Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this show celebrates plus-sized women, giving them a chance to shine and strut their stuff. It's nice to see a change from the typical "thin is in" mindset. Quite a few tears are shed by contestants as they re-live painful memories of being made fun of or being held back by their size. Some of their stories might upset sensitive kids.
Families can discuss size discrimination. Why is it important not to judge someone because of what they look like? What kind of challenges do overweight people face? Why is society so conditioned to equate slenderness with attractiveness? How do TV and other media contribute to that view?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Lucy Maher
In Oxygen's beauty pageant MO'NIQUE'S FAT CHANCE, plus-size women compete for the chance to be named Miss Fabulous and Thick, proudly strutting their stuff in an arena that usually ignores women like them.
Mo'Nique (The Parkers) hosts the pageant, which not only has contestants competing in evening gown, jeans, and lingerie competitions, but also puts them up in swanky digs, where they live for the week leading up to the main event. There they're given spa treatments, makeovers, and runway walking tips. What's more, they're able to enjoy themselves and bond over shared experiences related to being big in a small world.
The finalists are chosen from a series of auditions; once the pageant begins, the group is pared down first to five semi-finalists and then to two finalists, who have to share their thoughts on being Miss Fabulous and Thick. The winner -- who gets $50,000 and a one-year modeling contract -- is chosen by a group of judges that includes magazine editors and entertainment industry notables.
Pageant addicts will gravitate toward this show, but even those who've had their fill of Miss America-like contests will find much to like here. The show's messages about body image are refreshing, and the finalists have hearts of gold -- they're so open about the daily prejudices they face that it's nothing short of illuminating. It's also very inspiring to see their confidence soar on stage.
Fans might also like America's Got Talent or So You Think You Can Dance?
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe contestants dress to show off their assets. Competitions include a lingerie contest. |
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Social BehaviorThe message here -- that plus-size women are just as sexy and desirable as petites -- is invaluable, even if it is presented in a beauty pageant wrapper. |
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