Rock of Love-Are we Sending the Right Message?
I’m sure by now that most of you have heard of the popular show on VH1 Rock of Love. The show is very much like the popular show The Bachelor, only with a twist. The “gorgeous” women compete for the love of one man. If you haven’t heard about the show already, here is a little snippet on what it is all about:
Are you ready to rock, reality TV style? Again? And on a bus? Well, get ready for the third installment of Bret Michaels‘ eternal quest for a rockin’ chick to love, which arrives just in time for the New Year.
This time around, Bret is bringing the women along as he travels America for a month-long solo album tour, Rock My World, to show them what the rock star life has to offer. As Bret rolls into each town in his pimped-out black tour bus, a pink bus filled with beautiful blondes and a blue bus filled with gorgeous brunettes competing for his heart will follow close behind.
In past seasons, Bret made it clear that life on tour with a rock star is not easy and can present unique challenges. So, each time the buses pull into a new city the girls will take on challenges specifically relating to Bret’s life on the road. They may have to greet aggressive groupies with polite smiles, dodge the advances of the warm-up band, or even fill in for mysteriously missing roadies. From ice hockey and Mud Bowl 3 to a sexy dance off and working backstage, the girls get down and dirty, as each one strives to stand out among the rest.
The winner of each challenge will be rewarded with a date showcasing the best of what middle America has to offer–perhaps a toast atop the St. Louis Arch or a romantic picnic in the shadow of the world’s largest chicken. For some, however, the challenges will prove too much and they will have to face eliminations and at least one girl will be left at each stop. Whatever the case may be, these girls will definitely be put to the test to win over Bret and handle the crazy life of a rock star girlfriend. In the end, there is only one VIP pass for Bret’s true Rock of Love.
Now, I can’t say that I am HUGE fan of the show, by any means. But, I do have quite a few girlfriends who watch the show, and because I like to “be in the know,” I try to catch an episode every now and again.
I must say that I was pretty appalled after tuning in to watch the first episode of season 3. Through the first half hour of the show, I just kept thinking “is THIS really what a guy is looking for, is THIS really how a man would want his wife to act, is THIS really want a man would want his wife to look like?” My husband had caught part of the show with me (before he got too grossed out and silently left the room,) so I asked him “babe, you know if that is what men are looking for, you know I could look like that too…dye the hair bleach blond, maybe a few extensions, get the triple D size implants, start shopping in the lingerie store for my every day clothes, etc.” His response was “no that is not what I want you to look like. Not only does that not turn me on, but I wouldn’t be able to take you anywhere outside of the house!”
So, I wondered….is my husband just incredibly different then all of the other men out there? Because apparently THIS is what guys are looking for in a future wife….all F.A.K.E. What do you think guys? Is this what you are looking for? Is this what has become the acceptable standards of beauty today? Or, are shows like this just sending the wrong message of what beauty is?
I realize that you will probably say “oh that is just what Bret likes, you know he is a Rock Star and all, most men don’t like that look at all.” OR “they are just trying to go for the “shock factor” because it is a TV show, and that’s how you get people to tune in.” And yes, I agree that that may all be true. But ask yourselves this… aren’t young impressionable girls watching this show? Is this the message we want to send them…that you have to have bleached hair, fake boobs and hair, and show off your body in order to land a man?
I don’t know about the rest of you, but this scares me. What has happened to natural beauty, or beauty on the inside, or even leaving SOMETHING up to the imagination? If these types of shows are what we are going to see in the future of every day television, then we are in for a rough ride.
aw krista.. no, my boyfriend doesn’t want that either!
Comment by gretchen — January 19, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Wasn’t it disconcerting that when Michelle ruptured her implant, she didn’t even know if it was saline or silicone?
Comment by Betty — January 19, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Oh my goodness Betty! I couldn’t believe it! The scary thing is that I think that happens more then not. Girls have no idea what they are putting in their body. They know they just want “big ol boobs,” but they have no idea what is in the boobs and what the consequences will be. I was also shocked when she said she’d already popped one once, and now will have to do it again. She was only..what 25 or so? So, she’s at 3 sets now and she is only 25. How many more??? Very scary.
Comment by Krista — January 19, 2009 @ 9:47 am
If you watch the show, I think you soon realize it is the train-wreck you can not quit looking at or turn away from. This is not a testament of what “guys” want. It is a testamnet of what one 40+ washed up rocker wants for a play thing. Sadly, Brett has not matured too much over the years and it does not seem that “health” in any sense of the word is a priority. For God’s sake, he is type 1 diabetic and he drinks like a fish. So, I think it is not even worth our time taking what he wants all that seriously and generalizing it to the common man. The girls on the show are, for the most part, freakish looking. I think it is sad and it just seems to get worse. Its season 3… Does THAT tell you anything? Poor Brett, you don’t need a wife, you need a therapist!
Comment by Meme — January 27, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
I can’t help thinking shows like this are a form of pornography. Each show has to show more and more, as the audience becomes jaded. I’ll admit, I like a lot of reality shows, unfortunately not the North American variety. Brit shows like “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here”, or Celebrity Big Brother”
The bachelor shows, the Rock of Love shows, and their ilk, are appalling. And they are not reality, or if they are, then God Help Us!!!!!
By the way, I’m a guy. I’m as rude, chauvinistic, neanderthal, crude and insensitive as any man on earth. And I think these shows are horrible…
Herb
Comment by Herb — February 8, 2009 @ 9:52 am
OUCH!!!!! wow!! look but do NOT touch!
Comment by suzannabanana23 — February 10, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
I find some of these women grotesque. What some of these women could be described figuratively as self mutilation
Comment by mikeymikemike77 — February 27, 2009 @ 3:29 am
Krista,
I am happy to read about your opinion on this TV show! You are absolutely right - “What has happened to natural beauty, or beauty on the inside, or even leaving SOMETHING up to the imagination?” Blogs like this are great tools for us to share our opinion and disappointment with TV shows like Rock of Love. We are the community making reality everyday, for we can’t allow this virtual “reality” influence our next generations for mere profit!
Lupercio Machado
Comment by Lupercio Machado — March 15, 2009 @ 11:01 pm
Lets step back for a moment. This is all about “entertainment” and it tells us all what Hollywood thinks we- mid america- wants in entertainment. Problem is the show must draw ratings or why would it be back for a 3rd or scary enough 4th season. I will admit I have watched the show and my husband and I spend a part of each show wondering what trailer park did they find these women? Does Bret Michaels really intend to settle down with one of these women? Of course not- this is television and you must know they hand pick the 1. alcoholic 2. woman with gynormous breasts. 3. woman with emotional problems 4. woman who will have his name tatttooed on her neck 5. woman who will sleep with any man who has a penis. 6. you get the picture. Then the producers prompt bad behaviour, over drinking, outrageous displays of affection and well, you get the picture. It is comedy but the problem is some among us forget this is all set up. These girls wants their 15 minutes of fame. Perhaps the casting call reads:
Women who have blonde hair- bleached hair not a problem. breast implants- particularly if DD or above. failure to graduate high school. Fascination with men who sing in rock/ country bands a plus. Able to wear a micro mini jean skirt, clear platform heels and no panties a plus. Desire to get a show of your own if you show incredibly poor judgement, have multiple personalities and have been arrested for disorderly conduct- more than once, well you get the picture.
Comment by Lisa — April 23, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
i have felt the same way about many many reality shows. infact i don’t think i’ve ever seen a reality show that depicts women in a non stereotypical way. you know, the bimbo, the slut, the drunk, the drama queen, the milf, etc. if someone was down to earth and naturally beautiful she would be too boring to be on the show! i can somewhat relate to all women, but these women are REALLY extreme. my boyfriend likes pornstar looking girls, one of which i am not. and even HE doesnt find most of the girls on there attractive.
Comment by briana_manana — June 9, 2009 @ 2:50 pm