Jessica Simpson's "The Price of Beauty" scours the globe for unique aesthetic

(above image source)

What is your definition of beautiful? Not only may it be different from a friend’s definition, but chances are it is very different from another’s on the opposite side of the world. That is Jessica Simpson’s mission on her new show on VH1, The Price of Beauty—to find out what various cultures around the world see as beautiful.

Some of the places Simpson and her crew of two other friends visit include Thailand, Paris, India, Uganda, and Morocco. I have seen an episode or two myself, and despite not being a fan of Jessica Simpson, I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed the show. A specific part of the first episode that stayed with me was an interview Simpson had with a Thai woman who had a disfigured face caused by bleaching. Fair skin is considered beautiful in Thailand, and the price of the woman trying to obtain beauty was a reaction to the cream that caused extreme blotchiness. What was even more devastating about the woman’s story was that her husband left her after it happened because he said he couldn’t stand to look at her face.

I think a television program that not only shows the cultural varieties of beauty but also the dangers of abnormally altering oneself to achieve that standard of beauty is very important, especially for American viewers who are obsessed with being beautiful and who generally have very narrow definitions of beauty.

Another memorable scene of the first episode in Thailand was when the crew went to the Karen Hill Tribe where the women wear rings around their necks. It was fascinating that the girls could make the decision for themselves whether or not they wanted the rings, but since the rings are considered beautiful and are a symbol of pride for the women, the majority of them have neck rings despite the discomfort they cause. Simpson tried on a removable necklace of rings like that of the Karen Hill women, and she said it was hard to move her head and her shoulders felt weighed down. It’s interesting to think what those of another culture would find uncomfortable about one of our fashion trends that we have become accustomed to…probably high heels.

The Price of Beauty isn’t solely about exterior beauty which makes it a refreshing, multifaceted show. Along Simpson’s journey, she speaks with several natives rather than a single appointed correspondent, and she does other activities that allows the viewer to get a more well-rounded (as well-rounded as one can get simply from watching a show) perspective of the country’s customs and culture. I also like how hands-on Simpson and her friends get by participating in unfamiliar activities and trying to immerse themselves in the culture as much as possible by eating and wearing what is traditional of the travel site.