DinnerDialogue.com is a free service of Family Matters. Its purpose is to bring deeper and more open discussions to your family. Every weekday brings new news that opens up topics for discussion on moral, ethical and spiritual issues.

TODAY'S DIALOGUE - October 21, 2002
This page is updated weekdays by 2 pm PT.

Cosmetic Surgery - Los Angeles Times (free registration required)
As American men confront a barrage of images of pumped-up male perfection, plastic surgeons across the country say that a growing number are willing to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 to put in what God, genetics or exercise left out of their chests. Precise statistics on the number of pectoral implants, or "male chest enhancements," performed in the United States are unavailable because the trend is still young. Many plastic surgeons expect pectoral implants to continue to rise in popularity for a variety of reasons. The procedure's best sales pitch is transmitted across the cultural landscape where chiseled masculine chests are displayed on everything from fitness magazines to underwear ads to Hollywood action heroes.

• Do you think there is more pressure on men today to look a certain way? If so, where do you think it comes from and why? Do you think the pressure is just as much for men as it is for women? Explain.
  
  
• If we are the final draft of God's plans for how we are designed, what do you think the first few rough drafts looked like? What are some other ways God could have designed us? What are some places He could have put our eyes, ears, nose...? What about armpit hair? What are some alternatives for how we could get around (legs)?
  
  
• If you could change your physical appearance what would you change and why? How do you think it would change your personality (confidence, aggressiveness, courage, etc.)?
  
  
• The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:13-16). If this is true, is it wrong to have cosmetic surgery? Explain.
  

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SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

Father figures needed - The Pioneer
Larry Clemons became a dad when he was 15 years old. He said he received a lot of negative feedback from his teachers, and society in general.

Ugly Brawl Mars Youth Football Game - CBS News
The tape showed young children, teenagers and adults taking part in a wild free-for-all after a San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football Conference game in this Los Angeles suburb on Saturday. About 25 people were involved in the fight.

Teen bully gets probation in girl's suicide - Canadian Press
The teen, convicted of uttering threats, must do 20 hours of community service, take anger management and cannot contact the other teens involved or her victim's mother.

Romance Novels Sizzle for the Love of God - Fox News
A growing number of romance novels are cleaning up their act, and burning up readers with stories of love, commitment, marriage and faith.

Biological clock strikes for men too - at age 35 - Times Online
MEN who put their career before having a family should beware: the ticking of the biological clock is as important for fertility in men as it is in women.

Man Sues Over Having to Wear a Tie - ABC News
Government worker Ian Jarman is unhappy that he has to wear a tie to work so he is accusing his management of sex discrimination.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Tuesday - October 15, 2002

This Just In: Skunks Stink

Thursday - October 10, 2002

Apparently, money can buy happiness.

Wednesday - October 9, 2002

Florida man changes name to 'I am who I am'

Monday - October 7, 2002

KUPD deejay suspended over Kile prank

Friday - October 4, 2002

Indiana teen saved after online suicide bid

Thursday - October 3, 2002

Trophy Husbands

Click here for more Leftovers