Day 6 of 31 Days of Project 30!
Remember when I blogged about the lawsuit that was filed against The Bachelor, alleging the show was discriminating against minorities? Well, the lawsuit was dismissed in October, but it appears that maybe Team Bachelor has gotten the message. The new season of The Bachelor premieres January 7 (aside: this is a problem. My Alabama Crimson Tide will be competing in the BCS National Championship Game that same night. Looks like no premiere party this season. Sad. Oh well, that’s what DVR is for!) and I am impressed with casting. Now let’s not get crazy, I’m not saying these ladies are going to be likable, normal, friendly, etc. BUT there are not one, not two but four women of color cast this season!
This is truly unprecedented! Usually if there are any women (or men) of color, they are undoubtedly eliminated the first night and we don’t even get to hear them speak. Statistically speaking, Sean (our new bachelor) can’t eliminate all of them, right? I’m curious about the infusion of color this season. Bachelor producers always say that the Bachelor / Bachelorette is asked questions about their preferences and that is a factor in who is cast. So does that mean that Sean specifically stated he has dated/is willing to date women of color? Or is this a response to the lawsuit and the increasing pressure for The Bachelor franchise to mirror the diversity in this country. What do you think?
While I sincerely hope that the show is ACTUALLY becoming more diverse, and that the new Bachelor indicated he’s open to finding the best woman regardless of skin or hair or anything color (at least until the After the Final Rose where there will inevitably be scandal….), the cynical part of me worries that the network probably thought “well, if we increase the number of contestants, that’ll get critics off our back…”
Sadly, this (ridiculous) show is one of the things I miss about living in the US! Or, I should say, I miss the fun exchanges and snarking and musing on life and love that it prompts amongst my girlfriends of all backgrounds, races, politics, etc.
Hope you’re well!
I share your skepticism, sadly! And honestly, I get so many great conversations from this ridiculous franchise that I can absolutely believe it’s one of the top things you miss 🙂