You know. I sometimes have that show What Not To Wear on in the background while I'm cooking [since these days I'm usually alone with Lester so busy!] and I have realized something. I could never put my finger on why I had this whole love hate thing with this show.
On the one hand, I love how they provide people with a a great new wardrobe-many of them not only need it, but could never afford it [like me haha!]. I love it when they get their hair done [although I do miss Nick Arrojo], and when I get to learn new makeup tips. I love it when they learn to love and embrace their bodies [when they do] and buy clothes that really actually fit. That is all great, and its fun to see the transformation from beginning to end.
But I absolutely HATE how they always feel the need to completely humiliate someone BEFORE they do something nice for them. Some people tell me its because if they don't, they won't see that they need to change. I think that's bull. Sometimes change is hard, but nobody likes to be put down, called names, compared to awful people or even animals, and most especially nobody needs to be hit, which Stacy [who I think is an AWFUL bully] does in almost every episode.
And you know what-they claim that they try to dress people in clothes that are not only age appropriate, but also good for there lifestyle. I also think this is a lie. They will take a stay at home mom, who lets say is into running, and buy her 'casual' at home shirts [which she will not want to get baby food or play dough on] and has her cleavage hanging out, and then sweats that cost $200 are, brand name and are just as good as the cheaper ones...its just not right. And say even after all that, they get the person the perfect wardrobe-what about after the show? How are they supposed to sustain that lifestyle, when most of the stuff is dry clean only and to expensive to continue to buy at such a level? Its just kind of frustrating.
But anyways. The whole reason I was thinking about this is because today, I had a really hard time getting up for my first early class, and eventually it got to the point where I just had to throw something on. Once I got there I realized that with my frizzy fro, lack of makeup or retainer, baggy black high school sweatshirt and dressy shoes, I looked the like the perfect candidate for the show-that or being a homeless person. And I thought to myself-this is one day. Every once in a while, I think every person just has one of those days where you do what you gotta do-high heels dressy blouses, and perfectly styled hair is not something that I need for running to the grocery store or to my neighbors for some sugar. And if someone was secretly recording me for months, they are bound to find something that they can stream to together and make it look like you are the worst dresser ever. And that is just not accurate, or fair.
But then. Even though I am right about this. I would still take the new clothes and stuff if it came down to it. That and I'd give Stacy a much needed attitude adjustment.
I've never seen this show--heard of it though. I agree with you on the whole putting-down thing. I think they think it pulls in the audience, but I think that more people would love it if the whole thing could be positive.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's interesting that they will take a stay-at-home mom and buy her sweats and t-shirts. Seriously?? I do wear t-shirts most days that I'm not going out anywhere (and maybe most days when I AM going somewhere. But sweats? I don't care how expensive they are, I have a hard time thinking of sweats as day-wear. I know a lot of stay at home moms who dress casual, but cute and trendy. Just funny that sweats and t-shirts were considered "appropriate for their lifestyle" wear. =)
And you're right...you don't have to be dressed to the nines or anything like that to run to the store or the neighbor's. And it's perfectly fine to have those "who cares" days every once in a while.