Just seen this via twitter… the tweet in question from @chris_coltrane reads “Attention feminists: new tv show My Ugly Best Friend has set the cause back 50 years. http://bit.ly/w853i”
Suspected it was a joke but sadly no.
The programme’s blurb: “My Ugly Best Friend is a brand new show where a glamour puss nominates her ugly duckling best friend for a makeover and we need men to rate these two girls!
Whether you like blondes or brunettes, tall girls or short girls – if you have an opinion and know what you like, then we’d love to hear from you!
You will be watching video footage of our two friends and then being asked to comment on everything from their noses to their clothes but don’t worry; you won’t have to meet the girls in the flesh.
We are shooting on Sunday 20th September and if you fancy taking part, then apply now! http://www.sroaudiences.com/shows.asp”
Oh deary me no. No no no no no.
I’d love to believe that no women would volunteer to take part in this. Other makeover shows have as a minimum the decency to allow the participants to believe that they are doing it for themselves, to improve their self-esteem, and the consultees are family and friends.
This show does not make clear whether the women know that they are going to be rated by an audience of men (rated via video, note, not getting a chance to meet and identify whether their opinion is worth listening to).
But the sad truth is that there is a strong body of women out there who really do think that a makeover to attract men is empowering. And that in going on this programme, even with the word “Ugly” in the title, they’re somehow showing their love for their friend.
So I think Chris is right, but do you know what? I’d be willing to bet the producers etc. dealing with this programme are women…
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