America has become more and more obsessed by youth to feel that they will be accepted in today’s society.  At an early age we start to realize that people come in many shapes and sizes and some are more pleasing to our eyes than others.  We usually start to realize this when we begin our journey through school. We start to compete with others for popularity and for the feel of self-worth. We also begin to compare ourselves to others and form opinions of weak and strong.

We establish likes and dislikes at an early age and, eventually we also come to have our own preferences of what is pleasing to us.  We usually gain some form of “self identity” around the age of twelve years.  This identity that we place upon ourselves is definitely subject to change.  For example, growing up in the 1980’s, I experimented with numerous ‘identity’ ideas for myself. I was Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Madonna…..I had so many identities that I got confused and had to start all over again. 

One thing is certain of all individuals, and that is the fact that as we age, we become curious about ways to preserve our youthful looks and abilities.  Some of us will begin exercising more than usual or investing in creams and ‘potions’ to prolong our youth. Others make the decision to enhance themselves through forms of plastic surgery procedures.  We live in a very competitive and judgemental world and like it or not, beauty is more accepted than not.

Girls wish to be pretty. Boys want to feel masculine or handsome. So many Americans are obsessed with youth in these times that we are living in.  Since the beginning of history this topic has always been a “hot” one.  We are all searching for the Fountain Of Youth, and who knows?  Someday we may find it.  It may be sitting on a shelf in some store just waiting for someone to purchase it. Hurry, you better go buy it before it’s all gone!