Recently, Jessica Simpson has been more famous for her latest fashion disaster than for any actual singing or acting ability.
Somehow, this makes her the perfect face for Vh1’s new show, “Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty.”
The show follows Simpson and her two friends Ken Paves and CaCee Cobb as they travel around the world to experience what defines beauty in various cultures.
The premise for this show is great. As Simpson and gang travel the world, they learn that Western beauty is often the opposite of beauty in other cultures.
Take, for example, Thailand, where whiter skin is seen as more beautiful. Women go so far as to use whitening creams which eventually destroy their skin in order to appear whiter.
However, where the show falls short is the exact same spot that is supposed to make it interesting—its host.
In theory, Jessica Simpson should have an interesting perspective on beauty, as she has made a career based largely on her looks.
Sadly, Simpson and her friends often come across as ignorant Americans who are laughing at other traditions as opposed to learning from them.
For example, giggling while meditating with a Buddhist monk is not the most respectful thing to do.
There are a few truly touching moments. One features a young Indian girl who gets a cleft lip correction surgery. In these moments, Simpson does seem like a real person who deeply cares about others.
Unfortunately, these bright insights into other cultures are more often than not overshadowed by Simpson and her friends’ blatant Americanized world view.
Catie Shauck can be reached for comment at [email protected]