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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Susan Boyle is amazing
She’s got one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard, as well as a pretty face and a lovely smile. I am so sorry I cannot vote from Sweden.
Helena Arnström | 10 months, 1 week ago
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Mrs.
Once again, our society (and I thought my native USA was bad!) has gone by its love of “hot looks” to judge the amazing Susan Boyle before she even opened her mouth. Shame on them, but she shut their mouths up quick, didn’t she? The fact is she is NOT “homely.” She has a lovely smile. There is a point where she smiles and nods at the judges during a few bars of instrumental music, when she KNOWS she’s nailed it, and she looks just divine. Talk about inner beauty manifesting itself. I just pray she picks a whopper final song.
Jean M. Mank | 10 months ago
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If one sees ugly, that one is ugly
You can tell about a person’s character by how they speak of others. If a person says another person is ugly, then they them self are the ugly one.
PAT sCANLAN | 10 months ago
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Ms.
I don’t believe Susan cared a bit about how the people on the show acted towards her. I’m sure she has experienced that reaction before, but she just opened up her mouth and sang and did a wonderful job of it and we all had a feeling of happiness as she shared her voice with us. Why should she react as they did? She knows how good she is? The surprised looks of all those on the panel and in the audience was enough to give her a good feeling. She is good, no matter how she looks. What difference, her clothes do not take away from her glorious voice. She is good enough for herself and we can all learn by her example not to allow others to judge us and feel bad when they make the wrong assumption. That is their loss. Susan, bring out your songs on records and make a bundle for yourself and enjoy life. Travel the world and sing your heart out and let everyone hear you. You have something to offer to all of us, your wonderful voice. and you. I loved hearing you and look forward to more from you. Let us know where you will appear next. Thanks Susan for making my day. All the best to you.
Esther Mariano | 10 months ago
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AWESOME VOICE
I don’t care who you are. This girl has a voice like no other and looks shouldn’t take any of that away from her.
lauriese livngston | 10 months ago
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Bravo!(sarcastically)
Bravo to the critics for horribly insulting a thoroughly talented woman! Shame on them and our sick culture of false ideals! Bravo to her for following her dream!
Captain Bravo | 10 months ago
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Go Susan Boyle!
I am 41 and I am “okay” but not a beauty queen. I saw those nasty and pathetic looks that horrid Simon had for Susan Boyle. Secure in herself, she already knew that she would knock everyone out of their seats. When she opened her mouth, I shouted at the top of my lungs: Go Susan—Give it to them!! For years, I have struggled (and I still struggle) with all of the beauty stuff that I have been brainwashed with. I grew up with beauty queens and rich classmates while I myself was educated but poor.
I have an emotional disability, but I have a good job for which I am thankful. Many people write me off as feeling too sorry for myself, and sometimes, I give into their thoughts of me. However, after seeing Susan Boyle, I felt inspired to know that I am okay in the eyes of God, and that when I do shine, I shine quite brilliantly.
I myself am in a group called the Sweet Adelines, where I am a lead. Now, I am not quite as good as Susan Boyle, but I can sing! And, in my family, we are all overcomers. I have a sister who was considered a “geek” in school and she went to Chicago, Valencia California and also New York where for a time, she did ballroom dancing. She proved all of her classmates wrong.
Susan Boyle’s beauty comes from deep within, and I think that she is a lesson for us all.
Catherine Horn | 10 months ago
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Susan Boyle's appearance
Ms. Boyle could have lost 40 pounds, changed her haircut and color, and have had a pro attend to her face before performing on BGT. Would her performance have been less beautiful, powerful and moving? I doubt it. The world fell in love with the beauty of Susan. She gave us her heart and soul and shared her honest joy with a world in sore need of joy. She has left BGT and the appallingly unprofessional Cowell in the dust.
Will she win? She already has. She should retain an armada of attorneys to overturn her contract. This is a competition for amateurs and she is no amateur.
Francine F. Marema | 10 months ago
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Susan Boyle - looks can be decieving...
There is a story about a previous owner of the Washington Plaza Hotel in Seattle, Washington, that I heard a long time ago. This is what I was told:
A salesman came in one day, and spoke to the receptionist at the front desk, asking to see the owner or manager of the hotel. He wanted to present an item to them that he thought they would be interested in.
The receptionist, pointed over to an old man in coveralls, wearing a bill cap, who was over by the elevators cleaning a trash can. “He is over there.” They replied. The salesman became annoyed and said “No, not the janitor! The ‘owner’!” Again, the receptionist pointed to the old man emptying the trash cans and replied, “That is him over there.” The salesman then picked up his case an angrily walked out, not realizing that the old man was indeed the owner.
He had started out in the renovation real estate market with duplexes, and worked his way up over the years until he finally made enough to get the Washington Plaza. He just preferred to work, rather than sit around and tell others what to do.
dail f melton | 10 months ago
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Imperishable beauty
So called the outer beauty no doubt will give a soothing effect for the viewers at first but to me Susan is really beautiful her smile, the genuineness that one can see as a person & that beauty is permanent, free from the threat of age, time and space.
Monalisa Tase | 9 months, 4 weeks ago
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