Judging by Covers

I love Susan Boyle in this video on Britain's Got Talent. At the same time, I find it rather disturbing.

I'll just go right to the million dollar question: Why are we not universally bothered by good-looking people who have no discernible talents, yet so shocked when someone who's not a typical beauty demonstrates a great gift?

As if her outer appearance has anything to do with her vocal chords. Or her mind. Or her as a person.

This, of course, is something we all know--or it's at least a concept we've heard of somewhere in our childhoods--but the first few minutes of that video is a shameful display of judging someone by personal appearance where appearance is not supposed to be the point. (The teenager rolling her eyes? I've seen Simon Cowell do that before, too.) I mean, it is a talent show, not a beauty contest, right? So while I found it infinitely satisfying when Susan kicked ass on-stage, received a standing ovation, and three "yes" votes from the judges, I was also saddened by the lack of real remorse for our openly biased attitude when it comes to outer beauty. Or perceived lack of it.

I get the cynicism that must come with being a talent judge. But that cynicism is infectious, and it's an attitude that requires little effort, so is easy to adopt. At the same time, once adopted, it's difficult to shake.

The judges showed some humility by (sort of) admitting they were wrong to form their opinions before she sang. The woman judge said it was a "wake-up call," and seemed genuinely ashamed of herself, but I doubt that their collective attitude has really changed beyond Susan Boyle. And until theirs does, I'm afraid we will not do much to change ours either.