Reality check for contestants too
Three Reality TV shows have come under fire this week, on different networks and for differing reasons.
- Published by David Knox
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Three Reality TV shows have come under fire this week, on different networks and for differing reasons.
Psychlogist Dr Naomi Crafti from Eating Disorders Victoria has told the Herald Sun that The Biggest Loser portrays “people doing things that are physically dangerous and they’re made to feel bad about themselves”.
“And Australia’s Next Top Model encourages women to engage in eating disorder-style eating and to view normal, healthy bodies in a bad light,” she said.
“Both shows perpetuate the idea that fat people are lazy and have profound psychological disturbances and glorify a small body size that so few can achieve.”
This isn’t the first time either show has come under fire for their methods.
Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges responded by saying, “It’s not about being as skinny as possible, but rewriting the history of your life to make you feel good about yourself and being the best you can be.”
Meanwhile My Kitchen Rules contestants Ann-Marie Battista and Nick Sharp told New Idea says the show put a strain on their marriage.
“It definitely impacted on our relationship. Prior to the show we liked being in the kitchen together but now we take it one (day) at a time.
“It was one of the hardest times in our relationship. I’m confident once it all happens we’ll be back to our happy and healthy selves.”
Other contestants have spoken favourably of their time in the series.
These articles may in part simply be part of a media machine, designed to win them more attention. But Reality TV has been around a long time now. It really is getting a bit tiresome to not take some responsibility for the consequences of appearing in this genre -although it might help if there was at least an 18 years age minimum (ANTM especially).
Producers certainly have a Duty of Care, but should that override the responsibilites of the participant too?
Series 3 of MKR is now calling for applicants. Be sure you know what you’re getting into so we can avoid grievances like this next year?
Source: Herald Sun, New Idea
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- Tagged with Australia's Next Top Model, My Kitchen Rules, The Biggest Loser
9 Responses
@Goonies : This is the first time I’ve ever watche Biggest Loser and am enjoying it. Sunday’s session with Michelle and the Challenors uncomfortably supported what you say, insofar as the issues go much deeper. Michelle needed to stop training and be a counsellor. I half expected her to refer them on to a therapist coz their issues go beyond the great work a good personal trainer offers.
At the risk of being pilloried – I have watched Biggest Loser ever year it has been on and most of those people are damn lazy!
Yes they have mental problems too i.e. depression but I am floored by their lame excuses for why they can’t / don’t exercise!
Darren, I doubt she sold her story to New Idea considering MKR is on Channel 7 – which is part of the same company as NI. Plus, I know people who work in magazines and they don’t pay for all their stories. They do have staff capable of developing decent stories without paying for them.
Herald Sun. Nuff said.
@darren … first laugh of the day – thanks 🙂
generationnext.com.au/speakers.html
Halfway down the page.
and sesame street promotes talking to puppets
“Prior to the show we liked being in the kitchen together but now we take it one (day) at a time. I mean all it takes now is the mere glimpse of a grater and I’m on my knees crying Why? Whhhhyyyyy??? It’s traumatic. We thought telling (selling) our story to New Idea might help heal the wounds but there’s only so much money can do for the soul. We’ll just have to pray for the best.”
If that loser actually watched the biggest loser it’s not just about loosing weight! It also has the trainers teach the contestants t believe in themselves, overcome their demons and healthy living for when they get outside plus heaps more.