Re: Search for a star

2009/8/12 Andrew Bennetts <[email protected]>:
> Simon Thomas wrote:
> [...]
>> The premise of the show is to carry out a social experiment for which
>> there is a large cash prize for the winners. We will couple together
>> beautiful, socially savvy women with bright males, and through a series
>> of challenges, see what they learn from each other. The idea is to
>> embrace and celebrate the talent and individuality of each contestant.
>
> So, the show is premised on reinforcing stereotypes (including some really
> obnoxious ones, like that women aren't likely to be smart or interesting in
> geeky things, and that beauty and intelligence are somehow mutually
> exclusive)... yet the idea is supposed to be that it celebrates “individuality”?
>
> I'm skeptical, to put it mildly.

On the contrary, having watched and enjoyed every series of both the
US and UK versions of the show, I can say it's more about attempting
to break these stereotypes.  They pack a week of reality into a 30min
slot, so can edit enough to contrive a transformation story and mutual
appreciation story too - all very heart-warming stuff.  There are
tasks like orienteering or building a water rocket for the beauties
and then for the geeks, well they have to go shopping for clothes then
ask for girls' numbers at a bar.  These tasks can be frustrating to
watch, but still very entertaining.  I'd recommend entering, or at
least watching it if you have a TV.

HTH,
Pete
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