You've at least tried to watch.
Kaitlyn Bristowe, the current Bachelorette.
Twice a year, for 13 years now, ABC puts forth certain types of people they deem as 'ideal' candidates for possible relationships with other said candidates on 2 shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.
And when I say "relationships," I'm talking, 'I barely know you, but let's get engaged!' Whoa!
Surprisingly, all this 'dating' takes place over a period of 6 short weeks! Yep. You heard me.
It's a whirlwind of exotic destinations, group dates, solo dates, hometown dates and 'fantasy' suite dates.
The whole thing is a fantasy...and that's probably why we're hooked. Who couldn't use more fantasy in this world?
Speaking of fantasy...
Am I the only one who has noticed that Chris Harrison miraculously refuses to age, as he resolutely leads the show through one 'crisis' after the next, year after crazy year. He's been on more journeys, with more lovesick people than any other man in the history of planet earth... He should now be considered a national treasure who will be remembered in the Smithsonian at some point in the future...
Chris Harrison
Very few.
And, the ladies have a better track record than the men. It's true. The Bachelorettes have been more successful at finding 'true love' than their counterparts, the Bachelors.
I won't speculate as to why.
The whole premise does seem a bit ludicrous though--foolish; unreasonable, amusing, ridiculous and out of place.
But darn it, I watch anyway. Once again asking myself,
'What is wrong with me?!?
I think it's the hopeless romantic in me who wants to see the happily-ever-after played out before my TV-viewing eyes in a neat little time slot.
(And I must not be alone)
This season, for example, 'The Bachelorette' and 'Dancing With the Stars' helped lift ABC to number one on Monday nights.
Yeah, I know about the haters. You know what they say, 'Haters gonna hate.' That's ok. I can see their point, of course. Plenty of people just love to hate the show.
Aside from the romance, I'm intrigued by all the different personalities striving to co-exist under one roof.
Strangers. I mean think about it. All those guys have been selected like the choicest cuts of meat...some with matching IQs...but others with more to offer a girl...And, they're all supposed to behave themselves perfectly as the whole world watches, while vying for the attention of one woman.
Some pull it off.
Others, well, not so much.... Ahh the bad boys... And that is another reason to watch!
We wait. We wonder, 'Doesn't she see what a loser he is?' 'When is she going to catch on?'
I've even tried talking to her through the TV...
"What is wrong with you!?! He's lying to you!! Can't you see that!"
I know... Give it up. She can't hear me.
I'm going to state the obvious now.
"The Bachelorette" is even more of a fantasy to some than others.
You're laughing. The implication is obvious.
But what if I'm not talking about the process.
From the second those people step out of the limo, there's a whole lotta people thinking, 'That's not me."
How real are the people represented here? Not very, I'm afraid.
You get where I'm going with this, right? Here's a hint.
Not Your Idea of a Fantasy Date?
Would anyone want to see a guy or a girl using a wheelchair on the Bachelorette? Or a cane? Who uses a walker? Or would the fantasy be spoiled?
Be honest.
What if Noah Galloway were one of the Bachelors? What then?
'Imperfect' people in an imperfect world. Is that just too much reality for our fantasy-loving selves?
Fantasy people with
Fantasy bodies in
Fantasy locations on
Fantasy dates driving
Fantasy automobiles staying in
Fantasy suites in
Fantasy mansions with
Fantasy endings
Fantasy, fantasy, fantasy.
Noah Galloway, Soldier and Dancing With the Stars contestant
According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 35% of the United States reports some type of physical disability, including sight and hearing.
35% and rising.
That's more than the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S (17%)
More than the Black community (12.6%)
Far more than the gay population (3%)
And more than any other minority status group.
Furthermore, we are the fastest rising group out there, both, worldwide, and here in the U.S.
Now you tell me.
Are we being accurately represented on television? In movies? In magazines? On the Internet?
Anywhere??
Or are we as invisible as we feel?
Here's the catch. People stare, but they rarely acknowledge us. It's a whole new thing for me. And I don't like it.
Just an observation my friends.
As always, I wish you peace and joy. And I always want to hear from you...
xx
