No Place To Hide 2

It seems that certain big name celebrities are worried about the advent of high definition television (HDTV). This technology is already available in the USA and Japan, and will probably be available on Sky next year. It’s unclear when the BBC will release HDTV material. The problem with the new technology if you are a “beautiful person” is that the blemishes that could be disguised using the old standard are exposed without pity on the new screens (that provide a picture up to 6 times clearer).

According to this article, “Distressed celebrities are rushing to plastic surgeons and dermatologists for Botox or laser treatments. Technical and make-up experts are, meanwhile, devising increasingly ingenious techniques for masking flaws such as acne scars and bulging veins.” Apparently, Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears are not quite as pretty as we thought, and Demi Moore’s complexion is "coarse and leathery". Thankfully, some folk still look “hot” on HDTV. These are said to include Mischa Barton, Anna Kournikova, Eva Longoria, Catherine Zeta Jones and Jessica Alba (most of whom I have never heard of).

Worrying as this obviously is to the “stars” concerned, I think it raises more important issues about the sort of Society we are becoming. Why does it matter if an actress, or even a news reader, has skin that is less than perfect? With the relentless advance of technology this sort of “problem” is only going to get worse. It’s the same kind of mentality that leads some people to tolerate the use of potentially harmful chemicals just so they can eat the “perfect” piece of fruit. Personally, I’m with Joni Mitchell on this: “Give me spots on my apples, but leave me the birds and the bees”.

PS (1) If Cameron Diaz is really worried about her imperfections, I would just like to say here and now that I would be prepared to overlook them (but don't tell Wosog).
(2) Bearing in mind some of the images of Cherie Blair that have appeared on ordinary television, I would suggest that she may have to consider more drastic action before HDTV comes on-stream.