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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lauging last
The old adage comes to mind “He who laughs last laughs best” Susan can laugh all that she wants now. She has the ‘power’.
Gail Saunders | 6 months ago
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looking inward......................
I believe in not saying at all “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER” That’s like saying – He/She looks like they can’t sing/dance/perform, that isn’t even nice !
I, myself believe in looking inward – I always told my children, Look at a Person – “Inside Out” – Yes ! Try it.
I’ll tell you what, I thought Susan Boyle was beautiful, the first time I ever saw her and listened to her Angelic beautiful voice. I could do that all day long ……………..
Anita Grace-Las Vegas, NV
ANITA GRACE | 6 months ago
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looking inward
I believe in not saying at all “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER” That’s like saying – He/She looks like they can’t sing/dance/perform, that isn’t even nice !
I, myself believe in looking inward – I always told my children, Look at a Person – “Inside Out” – Yes ! Try it.
I’ll tell you what, I thought Susan Boyle was beautiful, the first time I ever saw her and listened to her Angelic beautiful voice. I could do that all day long ……………..
Anita Grace-Las Vegas, NV
Anita Grace | 6 months ago
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President
I too saw Susan Boyle for the first time on YouTube. When she started singing, I got cold chills. That is one of my favorite songs and I just could not believe my ears. I think this world shoud be about being nice and not what you look like or how much money you have. I have a sign in my kitchen which says “Because Nice Matters.” If we could all remember that and treat our fellow brothers and sisters that way, this old world would sure be a better place to live in. It would relieve a lot of unhappiness and sadness.
Linda Chipman | 5 months, 4 weeks ago
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Mrs and grateful
I am grateful that I know I am loved unconditionally…it empowers one to do great things..my model? Mother Theresa of Culcutta…As a Brit…I am proud of Susan Boyle and love her God given voice and courage.
Jackie Cooper | 5 months, 3 weeks ago
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examine yourself before you examine others
we should not be quick to pass judgment on others without looking at ourselves for we too can be a true reflection of those we judge
Paulette Whyte | 5 months, 1 week ago
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great!
i think Susan is a wonderful singer, and also a strong person! she didnt let the mean comments “ kill her” she kept going strong!
i believe shes a talent strong women!
and it shouldnt matter what she looks like… she has a wonderful heart and mind!
there’s soo many females in the singer buisness that cant sing at all! why are they in the singing buisness and have no talent and stilll get paid soo much money..for basicaly just being pretty! i think we need more talent like mrs. Susan in the world!
chantele harris | 4 months, 3 weeks ago
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I love you Susan Boyle
Susan you are wonderful singer and person ihope to see you one day.
Ebony king | 4 months, 1 week ago
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director/owner
I can’t stop watching Susan Boyle. I think I fell in love with her story before I fell in love with her. She is beautiful now but who cares? It was her voice we fell in love with not her looks.
rosalie england | 3 months, 3 weeks ago
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Interpreter
I believe that people are very judgemental and very superficial when it comes to appearance rather than talent or competence or compatability. Society is harsh, cruel and insensitive simply because they assume that a great siren with a beautiful voice must match the appearance as well. It demonstrates the shallowness and inability to see the true talent until a word is spoken or in this case, a song is sung. I viewed the BGT video and saw the condescending looks of disdain towards Susan Boyle and was very disgusted and disappointed. The marvelous thing about Susan is that she stepped out with the confidence that she would leave a lasting impression and that she did. I’m proud of her and it’s her time to shine brighter because for an episode in her life she served those whom she loved and remained at home fulfilling her responsibility to her mother. But God was and is watching her and now has her light on a lampstand no longer under a bed or bushel but shining for all to see the grace of our Father over her. You go, S.I.C. and let all see the great gift that God has given you and praise Him with it that He may be glorified through you. Congratulations, Susan. You deserve it and so much more.
Eron Carmona
eron carmona | 3 months, 2 weeks ago
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