One of the main reasons I abhor this show in recent years is the introduction of one Elisabeth Hasselback - a woman who rose to fame A) by being on Survivor and B) for marrying a semi-famous, not very good, pro-football player. She has a degree in Fine Arts and is about 33 years old.
Now that you know the background, let me tell you what I just read that absolutely floored me:
"Host Elisabeth Hasselbeck criticized Andrews — who has faced two separate stalking incidents in the past year — for dressing inappropriately on Dancing [with the Stars].
“In light of what happened and as a legal [matter] — and as inexcusable as it was for that horrific guy to go in and try to peep on her in her hotel room,” Hasselbeck said. “I mean, in some way if I’m him, I’m like, ‘Man! I just could’ve waited 12 weeks and seen this — a little bit less — without the prison time!’”
“In light of what happened and as a legal [matter] — and as inexcusable as it was for that horrific guy to go in and try to peep on her in her hotel room,” Hasselbeck said. “I mean, in some way if I’m him, I’m like, ‘Man! I just could’ve waited 12 weeks and seen this — a little bit less — without the prison time!’”
Really? Let's break this down.
1) The outfits worn on dancing shows (like Dancing with the Stars) are always skimpy -I'm not sure why. LONG before DWTS Two of Hearts and I would watch hours of competitive ballroom dancing and no matter the age, the dance, or the ethnicity of the couple, the female outfits were short, had cutouts, and very skimpy. Another point about the actual outfits: they are approved by the channel's standards guy - that's his job.
2) "...try to peep on her hotel room" isn't accurate. The man charged with stalking Erin Andrews figured out her hotel room, adjusted the peep hole on her room door, set up cameras through said peep hole, recorded her changing, and then posted them on the Internet. He didn't "try to peep" he DID and quite a bit more.
3) Hasselback is clearly blaming the victim here. She is trying to say that because Erin Andrews is wearing a certain outfit she is inviting men to stalk her. Erin is one of five (I think, I don't watch DWTS) women who wear skimpy outfits and dance around. Are they inviting people to hurt them? If I wear a miniskirt and get raped, was I "asking for it"?
2 comments:
Consider the source. This is a woman that actually wanted to be on a "reality" show. That alone should disqualify anyone from membership in the human race.
Hasselback is ridiculous and I don't listen to a goddamn word that comes out of her mouth, but I think her attitude is just a symptom of a larger problem. (Though I LOVE when Kristen Wiig does her impersonation of Hasselback on SNL.)
We live in a culture that continually blames women for aggression against them, sexual or otherwise. I'm sure there are many people who think Andrews got what she deserved for being a cute blonde on ESPN. The onus of most rape prevention is put on women: learn self-defense, don't go out alone at night, don't leave your drink unattended, etc. TOTAL BULLSHIT.
In short (too late!), I hate Elisabeth Hasselbeck* and rape culture and love you and your post. :)
*I don't know how to spell her name and I refuse to learn.
Post a Comment