Blog by Sean Gehon, Thursday, February 15, 2007

Like any good Valentines Day story, mine is filled with chocolate, heart break, and some sexy ladies. Well, the last part may be a mild lie, but I didn’t have the magical day that everyone dreams about. Maybe I got locked out of my house, maybe I almost froze to death, maybe I had some hot chocolate alone at Starbucks, and maybe, just maybe, I watched the season finale of Beauty and the Geek.

Some of you may remember a blog I wrote about the reasons that I loved this show. Even though this was the show’s third season, I had never seen it up until a few weeks ago. Needless to say, I fell in love. Whether I’m watching the ‘beauties’ answer questions about ‘geeky stuff’ or watching the ‘geeks’ try to get phone numbers from girls in the park, I can’t deny I was laughing hysterically the entire time. It was also one of the most meaningful reality television finales I’ve ever seen.

The premise of a show like Beauty and the Geek is to take a look at someone else’s life and put yourself in their shoes. It all goes back to the age old saying, you’ll never truly understand someone unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. As cliché as it may be, the truth is… it's probably right. In a world like ours, we’re constantly envious of what someone else has, want something unattainable, or simply wish our life was different… but do any of us actually take steps to try? They always say be careful what you wish for, and in many cases, they’re right.

Most of the contestants who went on Beauty and the Geek were looking for an interesting life experience and a chance at $250,000. Last night, it would be Megan and Scooter that claimed not only a better understanding of themselves and each other, but also the grand prize. However, it was due to the kind words of front runner Nate that probably gave away the prize. Nate’s partner, Cecille, refused to change, or even attempt to become a better person… all she wanted was the cash. Come on Cecille, $250,000 split between two people is $125,000, and then half of that ($62,500) is given to the government… so after all of that, Cecille only would have walked away with $60,000. Unfortunately for Cecille, it was a well timed speech by her partner Nate that would cost them both a much smaller prize than the contest even promised.

As the eliminated ‘beauties and geeks’ debated over which team to vote for, Nate had an epiphany over the out come of the contest. Having spoken with Cecille and noticing her cruel, nasty behaviour to the other contestants, Nate decided it was for the sake of the experience that he and Cecille did not win the money. For most reality contestants, it's all about the money and the quick shot to semi-stardom, but for Nate, he was just happy having made improvements to his life. Nate went around to the entire jury urging them to vote for Megan and Scooter because Cecille didn’t deserve a dime. How many people do you know that would give up the money just to say they had an experience they’ll never forget?

In a world like ours where money is the root of all evil and yet the object that many desire, it was very heart warming to see a man give it up for the sake of becoming a better person. I would love to say that after weeks of fighting for the prize I would give it all up just to see someone truly deserving win, but I’m not sure. Is it refreshing to see someone in this world who isn’t materialistic? Absolutely. Do I commend Nate for finally being a positive role model on television? Definitely. I just can’t think of words to describe how amazing it is to see someone so selfless and giving in a world like hours. I’m not even sure I could name another person who would do the same - at least not a famous one.

Let’s take something away from this show. It’s better to grow, learn, and become a good person than it is to be rich and famous. Perhaps we’ll stop looking down on society’s ‘geeks’ and instead praise them as the only true individuals left.

Then again… what do I know?

Sean (Now I just have to wait for the Pussycat Dolls reality show.)

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