Carol slams public’s obsession with beauty

Former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman claims we “idolise beauty” and are obsessed with the way we look. And by “we” she means both the UK media and – it would seem – the UK public too.

At this point it would be easy to accuse Carol of attacking the media for doing exactly what she has done herself. After all, she has released a series of “detox” DVDs and books, which claimed to help people look and feel better.

But what really seems to bother her is the disproportionate amount of time spent talking about looking great – compared to the time we devote to issues like facial disfigurements.

“There are programmes which treat serious illnesses as entertainment, as freaky people. It’s ridiculous and it has an impact on people who look different,” said the 48-year-old presenter, whose brother was born with a cleft lip.

“In the past 10 years, since the rise of the talentless celebrity, the media culture has become obsessed by people's appearance,” she told the audience during the Cheltenham Science Festival.

So what did Detox Carol suggest we do? Lock up Megan Fox? Send Chantelle to the Moon? No.

“If there could be a character in say, Coronation Street, which is watched by millions, and they had a visible difference, but it was no big deal, then it would make such a difference.”

Would that really help?

Comments

[Malcolm]

It has always been apparent that Carol has worked hard on improving and maximising her own so-called good looks. Not always with success - she is no natural beauty. So why is she bothered?

I think Carol is just starting to worry a little about the ageing process and the battle she has ahead of her.

But are we obsessed with beauty in our celebrities? Jade Goody? Peaches Geldoff? Dawn French? Catherine Tate? Susan Boyle!
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but ...!