On the Channel 5's Wright Stuff this morning, they were talking about judging a book by its cover. Current Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle is considered unattractive and even "ugly".
Lots of people praise her for her voice and the quality of her singing, and Matthew Wright argued that this was patronising. "She's gifted", "she's an angel", etc.
People said the same thing about Elton John. When he first achieved stardom, he was 23 years old, which was considered old for a pop star. He had been around for years doing studio sessions, where he was referred to as "fat Reg". Later on, when he was established as one of the most successful rock stars ever, he was so concerned about his appearance and his weight that he developed the eating disorder bulimia.
I am so happy that someone who is not considered conventionally beautiful is being lauded for her talent. Almost all famous, successful women in the music industry are young and pretty, and trade on their looks, often dressing in skimpy outfits, the latest example of which is Lady GaGa. Why isn't talent enough for them?
Susan Boyle is a great role model for young women singers and performers.
For more about Sir Elton John as a positive role model, see What Can We Learn from Elton John?
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