Driving around Johannesburg I’ve noticed several huge billboards advertising the new show on M-NET, Ugly Betty. The reviews are all positive in the South African media like this one by Tashi Tagg. And this is to be expected because we live in a politically correct country or some would say world. Now I have not watch this television show and have no intention of doing so based on my opinion of this show. And what may this opinion be you ask?
Ugly Betty is meant to make women feel like there is more to life than being a physically attractive woman. And most men would likely agree, to avoid being labelled a sexist, or a misogynist, that this is true. Now let’s look the reality of the situation. There are many brilliant books on evolutionary physcyology and sexual behavior that proves, scientifically, that men are attracted to attractive females because they are more likely to produce healthy offspring and that in turn ensures the long term survival of the species. Just tow books you can reference to this effect are as follows:
- The Mating Mind by Geoffrey Miller
- The Red Queen by Matt Ridley
There have been many studies to show that more attractive people get more opportunities in the workplace, in social circles, etc. So this negative role model does not in my opinion help any woman understand what the reality is in the world. In America where obesity is now almost at epidemic proportions there is anecdotal evidence that this show is giving fat women an excuse not to try and loose weight. Most people are plain lazy when it comes to working on their physical appearance yet these same people are likely to judge others on their first impressions and therefore on the their physical appearance. So what I am saying here is that we should rather point women to role models like Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie. These women work exceptionally hard in their careers and still manage to look stunning whenever they make a public appearance or film.
Yeah Charlize Theron is some ‘great’ role model indeed. She shows us how to ditch our native accent in favour of a recycled, fake American accent. All this from a boere meisie from Benoni. Get Real Ramon..the only thing she shows us how to be ashamed of what you are!
Think Nicole Kidman, she is not afraid to use her Oz accent!
Are you stupid? Chalize Theron is an ACTOR and using accents is what ACTORS do best. Nicole Kidman is a good but also a freak in her private life as you may already know.
Back in South Africa we still have good positive, good looking role models like Claudia Henkel, Jo-ann Strauss, Basetsana Kumalo, etc.
I’m not talking about her acting – I think she’s a decent enough actor…BUT…have you noticed that she uses her “American accent” even when she talks to the press when she’s NOT acting. Thats what I was referring to.
And by the way, Claudia Henkel, Jo-ann Strauss, Basetsana Kumalo are all so HOT…..
Jo-ann is my favourite…..She has one of the most beautiful bodies in the country, not to mention her golden brown skin 🙂
Yeah maybe Angelinia is a decent person now but, I dont think I would want my daughter wearing vials of blood around her neck and french kising her brother and participating in serial marriage. Maybe in the backwater breeding grounds you come from that is ok.
Hi Ramon,
Watch the show. Then have an opinion. You will certainly find enough evidence to support your “view”, but you will also find that it is one of the most innovative shows on Television. You will also see that it is not supposed to reflect “the reality of the situation” as you put it. Television seldom does.
Furthermore, you will also see that the show actually confirms what is scientifically proven by evolutionary psychology (The Moral Animal – Robert Wright.)
You make some interesting points, but I’m afraid your opinion isn’t worth much if it’s this uninformed.
On rolemodels though, at the end of the day what and who you choose to make rolemodels in your life depends on what you want in life. If you are fine with being overweight and content with the consequences to the degree that you are not willing to do something about it, then so be it. What you also failed to see is that in African cultures fat women are often favoured for the same reasons than slimmer women are in Western culture (according to popular culture and the media anyway.)
So yes, you make interesting points but on the whole your opinion is hardly integrated.
PS Watch the show, who knows you might actually enjoy it. Fathom that.