The Bachelor is a huge part of American television culture. When the season starts, people gather around their TVs every Monday to indulge in the catty love competition. People get invested and it’s no surprise why. On the other hand, here’s why I think The Bachelor isn’t as amazing as people make it up to be.
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This is the first time I’ve watched The Bachelor since before I was maybe eleven years old. To be honest, the first episode of the new season had me very livid. The concept of virginity is a social construct made to make people feel bad about themselves, whether or not someone is or is not a virgin. Sure, it was the first episode, but the fact is that the whole virginity plot was getting very old by the first 10 minutes of the premiere. Seriously, is virginity going to be the only descriptive word for this bachelor? Is his virginity the only interesting thing about his identity that it has to be brought up every five minutes? Not to mention that virginity is a social construct that oppresses all genders. Along with that, why do the girls feel compelled to ask Colton if he’s a virgin? Who cares? He just is.
First impressions: the viewing party was so boring and all I wanted to do was turn off the TV. Obviously, I didn’t because I wouldn’t be reviewing it. First, I’d like to say that Colton Underwood is such an adorable bachelor; he was very likable (except when he gave Catherine the final rose). I’m sure he has great intentions but one thing that really irked me was when he saw a glimmer of hope with Hannah B. at the last minute of their one-on-one date and gave her the rose. He has a great heart, but I feel as though his judgments aren’t the best. However, as long as he’s happy and confident with the choices he makes, who am I to judge him?
The show really pits women against each other. Yes, obviously that’s the premise. It’s a competition and these women weren’t forced to be on the show; it’s voluntary. A lot of women leave their jobs to pursue a man that they have a 1 in 30 chance with. When they don’t get a rose, they cry and it’s pretty heartbreaking. I can’t help but feel bad because they left a lot behind in order to maybe have a chance at love. The whole interruption thing irks me too. Why do girls feel the need to clang pots and pans and use air horns to get someone’s attention? Maybe I’m just not a big fan of the premise of the show/competition, but I still understand why it’s so popular and such a guilty pleasure.
All in all, yes, I do believe The Bachelor can be a fun watch when you want to get your mind off of stress, but I’m still not convinced that it doesn’t suck.