MovieChat Forums > What Not to Wear (2003) Discussion > Bullying?

Bullying?

posted 13 years ago by alana110
25 replies | jump to latest

Am I the only person that thinks this show is more than a little mean spirited? They pounce on people and then tell them that everything is wrong about their look. I do my best to not judge other people's clothing because the only person that has to like it is the person wearing it. If they're happy then I don't see the problem. I particularly hate it when they go through the wardrobe and throw things away. They could just politely explain why they didn't like it but instead they make jokes and are hateful (but they smile so no one seems to notice how mean they're being). I used to watch this show with my mom but after awhile I started thinking about how I would feel if they were saying those things to me and I'm surprised more people don't start crying.

[–] inko8 13 years ago

this show and others like it baffle me. no amount of money is worth the private abuse and public humiliation they dole out to their victims. if stacey and clinton were within 3 feet of my personal space, they'd probably wind up with a few new bald spots and a shortage of eyeballs.

"Ugh! I don't like this." --Ambrose Bierce

[–] Haifis 13 years ago

"no amount of money is worth the private abuse and public humiliation they dole out to their victims"

HEAR HEAR! I could not agree more!

Also, in one episode, Stacy criticized a woman's breasts saying that she needed a bra and they were down "past her elbows!"

Wow.......that was really unneccessary.

Stacy pointing out someone else's flaws.
I'd like to point out that Stacy should get that giant honker of a nose fixed before she criticizes anyone!

[–] inko8 13 years ago

that's the thing about thinking you?re a cynic-- you think nothing can disappoint you, and then you hear something like that, and you realize you're some kind of pollyanna, b/c wtf? breast insults? that's like impugning the size or function of a man's junk-- kind of a big deal, and it should've gotten her decked or sued (or both).

"Ugh! I don't like this." --Ambrose Bierce

[–] lilhawk915 13 years ago

Also, in one episode, Stacy criticized a woman's breasts saying that she needed a bra and they were down "past her elbows!"

Wow.......that was really unneccessary.

Stacy pointing out someone else's flaws.
I'd like to point out that Stacy should get that giant honker of a nose fixed before she criticizes anyone

Stacy and Clinton often refer to a contributor's breast size and location (ha, ha) in relation to shape they're going for on the body. When the "girls" are down yonder it obscures the area just under bustline which is often the area that Stacy and Clinton want to highlight in order to emphasize a small waist and hourglass figure.

On the show I notice that they don't ever shy away from using frank language (no euphemisms) when referencing a woman's problem areas. They say things like, " if you're trying to de-emphasize a bit of tummy..." or "if you carry your weight in the middle..." or "if you're broad-shouldered...". I think that stating these things in a matter of fact way doesn't allow the contributor to get emotional about them, which is often an issue that comes up--i.e., the woman doesn't like her body and therefore dresses in ill-fitting clothing. They try to get the women to see that this is just their own body. AND I think the self-esteem does improve in some cases, because I've seen updates where the ladies have lost significant amounts of weight, and they dress their new bodies in accordance with the rules they were given on the show.

I don't really understand the comment about Stacy's nose...I've never really heard her criticize a person's facial features.

[–] xerses13 13 years ago

alana110; No I do not and neither does my S.O. Ms. Xerses13. Most need a life changing adjustment and if you do not want it do not go on the show. It is as simple as that. Was in the U.S.M.C. and sometimes too get People motivated they need a boot up the ass or the 'fear of GOD'!

What you are afraid of is making judgements, in otherwise making a COMMAND DECISION. CLINTON and STACY have a hour show (plus production time) to get their points across and get these people motivated. God, don't any of you People have a SPINE! Hope you do the Country a favor and neither 'breed or vote'! We have enough spineless jellyfishes already, particularly in the 'Oval Office' and in Congress, on both sides of the aisle!

[–] alana110 13 years ago

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/original/000/005/545/OpoQQ.jpg?1302279173

[–] xerses13 13 years ago

alana110; Get a spine and make a reply, not a link.

[–] Haifis 13 years ago

"No I do not and neither does my S.O."

Why the hell are you always dragging your significant other into arguments you have on the internet?

Guess what?

We don't give a flying f^^k about her.
And why the hell are you always rambling about complete and utter bulls^^t?
"SPINELESS JELLYFISHES!"

Ad hominem attacks rampant against anyone who doesn't love the same tv shows as you do.
Wow.

[–] xerses13 13 years ago

OuranosSkyAir; Actually I review Mr. xerses13 posts before sending since we use the same posting name. He "drags" me nowhere, does not have to. I notice that you have to resort to crudities to make your point, something my S.O. almost never does. Either on these threads or in person. Do not speak of something that you obviously know nothing of.

[–] iron_maiden25 13 years ago

I look at it like a "tough love" type of situation. The thing to remember is that the participants agree to do the show knowing full well what they're about to be subject to. It can be tough, but they do it because they truly want to change their wardrobe and appearance. There have been instances in What Not To Wear history in which participants declined to do the show when Stacy and Clinton arrived. So, while it is true that Stacy and Clinton can be very blunt, I wouldn't call it bullying. Ultimately the participants agreed to do the show and in the end they're usually very happy with the results.

[–] starfairy326 13 years ago

I agree with Iron Maiden 25 ! It's interesting how I talked to a few of my friends who don't watched the show very much,but when they did they were saying " Stacy and Clinton are so mean." Although, Stacy and Clinton's criticisms made come off to being harsh to certain people. However, I think Stacy and Clinton are giving the contestants honest criticisms rather than to be purposely mean to the contestants on the show; which I can understand because when Stacy and Clinton are working as Professional Fashion Stylists it is their job to give their honest opinions on what looks on people.

[–] isubmitnoexcuse 13 years ago

They also get:
A free trip to NY
$5,000 for new clothes (often things they could only dream of buying before)
A haircut from one of the most well-known hairdressers in NY
A make-over from a top make-up consultant
15 minutes of fame

Yeah, I would let them bully me. Especially if I was making the same fashion mistakes as the women (and men) featured on the show. Most of the time they don't realize just how God aweful they looked til they see the secret footage and 360 mirror. And I would greatly appreciate someone telling me it looks like my girls are hanging near my kneeds becuase at least Stacy and Clinton have the balls to tell you instead of everyone else just THINKING it and not saying it out loud.

And it is TV, there has to be some drama or else the show would have been cancelled years ago.

[–] MsGAPeach 13 years ago

Me too! I'd go to Good Will and buy their worst so I could get a chance for new clothes and a makeover.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] HeathandMichelle 13 years ago

I see a lot of H&M and Filenes Basement type clothes. Not very expensive, the above post is over the top harsh.

[–] TheAdlerian 13 years ago

I'm just trying to be honest.

A lot of shows on TV featuring "fashion" people have a "high school" level of maturity with people trying to make other feel badly about something a mature person wouldn't care about, like what kind of shoes you wear. I never notice such things about people and tend to be concerned about how smart, funny, or nice a person is.

Meanwhile, jews and insanity status conscious as are homosexuals and those are the two biggest groups in entertainment. People who love "status" need people to look down on. Jews invented the idea they're chosen royalty, and homosexuals have whatever makes them want only themselves, so it's a perfect formula for what I said.

[–] HeathandMichelle 13 years ago

I'm 50ish, college educated and a nurse. I have to ask you.... Why do you watch this show? You know of course you are a hateful bigot.

[–] TheAdlerian 13 years ago

I'm close to your age, a psychologist, and believe that the people I'm talkig about are bigots because it's all over this show and many others. Meanwhile, pointing out bigotry does not make me a bigot.

Perhaps I'm a bigot to bigots, but that's a good thing. Millions of people watch normal people get humiliated by the "elite" on TV and thankfully the internet allows a response to me made.

You should thank me.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Jane2005 13 years ago

Alana110, you make some good points. Given how sensitive and emotional the make over is for some of these people, I think Stacy and Clinton could be a little more sensitive in their comments.

Many of these people had NO clue they were dressing inappropriately, and then they had friends and family nominate them and participate in the ambush on national television (not embarrassing at all, of course).

However, I have to say that I usually really like the end results of the make over (including trimmed hair), and so does the participant. They generally look much more age-appropriate in their hair, make up and attire. I've seen some makeovers where women go from looking frumpy to truly amazing and beautiful. That has to be helpful to their self esteem (especially after it takes such a beating on the show!).

-Jane

[–] bron-tay 11 years ago

Disagree. Stacy and Clinton are witty but sensitive. It's always clear they are doing this for the subject's best interest. And these subjects are always DEEP in denial. It takes some pointed persuasion to get a person out of that.

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Please put some dashes above your sig line so I won't think it's part of your dumb post.

[–] Jane2005 11 years ago

bron-tay, who are you disagreeing with? You responded to my post when you and I seem to be on the same page (compared to the other posters here). If you meant to disagree with the opening poster, then respond to that post.

-Jane

[–] bron-tay 11 years ago

With you. You said you think they should be more sensitive. I said they ARE sensitive -- and witty. (The editing probably gives us more of the wit because it's better television.)

The rest of your post I agree with. Next time I'll just pull out the part I disagree with.

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Please put some dashes above your sig line so I won't think it's part of your dumb post.

[–] nikki112 11 years ago

I love the show and watch it all the time.I think the show is a show it's there to be fun and not be taking like some major thing. My point is if they were not over the top and a bit mean the show would not be watched. Before everone gets mean to wards me I know I look like th people on the show. the clothing I wear to work has no personalaty but I teach pre-K. So I do get dirty all the time.If they come to me and tell me to be on the show I would go nuts. I would yell and I would be so up sad. In other word I would never go on this show.though i love the show there are thing i would have issue with everyone is told to dress the sameand it does not matter what their age or job is. also i love heels but I can't where them to work it's in the rules of my job. Also as for the hair I do not think some guy who glued a hair wavy to Kate Gaslin is the great hair styles ever and what is up with all the everyone looks good in a bob. As for the clothing they spand 5,000 doller and only get like 10 things. So I do not get howthat can be all you need.

[–] frannieluvfairies 8 years ago

I actually had the opportunity to meet Clinton in November for a book signing in Walnut Creek. Of course, before driving all the way to Walnut Creek I wanted to dress to impress so I carefully picked my outfits to look presentable to my liking. Clinton is actually cool and easy to talk to in real life. The person standing in line behind me wasn't dressed as nicely as I was, we became friends on Facebook and she said Clinton was nice to her talking about the show The Chew, they took photos and hugged each other. I suppose Clinton can be sassy if he is in the moment to behave that way. Honestly, when I first met him I was nervous and excited and I even told him I was nervous. LOL his exact response was "Why are you nervous?, It's just me". I wasn't scared nervous, but I was excited nervous because before meeting him I had never met a celebrity before. I am starting to wonder if the producers encourage Stacy and Clinton to say mean jokes about the clothes that goes beyond honest professional criticisms.