Those people doing these are minority. 😑

I thought the word "oriental" was racist!

I agree with Andi, "oriental" culture doesn't actually mean anything. I thought it was actually an article on traditions on the Middle East! You probably do mean well but a course on post colonial discourse is much needed here :)

Interesting article. Just a thought about the opening line though. There are thousands of oriental cultures so saying "the oriental culture" is a little... off putting. I know you do use the plural form later in the piece but that opening threw me. Each Asian culture is very different from the next. If I was, for example, Thai, I think it would make me uncomfortable to be told I'm no different from Japanese, North Vietnamese, or Indian. I love your articles Eliza, and it seems you're a very kind and open minded person. This phrase could have been worded a bit better, that's all.

I am shocked yes. How vain can you get ? Physical beauty is nothing compared to the person inside. If you have a brain and a half decent personality you're over half way there. There is no such thing as perfection as everyone's perception of beauty is entirely different. Play on your strong points and give up on trying to look "perfect"!

i'm not even going to harp on the other stuff, but double eyelids are not 'Caucasian' eyelids. there are plenty of Asians (East, South East, South, and so forth) with double eyelids, as do many other races. i agree with some of the other commenters: you may think you're being open-minded and all with this, but you just come off as incredibly ignorant. and the bagel head thing was a short lived trend in Japan only, never a beauty 'ideal'. please do your research first.

I'm not Asian, nor do I know much about the different cultures within them, but I feel that this article would be offensive. I highly doubt that every "oriental" (what ever that means) have to same beauty standard and procedures done on themselves.

Oriental is not an antonym to Westerner. The term 'oriental' was designed during a time period when Asians were seen as subordinate. It's a derogatory term that was used to label and fetishize people of Asian descent. The term 'Oriental' is not synonymous to 'Asian' or 'Asian American', much akin to the term 'nigger' being an inappropriate term to use in place of 'African American'. Both 'Oriental' and 'Nigger' are Eurocentric terms, and it is exactly that fact that makes those terms inappropriate to use. People are offended, and instead of being defensive, you should reflect on your ignorance. If you know anything about the history of Asians in America, or the history of America and this country's treatment to non-white ethnicities, you would be well aware of what is offensive and what isn't. Your response and several others' on here is quite shocking and disappointing. "Stop getting upset over non-issues"? I think you need to take an Ethnic Studies course and open up your mind to these REAL matters about race and relations in America.

Well,I guess it's true as they say " beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Maybe it's the Japanese men aren't satisfied with the natural Japanese beautiful face?

@scarletttwist43 May offend some people?? Being politically correct all the time.. Crazy, sure but to potentially offend 4 billion people..imo your the one who sounds like an asshole