TV One Presents "Black Don't Crack: The Cosmetic Surgery Debate," an hour documentary that delves into the taboos, controversy, fears and success of cosmetic surgery in the African American community.
The documentary explores how negative imagery and stereotyping in the American culture historically played into African Americans' image of themselves. This caused some African Americans to pursue surgical remedies to conform to the European ideal, while some African Americans desired surgery based on personal preference. While cosmetic surgery in the African American community surged, first among women and then later men, many in the community opposed these procedures, causing tense debates regarding this issue.
Cosmetic surgery patients, including singer/actress Stephanie Mills, share their cosmetic surgery stories, their reasons for wanting surgery and some of the hurdles society and their families presented to them. African American cosmetic surgeons, psychologists, cosmetic surgery patients, and their family members debate the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery, discuss the taboos and fears, and disclose their reactions and candid feelings about surgery for African Americans.
