Parents need to know that, despite its provocative title, this is a show that they can watch with their kids -- although it's probably best for older tweens and up. As the name suggests, women are ultimately asked to pose naked for a photograph that will be projected onto the side of a public building. But the resulting images are tasteful, not pornographic (no actual nudity is shown), and the overarching message is that women's bodies don't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Positive messages:Body acceptance is the primary focus, and women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and races are encouraged to embrace their own unique beauty -- without resorting to extreme diets, pills, or plastic surgery.
Positive role models:The women on the show don't necessarily start out with a lot of self confidence, but host/star Carson Kressley helps them embrace their inner beauty. He's always positive, and even his criticisms are constructive and sympathetic. The featured women are a diverse group.
Sex:Lots of scenes of women in their underwear, but none of it is sexual in nature. The "naked photos" that the women pose for don't show any actual nudity and are tasteful overall.
Language:Even low-level curse words like "ass" are bleeped.
Consumerism:Brand names like Intimacy (a lingerie chain) and Marina Rinaldi (a designer) are mentioned. Keri lotions (a sponsor of the show) are also prominently featured.
"How to Look Good" title should have stopped there
Although I agree we need more positive messages sent that we need to accept ourselves the way God made us, I don't like the blatant, bare all attitude. I think a little more modesty would have been more classy. The nude photo shoots are just too much. We are constantly trying to teach our teenagers to keep their clothes on! This doesn't help! The makeovers; hair, makeup, clothing, etc is always so fun to watch, seeing the transformation! I won't be watching the program, our family tries not to watch R rated movies or things with nudity. I wouldn't suggest this as a program that men watch.
My eight year old thinks this show is really good. I am the one with body issues and she knows I struggle. We have already talked about how girls often see themselves through a critical filter - because so many outside forces get in their head. Carson does a GREAT job being supportive and the women are so very real. Their emotion and feelings come through and the transformation - emotionally - is awesome. Make-up, etc., sure - but it's not too much and the overall message is great. Thank you TV for finally giving us something positive.
All the commercials for the show made me curious, so I tuned in one evening and was pleasantly surprised.
Most of the show is spent focusing on how the "person of the day" perceives herself vs. how others see her. It teaches us to focus on the positive. There's a little bit of "what not to wear" in there, teaching us how to dress appropriatly and flaunt our best assets.
(Of course if we all had a team of hair and make up experts at our disposal, we'd all look great)
I thought this show really put out a positive message about self image. Sometimes we see ourselves in a very negative way but we are really okay. These women are taught to see themselves as others do, to see their good features and to love themselves and be self confident. That is a beautiful message!
well i think that this show is a great way to help build self esteem. many times i thought that i might be the ugly duckling but after that i fell like i can make a change.many girls my age are very self-conscience about there body. thanks for the inspiraton.
I really like this show for kids entering/in puberty and older. I think the message helps to counter that of popular culture that can cause so many esteem issues for young women. Plus, I think it is good for boys as well, as it shows what real women really look like.