Deborah Caslav Covino is Associate Professor of English at California State University Stanislaus.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Objectification and False Consciousness
Abjection, Agency, and Identification

1. Abjection

Pain
Communication and Expulsion
Transgression, Identification, and Community

2. Normalizing the Body

The Scar
Body Loathing
Industry Success

3. Outside-In

4. "I'm Doing It for Me"

"Ana's Aloha Body"
"Fatima's Flawless Nose"
"Light in Jodi's Eyes"

5. Making Over Abjection

Positive Thinking
Updating and Upgrading
Freedom of Choice
Passing
Happy Aging

Conclusion

Notes

Works Cited

Index