Why Can't I Be You?
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Offbeat reality show helps build self-esteem.
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What's the Story?
WHY CAN'T I BE YOU? gives people a chance to meet and spend 48 hours with someone who appears to have the life that they want. The goal? To help the subjects learn to be more comfortable with themselves by stepping out of their comfort zone. Host Nick Zano facilitates as the subjects spend two days with their chosen "admirees" -- who get $1000 to answer prying questions and have their every activity monitored by folks who admire them. Without the help of therapists, stylists, or other professionals, the newly appointed mentors offer pointers about things like flirting, dating, and picking out a new wardrobe. At the end of the 48 hours, the "followers" have to decide how they feel about the experience -- and about themselves.
Is It Any Good?
While the show's ostensible purpose is to highlight the importance of being comfortable with your own individuality, the focus often seems to be more on capturing the awkward moments between the admirer and the admiree. In fact, some of these moments are so uncomfortable (like when the mentors try to explain the odd project to friends -- or, worse, dates) that they seem a bit contrived. As a result, it's a little hard to appreciate the show's overall message until the very end.
But even though the show's approach is a bit unusual, its attempt to promote positive self-esteem is definitely a good thing. It's possible that younger tweens may not be mature enough to understand the connections being made here, but older tweens and teens can definitely benefit from the message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether this show actually accomplishes what it sets out to do. Does the show's "experiment" really help people feel more comfortable in their own skin? Can you think of another way that a reality show could make the same point? Would you be willing to share 48 hours with a person to become more like her or him? What about to help someone be more like you? Families can also discuss the people that they admire. What kind of qualities does a person have to have in order for you to look up to him or her?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 24, 2006
- Cast: Nick Zano
- Networks: MTV , MTV2
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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