Ashley N. Barker

Prior to tonight’s premier of “The Price of Beauty,” I was some-what of a fan of Jessica Simpson. I wasn’t a fan of her music, or her acting, or even her clothing—just her in general. Now, I am not.

I figured her new show would be somewhat interesting, with or without Jessica, because seeing the ways that different countries celebrate their beauty is educational, and I’m kind of into learning. After watching it, I do feel like I learned a few things about Thailand, (the first episode’s country topic) but Jessica Simpson thoroughly disappointed me.

First of all, I’d like to note and question why this woman made the decision to wear high, skinny heels while riding an elephant, walking around in fields and dirt, and meeting a Buddhist monk in Thailand. I’ve never been to Thailand, but I’m pretty sure if I go heels won’t be a priority luggage item. I’m also pretty sure the elephant didn’t appreciate being stabbed by her pretty little shoes and when she walked among the native people—who may or may not have even had shoes on—I’m pretty sure they had a good chuckle. That was a real pretty dumb decision you made there Ms. Simpson.

But, that’s only the beginning of this fiasco. During the meditation session she and her two cohorts—make up artist Ken Paves and assistant CaCee Cobb—made a great impression on the Buddhist monk. They, well mostly Jessica, started giggling and moving around while they were supposed to be silent and lost in their own thoughts—another brilliant move on her part.

There was one part of the 30 minute long show that I did enjoy. Jessica went all sentimental on us when she spoke to a Thai woman who used a type of makeup that damaged her skin, permanently causing it to peel and look bleached. She learned that there are no regulations on the makeup in the country so women don’t know what could damage their skin or not. It’s the risk they take for beauty, which in their culture is when a woman has pale, fair skin. Since it is the opposite here, where woman are expected to go to tanning beds, Jessica had a teary-eyed moment, which was nice to watch.

Unfortunately I will probably continue to watch this disaster of a show, although I don’t recommend it. I just seem to get addicted to the stupid shows (see all of my other blog posts below). For next time, I think I will be writing about all of the labor and delivery episodes on shows that aren’t even about giving birth—Kendra & Hank Baskett, Kimora Lee Simmons & Djimon Hounsou, Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick, Giuliana and Bill Rancic. On top of shows like “16 & Pregnant” and “True Life: I’m Pregnant,” there are too many kids popping out on national television.