I'm pretty put off by a lot of the shows that are on tv right now (The Bachelor, Joe Millionaire, etc), but I suppose that's just my morals that keep me from really enjoying what's supposed to be "entertainment." Although, if people want to get married in front of the whole world to some random guy just because he's rich, then go ahead, I don't really care. But what bothers me about The Swan is that the television industry is just capatilizing on these women's incredibly low self esteem. All the women on the show were just average looking before their make over. After watching their descriptions and hearing the women explain why they're on the show, it's pretty clear that half the reason they have such low self esteem is because of the lack of support they've gotten from family or boyfriends/husbands. And apparently getting extreme plastic surgery is going to help them get out of their pattern of being in abusive relationships, or whatever.
Not to mention the fact that the media already has a habit of objectifying women and scrutinizing apperances down to the finest detail. This show is just adding to the pressure to look a certain way, and that certain way is usually any way but how you already look. Many of these women seem to be unhappy and are convinced that their apperances are at fault. So, before making an effort to accept themselves as they are, they jump to the conclusion that they obviously need a make over. And while I feel sorry for their low self confidence, I think that participating in this type of show is very weak. I would say that being happy with how you are is much more of an accomplishment than being able to walk around in a bathing suit on national television. Not to mention it sends a very discouraging message to the youth. What they're basically being told is, you can be smart and funny and talented, but that means nothing if you don't look good.
My dislike for the show may also be due to my distaste for cosmetic surgery. I would never do it just because I think it'd take away from my indiviualtiy or identity if you will. Plus, I'd be very dissatisfied knowing that there was something I found so terribly wrong with myself I had to change it forever. Not to mention I'd feel very fake, I can't even highlight my hair without feeling fake, but that's just me.
I wouldn't be surprised if right now you were thinking that I was way to uptight/concerned about this show. And I'm not, I actually could care less what fools these people are chosing to make of themselves. I'll just emphasize again that what concerns me, is the standard of what beauty is, how to acheive that standard, and in huge part, the message these kinds of shows send to kids (my age too, I'm not trying to be condescending and grown up here, I just realize the influence media has on young kids). But oh well, what can you do? I guess this show will make a pretty good "True Hollywood Story" in a few years.
PS- that does it for my serious updates for a while.
Posted by lib at May 24, 2004 09:31 PM