Like everyone I have an embarrassing and guilty pleasure. I’m not proud of it, but if there is an addiction I must live with, I guess I can resign myself to this: The Bachelor. I don’t watch a lot of television, but you can bet every Monday between 8 and 10pm I am glued to the television watching The Bachelor. Since its introduction to prime-time television in 2002, like a true addict I have been hooked to the show.
The funny thing is I don’t even know why!!! These people “supposedly” looking for love come on this show and after some scantly shared time over a span of a couple of dates, with a camera crew and host, the “Bachelor” or “Bachelorette” is supposed to find the one. Honestly if that’s it’s all it took to find a soul mate, wouldn’t everyone want to be signed up? And did I mention, while you are finding “The One” you have a concubine of boyfriends and girlfriends?
What makes matters worse are the many girls/guys vying to be the last person standing, gets caught up in the “Fantasy Version” of this person they really don’t know. When they aren’t chosen what they really are upset about is the feeling of rejection and the loss of their fantasy. It should be no surprise that after 16 proposals, only one couple has made it to the alter. 
This season, ABC has really outdone themselves. They’ve managed to cast Satan disguised as one of the girls, vying for the The Bachelor’s love. Satan, known also as Courtney on the show doesn’t have to try too hard, all that the Bachelor seems to care about is how she looks in a bikini… One would think when the concept of marriage is on the table formidable qualities such as honesty, intelligence, kindness and goodness would outweigh deception and okay body. But hey, what do I know – I’m just a chick with a blog.
Yet, probably what is the most disturbing fact about this show (that I’m so addicted to watching) is that after 16 episodes not a single Bachelor or Bachelorette has been a minority. Really??? They use to include a token minority in the group of 25 choices for the Bachelor/Bachelorette, but gone are those days. It seems to be on the show you must weigh under 100lbs, have long hair (weave or natural) and be Caucasian, if you are a female. If you are a male, you better have a job that looks good on paper; you don’t have to be chiseled and you don’t have to be super-hot, but you better be Caucasian and not look like Beaker. I’m really surprised and disappointed that The Bachelor has progressed to a point where there isn’t even a token minority (that we all know won’t make it past the first night anyway). I think if a Bachelor or Bachelorette isn’t willing t
o marry outside their race they shouldn’t be selected, thereby making it possible for the presence of minorities in the dating pool. Moreover, I think after 16 seasons, ABC should finally have a minority, or a biracial minority…instead of recycling the left behind goods of previous seasons. Besides you know it would make for an epic season!
In that same vein, I would like to see a selection of women for The Bachelor that had a body size more reflective of the average girl. In fact, I dare ABC to include some robust women in the selection pool. What a concept?
Being serious for a moment, shows like The Bachelor, albeit unintentional, are sending out a message to young girls. And that message is you have to be skinny, beautiful… oh and Caucasian to find love and your prince charming. But, I guess if we’re still waiting for Mattel to make a Barbie more reflective of the average woman’s body what can we expect.
<Big Sigh>…. And as I condemn many aspects of The Bachelor, I realize I am contributing to the problem by watching the show. But, I can’t help it. The Bachelor is my kryptonite, so nevertheless I will find myself glued to the television once again, tomorrow night.
I only hope The Bachelor, Ben wises up and gets rid of Satan this week.
The Bachelor junky,
Nicole
