One of the most popular reality shows on television is, without a doubt, the Bachelor and the Bachelorette. People always comment on the fact that this show has been around for so long. Some argue that it is barbaric and fits into a carefully molded patriarchal society. One where women are objectified and the whole dating scene is treated as a game and a shot at being a celebrity. The Bachelorette objectifies men as much as the women were objectified in the previous season. Yet, with all of these contradictions, and people wishing for the end of this relentlessly stupid and overplayed show, it won't be ending any time soon and here's why:
1. It gives people hope that one day they will "find love."
Whether we choose to admit it or not, most people want that fairy tale ending--which each Bachelor/Bachelorette seems to get at the end of the show, even if it is short lived. They get swept away in the played out romance of it all, and it leads all the viewers to believe that their over the top love is out there somewhere as well.
2. We treat it like football.
We find our favorites and root for them to the very end. We also find our least favorites--normally the one they have pegged as the villain--and root for them to get left on an island all alone. It's especially easier now that they have a Bachelor Fantasy League where you can actually fill out a roster with your picks.
3. We all love the drama.
With any reality TV show, there's bound to be some drama. On the Bachelor/Bachelorette, there just happens to be some drama Every. Single. Episode. Sometimes we don't even tune in for the romance, just the fights that break out between the guys and the equally catty girls.
4. The contestants are HOT.
Even though we know we can never have them, we sure do love looking at those beautiful faces.
5. The crazy contestants make us feel better about ourselves.
Even though you, yourself are watching the crazy show, filling out brackets and rooting for people like it's a sporting event, watching the show makes you realize that you aren't as crazy as you thought you were. It also helps you believe that you are gonna find love in a normal way one day.
6. We need a good laugh sometimes.
Along with all the drama, there are simply some ridiculous moments. These moments make you laugh and come back for more.
7. We need a reality check and we get it through the show.
While we all hope for the fairy tale ending that the Bachelor always provides, it also makes us realize that the extravagance of it all is fabricated and unattainable. It gives you a reality check that while you're a hopeless romantic, unless you pay ABC to make your love life happen, you won't end up riding an elephant off into the sunset.
So while we all say that we don't like the Bachelor, we all secretly love it.
