Justine Bateman, in conversation with Nancy Etcoff, discusses Face: One Square Foot of Skin

(4/06/21) Face is a book of fictional vignettes that examines the fear and vestigial evolutionary habits that have caused women and men to cultivate the imagined reality that older women's faces are unattractive, undesirable, and something to be "fixed."
Based on "older face" experiences of the author, Justine Bateman, and those of dozens of women and men she interviewed, the book presents the reader with the many root causes for society's often negative attitudes toward women's older faces. In doing so, Bateman rejects those ingrained assumptions about the necessity of fixing older women's faces, suggesting that we move on from judging someone's worth based on the condition of her face.
With impassioned prose and a laser-sharp eye, Bateman argues that a woman's confidence should grow as she ages, not be destroyed by society's misled attitude about that one square foot of skin. (Akashic Books)

[@bikedawg]

I really admire Justine -- she's thoughtful and intelligent and a great observer of things.

[@Corrans]

She is so incredibly intelligent! How she processed it and turned the negative comments around for herself!

[@stephaniestanley8041]

We need people like Justine. Born beautiful and smart.

[@Eq89]

JB is a strong woman ! I totally agree with everything she is saying . I will be turning 50 in Sept. I have no intention on getting any Surgeries, Enhancements etc.....

[@Nayalla1111]

What am absolute joy to watch these two amazing women discuss such an important topic! Fantastic!💝🥰💝 Thank you! 💛🙏💛

[@ljrockstar69]

I love women of all ages, I look beyond their age and love them for their personality. This world is facing a plethora of problems, we don't need to criticize each other for looks.

[@AmythystRaine]

This is one of the liveliest, most interesting, riveting conversations I've seen in a long time. It was pure joy to watch. Both of these women seem so interested and tuned into their conversation, it's almost like at one point they forget the cameras and the audience are present. I loved this!! I've been sharing this video, hoping this remarkable and ground breaking perspective about women, aging, vanity, as well as how to deal with personal fears and insecurities is seen by women out there who need to hear this message.

[@sherryjudy7824]

That was wonderful!! Love hearing Justine's thoughts!

[@misterwhiskers43]

It's great that Justine as an adult has the self confidence to not care what ppl say about her. But it's actually a very deep societal problem that effects children and everyone really that ppl feel it's fine to hurl emotional abuse at each other over the way they look. I really feel this is a cultural problem and an individual perspective problem both. We need to advocate and teach a culture of kindness. Part of that is acknowledging the biological, evolutionary reality that we have a preference for beauty and youth, but that we stop putting actual value in that. It's the valuing it part that's damaging and it's actually emotionally damaging to everyone including the young and beautiful

[@Corrans]

You said that so well! Yes!!!

[@librarian1701-D]

having menopause can mean low libido, increased urinary problems, painful sex and vaginal dryness, stubborn weight gain, insomnia, the worst can be awful hot flashes all day, night sweats, mood swings.. it can be devastating for women and should be talked about more, we should be prepared, learn how to deal with this. Too bad the question wasn't addressed with the respect it deserves... a missed opportunity in such an important discussion on women aging

[@2legit2Kwit]

Yes. Agreed. Maybe this can lead to it ❤

[@MegKampen]

A lot of important things weren't talked about. Justine had 3 eating disorders that she battled for years. She is also a smoker. These things should have been addressed.

[@janehoward7108]

Such a naturally beautiful and stunning person. It's mostly so refreshing to see how true to yourself you are Justine, and an amazing and grounded role model for all ages. Thankyou for that!

[@jean-francoisdaignault9612]

Amazing women, thank you Book Soup for creating this event.

[@LilGigiGabor]

I so love this vlog interview. I'm so glad that you have released this book. Which highlights an unspoken topic off aging amongst your 'co-peers'. My problem is I don't look my age. I have always looked too young (opposite spectrum facially yet I'm mum of two. With a body that looks that way. It's so life immersive trying to look like I fit in. When in so many levels I feel I don't look like who I am. (My 2nd Life cycle change) after adolescent which hit me when I was 25. I am now nearly 50 and still look younger than my brain or body fit. They don't! Sounds confusing.... I was so confused. Now it's starting to settle. I am slowly accepting if my physic as it is. Amen much love to all. Happy holidays 2021 G;Dx Ps. "Fame" was my #everything when I was younger. I'd think "if only". I just ❤️ to dance!!! Gill;Dc

[@misterwhiskers43]

It's not irrational to fear aging. Ask any professional woman past 50 whether or not they face ageism

[@2legit2Kwit]

I’m a female approaching 50. I’m so THRILLED to do so and to be just like Justine. Natural aging is embracing your natural self. My people pleasing and showing up for others gaze is over and I couldn’t be more excited!

[@jgator6694]

Amazing talk that helped me. Thanks Justine.

[@anne-mariestevenson2035]

I think Justine looks great as always, good for her for talking about this

[@donnarowe1890]

I agree!

[@aldenunion]

@@donnarowe1890 Me to.....She is still pretty...

[@Corrans]

I am ashamed to admit that I first went for "preventative" Botox at age 30...when I had nothing to Botox! Now I think back and think why did I do that? I say, each woman can and should do whatever she wants (I am not against any of these things) but the pressure to start too young is ridiculous.

[@Dreamgirl-xd1sx]

When you hear the words brain tumor as I did last year, you gain perspective real quick. I've had screws inserted and tightened into my skull for radiation to try and give myself a shot at making it through my 40s, being able to chew solid food and talk without excruciating pain. I've spent too much time worrying about my looks and my weight, actually harming my body trying to attain some magical state of being that will make me happy. It never happens, even when I attain my goal. Now I've got a loaded grenade in my head - trust me, baggy eyelids, gray hair, wrinkles are a luxury. If you have your health, you have everything.

[@MegKampen]

Yeah! Your looks can always be fixed. If you lose your health you can lose everything including your life and definitely your quality of life. People don't understand unless they've been through it.

[@martakiss8445]

❤Congratulations ladies, intelligent, "a healthy body - a healthy mind" very true!!!

[@novizivot3631]

Justine , you look great!

[@suzannehorton3146]

she is so right!! that women feel the need to fix their face. in .society, this attitude really affects our emotional and mental behaviour...socially seems to say..if you don't fix your face..your not accepted in society...and anyone who has been noticed because of their beauty..in their younger years..feel the need to keep looking good as they age...i have been told i was very attractive as a woman..but it seems like when you age..people seems disappointed that women do age..?? and the attitude is so negative towards aging.

[@2legit2Kwit]

Justine is a hot natural lady. She doesn’t feel the need to change anything because she is “enough”. It’s a mindset.

[@TheMyisa]

Great discussion! Book Soup: Are you open for business and stocking Justine’s book? I’m in L.A. but haven’t been to the store in far too long!

[@bikedawg]

The problem starts with preteens doing makeup. This "programs" girls and women that they need makeup to look pretty. Quite the contrary. Girls and young women do not need makeup. The fact of the matter is no one needs make up unless they had some kind of facial trauma via accident or some unfortunate incident. Why can't people just be happy with their own natural look?

[@alfredovindiola6364]

Justin is beutiful al natural. The more organic, the more natural beuty

[@THEYOGAFACE]

So do you think that some people are well adjusted and still want to look better for themselves? Just being a devil's advocate.

[@misterwhiskers43]

I doubt it. You have to ask exactly why would looking good make someone feel good and why would looking ugly make them feel bad? Even if it's just for "themselves" they're putting a value judgement on attractiveness, but what is the inherent value of attractiveness? Are ppl who are more attractive happier?

[@THEYOGAFACE]

@Sonny W yes I agree. Of course we can be well adjusted and still want to do a filler or Botox or even surgery! And we can also decide we don't want any of that. My face, my choice. Don't try to oppress us! Or shame us!

[@AmabelleDesir]

@@THEYOGAFACE Oh please. The only reason anyone would want to inject their bodies with foreign material that is only a TEMPORARY "fix" for the sake of beauty is pure vanity. Seek God. His Book has the best anti-aging guide for you

[@THEYOGAFACE]

@@AmabelleDesir I agree with you but I think it is not for us to judge .

[@MegKampen]

I don't think there is anything wrong with taking care of yourself and your health so you will be healthy and you will look your best. Some people do want to look better for themselves and they can be well adjusted too. If they do it for someone else other than themselves than you have a problem.

[@bikedawg]

Men have the same exact fears and biases.

[@TheBella2u]

Amazing 😻 smart women. Smart is beautiful!

[@ann6406]

I think it comes down to your confidences . I think that you can be comfortable with yourself.but for some reason its bothers others so i agree with Justine...i feel in my experience that when your younger you are treated better ..and society looks down on aging....an rhats a shame..

[@beldonhuang]

Interesting discussion with good insights!

[@oleskool1031]

If she is health that is all that matters. We know that she is talented and intelligent. I still have a mean crush on her since Family Ties.

[@elmarwolters2751]

Did Justine say " a regular face " ? A "regular face " ! Honestly , what is thatsupposed to mean ?! A regular face vs. an irregular face or rather , the more irregular the more it resem les a mask.... this is a freak show ! One of the most spectacular evolutionary achievements ever is the human face as a " device " for inter-human communication, it is amazing and allows , thanks to its capacity and range of expression , humans to ' talk ' to each other and be social with each other in spectacularly subtle ways . Why on earth would you destroy the most precious part of your body and cut it to pieces , pump all sorts of pig shit into it so it looks smooth ?? Smooth , as an expression of your soul ? My soul is never smooth ! Smooth would have tobe the most empty and dull way any face ca ever look ! What is going on , people ? Stop it , I am a man and I hate this snit ! I want to look into a face , i want to read and experience your aliveness not your smoothness .... and for all those who do , go and by yourself a doll , much cheaper , won't ever disagree with you and will stay smooth for years and years !

[@lisavokorina6989]

Really nice ❤ so much wisdom and calmness

[@donarnold8268]

Thank You! Posting on Facebook...

[@brvndxxxn]

Absolutely amazing