Gabrielle Garcia/Staff Writer
The hit reality television show “The Bachelor,” which made its debut March 25, 2002 has captured the attention of millions across the nation. following a successful first season, several spin-offs have been created including “The Bachelorette,” “Bachelor Pad” and “Bachelor in Paradise.”
After watching quite a few seasons of “The Bachelor,” the more convinced I am that the “reality” show perpetuates unrealistic standards of beauty and relationships to not only viewers, but also to the contestants themselves.
“The Bachelor,” hosted by Chris Harrison, focuses on one eligible bachelor and his journey to find “love.” Typically, a pool of 25 women is selected to partake in this process, which is probably the reason the show has garnered controversy over the years.
Throughout the season, the bachelor ventures on a series of group, one on one and eventually hometown dates with the remaining women. In addition to the series of dates, the bachelor eliminates candidates typically during the infamous “rose ceremony” which gathers all the contestants together.
Much of these eliminations, however, occur outside of the rose ceremony. Among the overwhelming fact that there are around twenty-five women participating in this process, the eliminatory nature of the show initially stirs the pot. This is where my critique begins.
From the very first episode, the women and the bachelor are almost always made up and well dressed. This suggests that both women and men must always appear their absolute best at all times in order to meet, engage and sustain a relationship with their significant other.
In terms of the dating process, contestants go on extravagant dates with the bachelor in exotic locations, attend cocktail parties and are essentially competing for a potential husband in the midst. All are dynamics, which do not in any way reflect what an average couple may experience. Essentially the contestants experience a heightened reality dictated by the bachelor himself and the producers.
Although the luxurious locations, latest clothing styles and the carefully casted contestants may seem interesting, I urge viewers to be more aware of the many dynamics at play.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
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