Susan Boyle
Dowdy spinster
Ugly duckling
Hairy angel
Those stinging public assessments of Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle resurrected one of the oldest rules of responsibility—Don’t judge a book by its cover—and set off an ongoing debate about what judging others reveals about ourselves.
As much of the world knows, the unemployed Ms. Boyle—thick of brow and middle of age—has a voice that went viral after singing on a TV show called “Britain’s Got Talent.” Videos of her performing have since been viewed something like a hundred million times on YouTube.
But her sudden fame came with a discomforting level of nastiness about her non super model looks.
“Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?” asked a British newspaper writer in the soul-searching aftermath. Why are we so shocked, the writer continued, “when ‘ugly’ women can do things, rather than sitting at home weeping and wishing they were somebody else?” Declaring that it was the audience that was “ugly,” the writer concluded, “Britain’s Got Malice.”
“What is it about this woman that touches us so deeply?” pondered an American writer regarding Ms. Boyle. Partly it was “the age thing,” she continued, but added that “we were weeping for the years of wasted talent, the career that wasn’t, the time lost.”
Experts say that our reactions to an outlier like Ms. Boyle are based on “the science of stereotyping,” which includes the propensity to make snap judgments. Our brains use stereotypes, social scientists say, because “often they give us broadly accurate information, even if all the details don’t line up. Ms. Boyle’s looks, for example, accurately telegraphed much about her biography, including her socioeconomic level and lack of worldly experience.”
But while some turned to science to explain the Boyle brouhaha, others turned to religion. “The world generally looks askance at people like Susan Boyle, if it sees them at all,” explained a Jesuit priest. “But God sees the real person, and understands the value of each individual’s gifts.”
Presumably without watching YouTube.
Tell us what you think: Do we have any responsibility to move beyond snap judgments? Is the old adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover” obsolete?
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Judging Susan
Who are we to judge Susan Boyle? She has a great talent we all wished we had. It is sad and pathetic that so many people attempt to increase their perception of their value by putting Susan Boyle down.
As a past frequent visitor to the UK, I think they have more of a problem with Susan Boyle than Americans do. We tend to cheer on a Susan Boyle and celebrate her accomplishments. We love an underdog. The British see her as someone who is climbing above her station, and upstart.
Bob Hess | 9 months, 3 weeks ago
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Uptight!
While my story may not seem related to the topic, it is.
I recently stopped at a Wendy’s after not eating all day. I noticed two fancy cars very near the order box, their music blasting. The car in front of me pulled forward and just as I was to order my meal one of the drivers increased the volume, preventing me from hearing. Instead of contending with a sound that would obviously drown out my voice, I drove up to the window and shared with the cashier what had prevented me from ordering. The young person at the window passed on to the manager my reason for driving forward. They both walked quickly to the back door to see what the issue was for them.
After I advanced to the second window, the manager approached the window and shared his thought with me: “Ya know, when I was in South America, the folks there would drive their big trucks down the street with the music as loud as they could make it and all the people would come out and join in. People here in America are just too uptight.”
I promptly told the manager that I didn’t have an issue with the music, or the volume. I had an issue with the fact that I could not place an order as they could not hear me. The manager did a double-take at me, and replied, “Uh, yeah. I guess that COULD be a problem.”
So how does this apply to the Susan story? Stereotyping. When I drove through Wendy’s, I was dressed professionally. The manager (a man of a different race which I will not reveal here out of respect) stereotyped me (a white female) as an upper-class snoot.
Poor treatment of others occurs because of our expectations (from media exposure to personal experiences). It doesn’t matter if we are the “ugly” entering the domain of the beautiful or the “beautiful” entering the domain of the “ugly”. (Ugly is not just an appearance.)
Disrespect for others goes either way and is painful.
Wendy’s lost a customer that day as I am just too UPTIGHT to go back for more stereotypical poor management behavior! Maybe if I had been given a free drink or something for the inconvenience and the unintended insult; I definately did not get an apology.
Victoria Garcia | 9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Susan Boyle
It hurts me deeply to hear and see the insensitive statements about Susan Boyle made by the press and news commentators. I am sure we haven’t a clue the pain Susan has felt by the unkind demoralizing words from these same people. Who are these “judges of others?” and why do they feel they have the right to cause anyone pain and suffering? Just so they can maybe get a big raise or promotion at work for the most read paper or listened to newscast? I had hoped that when the “press” had inadvertently caused the death of Diana, reporters might step back and take stock; obviously, I was wrong. While they didn’t hurt Susan physically, they certainly broke her heart. Very sad. I have stopped reading the newspapers and listening to the news on TV just because of the negativity they project … Looks like I am not alone, the newspapers are going out of business….
Pam Moore | 9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Writer
I feared for Susan Boyle the instant the story broke. I have watched over fifty years of television. I was convinced years ago that television has powers far beyond our general understanding. When you factor in the internet, cell phones and all of the other technological inlets and outlets of our rawest feelings and thoughts something scary has emerged. The reason we put celebrities on pedestals in the first place is because they make a bigger thud when we knock them off.
I think I remember Ms Boyle saying something to the effect that she prayed for fame. As the saying goes; “Be careful what you pray for.” I only hope she makes the right decisions for her spiritual well being. The most important decision will be those she surrounds herself with.
Terrence M. Cook | 9 months, 1 week ago
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The ugly duckling
I guess they don’t tell the old stories any more. So many of us grew up on stories like the ugly duckling; stories that reminded us that we should never judge a book by its cover. When I heard Susan Boyle sing, I heard a swan. I was happy for her. I guess I am as naive as she was.
Mary Ramsay | 9 months ago
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We Were All Touched By Her!
She showed us that age does not matter, that her looks do not matter, that her weight does not matter, that her “uncouth” behavior does not matter, that the shape of her figure does not matter, that her unsexy appearance does not matter. What matters is her angelic voice and those who heard her sing know that her voice is a divine gift, like few humans ever received. She also showed us that those that depend on public approval are doomed, that she is not doomed and will, most likely, continue on, and that her talent was unrecognized only shows that we all have much to improve, that probably too few of us will ever achieve her high spirits, that her voice was a lesson to our soul, not for our ears, alone.
Michael F. Sarabia | 9 months ago
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Susan Boyle
Everyone usually goes and gets freshened up before an appearance, she just went after. That’s all. When are you touring the US, Susan? I would go pay and hear her sing. The voice is magical. Lynne
Lynne E. Anthony | 9 months ago
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Happened to my dad too
He went into a Chrysler dealership back in the 80’s and wanted to buy a car. Nobody came to help him because he was wearing overalls. Well finally a guy came over and helped him. He bought a car and paid cash for it. He said the other salesmen were shocked.
Kathy | 8 months, 2 weeks ago
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Judging a book by it's cover
First, I do not consider Susan Boyle ugly. I think she is quite attractive. She just needed a little grooming and some weight loss to be really lovely. What I find really disturbing is all the public pronouncements in the press and comments on the internet that I consider downright uncivilized. I am really shocked at the British press and why they are allowed to publish such trash and at the British people for believing and supporting such . My opinion of them has really hit bottom. I consider this to be bullying at it’s worst. And we know what kind of people are bullies. Am also appalled at what passes for “comedy” across the pond. I don’t think trashing innocent people is at all funny and only says something unappetizing about the participants. But it seems to be the norm over there. I hope this country never gets that jaded and cruel.
Betty Adams | 7 months ago
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I don't have one, nor do I need one !!
There are so many “beautiful women” in the world; we are constantly striving to look like them to have the public’s approval. Unfortunately it encourages us to be judgemental. When Susan Boyle came out to perform on the British version of “ American Idol” it was quite apparent the crowd immediately judged her to be a loser; and were openly smirking and snickering.It was incredibly sad. And in my mind; I judged her also. But then I quickly thought “ this woman has something amazing to offer, or she wouldn’t be there” To say she is amazing is such an understatement. I sat watching; with tears streaming down my face. NEVER, has anyone touched my soul so deeply. Thank you Lord for the gift of Susan Boyle.
Wilda Beavers | 6 months, 1 week ago
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