Recently caught an episode of the “Miss America Reality Check” on TLC. The show started Jan 4th. and according to TLC, does the following : “TLC has announced Miss America: Reality Check, a four-part reality special that will follow 52 beauty queens as they prepare to compete in the 2008 Miss America Pageant, will premiere on Friday, January 4 at 10PM ET/PT.”

It, like all reality shows goes for the drama. The girls seem spirited enough, but there are no fights, arguments etc. – am guessing the girls are way too conscious of the image they project on TV, especially when the crown has yet to be won. However, if the aim is to actually choose a girl with beauty, intelligence and spine, this show goes against the grain.

Firstly, I thought the anchors and the judges were way too condescending, kind of like if these are Miss America contestants, they must lack in the brain department. The show does not applaud women who make their own decisions. You must go with their flow, or get picked upon. After a trivia contest, in the last episode, the winners were offered make-overs. One girl refused, saying that she did not wish to shorten her hair. OK, good, her hair, her decision, right ? What’s with the reminding her that she gave up a golden opportunity, or that she was the only one who was refusing the make-over ? Yes, I know you want to go for the kill, but a little grace, please ? You want one of these women to represent America, yes ?

And the anchor, Hurie : annoying, annoying, annoying !