Jessica Simpson's the Price of Beauty is Not a Pretty Sight

At first glance, VH1's The Price of Beauty sounds like an insightful look at beauty rituals around the globe. Seeing Jessica Simpson do interviews for the new show made me want to watch it. However, something got lost in the process of bringing the concept to life. The show is more about Jessica Simpson experiencing culture shock as she travels with her companions, friend/hair stylist/make up artist Ken and CaCee.

What does Jessica Simpson really think about the price of beauty?
The show begins with her talking about living in a fishbowl and the painful criticism she endures. With the exception of her recent Mom Jeans meltdown, which plays in a montage as she speaks, she is a style icon. (And, seriously, that was one horrendous outfit that could not possibly look flattering on anyone regardless of weight.) She lends her name to designer shoes, handbags, cosmetics, fragrances and hair extensions, but does not like that there is always a new beauty product, diet, etc. to try? It is hard for me to empathize with her.

Learning About the Price of Beauty
Each episode features a local beauty authority called a beauty ambassador. The Thai beauty ambassador explained some local traditions. The show documented Thai massage to improve posture, eating insects to detoxify the body, skin lightening, Buddhist mediation for beauty from within and wearing twenty-pound rings for neck elongation.

The beauty ambassador explained how fair skin was preferable and darker/tan skin was indicative of being low class and working in the fields. The most poignant moment of the first episode, was hearing the story of a Thai woman disfigured by bleaching cream. I felt the story lost most of its power as Jessica talked too much and made it about herself. It would have been more interesting to watch the show help empower the disfigured woman to reclaim her beauty and previous lifestyle.

I can not say I learned much. Unlike the show's participants, I was already aware light, non-tan skin is valued in many cultures -- even in America. (Whether it is a mild vanishing cream to conquer freckles or lightening cream to alter skin color, Americans also use bleaching creams.) The pacing and tone of the show is fast and comedic, making it difficult to experience an introspective thought.

Culture Clash
Typical of the chicken-or-fish quandary, Jessica makes some major cultural flubs. She and CaCee ostensibly retch after trying a fried insect in a crowded market. Forty minutes into meditation with a Buddhist monk, Jessica gets the giggles and cannot stop laughing. Rather than being entertaining, it was a bit embarrassing to watch thirty-somethings disrespect foreign cultures. To his credit, Ken maintained his composure throughout the show.

As a professional journalist adept at portraying other cultures and capturing emotion, Lisa Ling would be an excellent candidate for hosting this program. So far, it is another vapid reality show. (That would be fine, except this ads lead viewers to expect much more.) Perhaps the gang's jaunt to Paris will prove more insightful.

When does Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty air?
Watch the show for yourself and see what you think. A new episode comes on Monday night. VH1.com also has last week's show available for free online.