'The Bachelor' Reinforces Everything Wrong With Today's Dating Culture
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'The Bachelor' Reinforces Everything Wrong With Today's Dating Culture

The bottom line: This isn't how love works.

2973
'The Bachelor' Reinforces Everything Wrong With Today's Dating Culture
Pop Sugar

America loves reality television. It’s as simple as that. We get sucked into shows like “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” or “Shark Tank” every season. We tune in each week to watch “real” people do “real” things.

But why are we still watching “The Bachelor”? Teenage girls, college roommates and mothers all over America literally couldn't wait for this season to start up. Even I was drawn into the premise of this show in the beginning. But if you take a step back and really think about what you’re watching, you’ll be confused as to why we praise this show, and the bachelor himself.

This show reinforces the idea that women are each other’s competition. Why do we love watching a show where 20 or more young females fight over one man, tear each other down and try to be viewed as better than the rest? Finding love is not a competition against other girls, so why are we treating it that way?

Many women on this show look eerily similar, minus differing hair and eye color. Almost every contestant is average height, thin and — most noticeably — white. Clearly, people of all colors and body sizes are looking for love. So, would it lower ratings or would the Bachelor be disappointed with his selection? Do "different" women just not have a chance at getting that final rose? Whatever the reason may be, I’m sure it’s not something anyone would be comfortable standing behind.

Hook-up culture is also something we are constantly talking about today. We all want to bring dating back and end the way relationships are perceived to be in society. We hate trends of "ghosting" and wonder why anyone would accept this kind of behavior. But, what do you expect with millions of people watching "The Bachelor"? There's one man developing an emotional and sexual relationship with multiple girls at a time — from making out, being in the fantasy suite or saying “I love you,” these scenarios continue to happen each season.

The bottom line: This isn't how love works. This show has been extremely unsuccessful in producing real relationships with merely seven weeks to fall in love, all while splitting the time between multiple people and producers directing conversations. Going on whirlwind dates instead of having a realistic relationship as America sits in their living rooms, cheering on the tears, bashing the girls, loving the drama and then later wondering why relationships are treated the way they are in today's society.

This season, I won't be another viewer sitting at home contributing to the success of a show that reinforces the issues with today's dating culture. I won't support a show that encourages the idea that you have to beat out the girls around you to win the affection of a man. I won't ignore the undeniable body and racial discrimination of the contestants. And I won't pretend this reality television show actually fosters true love. It’s time to think about what you’re watching when you tune into this season of “The Bachelor.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

83834
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

50597
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

984801
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments