A NEW TWIST ON SUSAN BOYLE OF IDOL TV FAME

YES, LOOKS DO MATTER !!!

So reports The New York Times, interviewing psychologists and Professor Fiske relating to Susan Boyle of ‘Britain’s Got Talent” TV fame.

Attractive people are “credited with being socially skilled,” Professor Fiske said, and maybe they are, because “if you’re beautiful or handsome, people laugh at your jokes and interact with you in such a way that it’s easy to be socially skilled.”

“If you’re unattractive, it’s harder to get all that stuff because people don’t seek you out,” she said.

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My friend, Joy C., a teacher in Pennsylvania, created a classroom/parent lesson comparing the two videos below.  Joy calls this ” Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover “

• The first link is of Susan Boyle from “Britain’s Got Talent”. (Click on name if video does not open below)

Susan Boyle:  Britain Resident
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

• The second link is of Bianca Ryan, the winner from “America’s Got Talent” 2006. (Click on name if video does not open below)

Bianca Ryan:  Philadelphia Resident
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JD2B4oKhco

Joy says, “My students discussed and wrote utilizing a compare and contrast model –the verbal/nonverbal actions and words that were
given towards each contestant.  My students loved it!”

Hats off to you, Joy!  This was an excellent teachable moment!

Kidsbridge suggests that you discuss this comparison with your students or your family. We call this a good lesson in both stereotypes and media literacy.