PR team on Larry King Live Friday 8-25-06 on CNN

I like this show and have known from the beginning that Bravo has a vote and personalities are definately considered. In television, entertainment is the important factor. The final two stand before them with the worst creations that they did all by themselves. So Bravo nudges the decison to keep the most colorful personality. That is the way it is and they all know that. Tip: if you do not create drama then you had better work hard to avoid the bottom two. It is unfortunate but a fact in the entertainment business.

This show has integrity but I do see some cracks in the foundation. I am hoping they will read feedback and do their best to keep their standards high.

As for the weight issue. sigh It is one of the touchiest subjects that plagues the fashion industry and Hollywood. To what extent does the media have to take responsibility for those who suffer eating disorders and obesity? These conditions have existed for many decades. Now the treatment for these conditions are getting a lot of airtime so there may be a balance struck that will satisfy those who fight for awareness.

They will not use heavy people on this show again! We can be sure of that.

I do not fault the show, or anyone on it, for the comments we heard. It must be very difficult to design for women who were beyond plus sized models.

On this message board and others I see posts ripping people on these shows to shreds and saying things far worse than zaftig, definition: (of a woman) having a full rounded figure; pleasingly plump. No one said anything worse.

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Originally Posted by 5DogWorld

The entire beauty/fashion/magazine industry revolves around the need to make women feel like we don't measure up--because if we're lacking, they can sell us something to try to fix it. If there's always a carrot out at the end--maybe if we lose ten pounds, or buy that $250 purse, or get a pair of Manolo Blahniks--we'll feel okay about ourselves--they make money.

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You've hit the nail on the head - they don't call it "retail therapy" for nothin'!

Even though I'm generally happy with myself and my appearance, it's hard NOT to make comparisons. And there MUST be guys out there who feel the same way!

(To be p.c., I'm assuming a size 6 would indicate a female poster, but if you're a guy, more power to ya:>)

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(To be p.c., I'm assuming a size 6 would indicate a female poster, but if you're a guy, more power to ya:>)

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Laughing myself silly, thanks I needed that!

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Originally Posted by CrosswordJunkie

Even though I'm generally happy with myself and my appearance, it's hard NOT to make comparisons. And there MUST be guys out there who feel the same way!

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I think men are marketed towards along the lines of "If you wear this, she'll think you're sexy," rather than "You're inadequate, but if you wear this, you might feel a smidgen better about yourself."

On the other hand, look at the photos on packages of men's underwear. Even the largest size has the same 28-inch waist model with the rippling sixpack abs and pecs.

I'm not sure if this is intended to inspire feelings of inadequacy in male consumers, or if it's intended to appeal to female consumers (I believe studies show more men's underwear is bought by women for men than by men for themselves).

If you would like to see an example of body fascism for men. Pick up any gay magazine. The standard of "beauty" is especially high in the gay community. I've even heard guys say; "that's a man only a woman could love" referencing the dichotomy involved between gay & straight male standard.

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Originally Posted by AKat

I still think the hideous part is that THEY picked that model to be on the show. Did they do it just because they wanted to insult her (and every other woman who is over a size 0)?? That is what I find completely unnecessary and inexcusable.
:kitty

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We don't know how they picked the models so we don't know if they did it just to insulf her. And I don't think Heidi is a "0" size model. We also do not know what else they said since the show is completely edited. Those people who feel offended have the option of turning off the TV.

The modeling world is cut throat and I would gather that the model in question needs to develop a thick skin or get out of the business. It is not a game of doubles tennis in the real world.

If people continue with this stupid 'what will teenage girls think?' mentality perhaps it should be reminded that it is the parents responsibility to inform their kids about how the world works, how this is TV and not real, and guess what, people do talk about other people's weight, appearance, etc. It is not BRAVOTV's responsibility.

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Originally Posted by Runway victim

If you would like to see an example of body fascism for men. Pick up any gay magazine. The standard of "beauty" is especially high in the gay community.

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Yet somehow men can separate reality from fantasy. The percentage of gay men who strive for the perfect body and appearance is much, much, much smaller than then women who strive for perfection. Don't let magazines fool you. Most gay men I've known say that they demand perfection in porn stars but want a real person as a mate. And I speak from experience.

And how many straight men go to strip clubs to look at women who would not even give them the time of day outside the facility? A lot. Men just work that way. Hence the fat guys with the 'no fat chick' mentality.

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Originally Posted by 5DogWorld

The entire beauty/fashion/magazine industry revolves around the need to make women feel like we don't measure up--because if we're lacking, they can sell us something to try to fix it. If there's always a carrot out at the end--maybe if we lose ten pounds, or buy that $250 purse, or get a pair of Manolo Blahniks--we'll feel okay about ourselves--they make money.

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The women's fashion industry is focused on a women's need to attract men.

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Originally Posted by LoveJoy

The percentage of gay men who strive for the perfect body and appearance is much, much, much smaller than then women who strive for perfection.

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I live in LA so maybe my experience is skewed but 99% of the gay guys I know go to the gym religiously, are constantly on restrictive diets & buy tons of beauty products.

And most gay publications (non-porn) are not just weight/fat phobic but suffer from severe ageism as well.

Pick up a copy of Genre, Instinct or Out magazine & you will struggle to find a model over 29 with more than 2% body fat.

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If people continue with this stupid 'what will teenage girls think?' mentality perhaps it should be reminded that it is the parents responsibility to inform their kids about how the world works, how this is TV and not real, and guess what, people do talk about other people's weight, appearance, etc. It is not BRAVOTV's responsibility.

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Honey, it ain't stupid. Exactly who did you listen to when you were a teen on the subject of "cool", your parents? I doubt it VERY much... or just maybe what all of your friends and/or cool people on TV were wearing/doing/saying? Is it just BRAVO, nope. On the other hand, when a show with this kind of ratings just plays the same tired "Size 6 is fat disgusting and saftig" rap, it's disappointing. Any time there's an opportunity to make a move toward positive change, and it's not taken, it's disappointing.

Television is ubiquitous, it's visual, it's aural, it's on in some homes (and a lot of kids' bedrooms) 24/7. This latest generation were raised with a CONSTANT bombardment of marketing images. There is truly nothing more pervasive or more seductive in shaping our attitudes. Do parents have a responsibility to explain the difference between "reality television" and reality? Sure. But I'm guessing most are just changing the channel...

5Dog

P.S. Ever see Fahrenheit 451?