surgery proprietors and consumers. Through the analysis of textual material, publication and news, the researcher discusses issues such as the impact of mass media on the foundation of plastic surgery, the scheme to build up esthetic standards toward women by symbols of words and pictures in news reports, and the people who construct plastic surgery discourse as well as their approaches. This research has also conducted in-depth interviews with women who have undergone plastic surgery in order to examine their mentality, arguing for what and for whom they have made such decision and how much they are influenced by the discourse of mass media. In sum, the thesis aims to portray the outline of plastic surgery culture under the discourse of the mass media in Taiwan. Keywords：plastic surgery、orthopedic surgery、cosmetology、body