The Unsettling Parallel Between Ancient Vandalism and Modern Rhinoplasty

In a recent social media video, a creator named Johnridgeway discusses the unsettling parallels between the historical vandalism of Egyptian Pharoah statues and the current trend of ethnic rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. Johnridgeway states, "The ethnic rhinoplasty is equivalent to Europeans breaking the noses off of Pharoah statues." The video highlights how Europeans specifically targeted the noses of the statues, often because they depicted features associated with African and other non-European ethnicities. This act, Johnridgeway suggests, reflects a history of suppressing and erasing ethnic identities. The video has garnered significant attention, raising concerns about cultural appropriation and the impact of beauty standards on people of color. While some viewers may find the comparison provocative, it sparks an important conversation about historical context and the perpetuation of Eurocentric beauty ideals in the 21st century. The video encourages viewers to consider the implications of their choices and the larger historical context of beauty standards.