Have you ever watched Virgin Diaries on TLC? Even if you haven’t, you may recognize this clip:
This is the kind of kiss that you want to laugh about in private later, not have it live on Youtube in infamy so others can squirm with second-hand embarrassment while watching it.
I watched the first episode of this show back in November, and not all of the virgins featured in the episode were as awkward as the poor couple in the first clip. But it certainly reeked of reality television posturing. One of the plots revolved around a group of women who were all virgins (well, one was a “reclaimed” virgin). They all went on a group date with an equal number of attractive men who were – surprise! virgins too. Wow, what are the odds?
The major problem I have with this show is they find the most socially-awkward people as a representation of “older virgins” and use these people in their marketing campaigns to attract attention for the show. It’s exploitative and ridiculous, and perpetuates the stereotype that older virgins are losers, outcasts, or social freaks.
That’s far from the truth. There are plenty of normal, well-adjusted, accomplished adults out there who happen to be virgins for many reasons, and they aren’t as uncommon as popular culture leads you to believe. I have plenty of friends who lost their virginity in their twenties, or who are still virgins for various reasons. I’m not about to delve into my private life in a public forum, but it’s safe to say that I lost my virginity well after 17, which is the average for American women.
Apparently, this show is returning next month with a new batch of older virgins to exploit. I know I won’t be watching.
The fact that this show exists pisses me off. I think I’m a well adjusted, picky, feminist, pro-gay, pro-choice… VIRGIN! We’re not all awkward or prudish or ultraconservative or religious fundamentalists, TV producers.
Some of us are just waiting for someone who respects us enough to learn our middle name and have a real conversation with us before we jump in the sack! Haha.
“Some of us are just waiting for someone who respects us enough to learn our middle name and have a real conversation with us before we jump in the sack!”
Giiiiirl seriously! I could have lost it to the dude who made me pay for my Taco Cabana meal after waiting on him for nearly an hour and then didn’t walk me to my car. Fuck that. I want respect!
I dislike the reality genre in general, but this show particularly infuriates me. Instead of educating the public that the majority of 20-something virgins are NORMAL and INTELLIGENT, they have to go the exploitative route and get ratings by making us laugh at all the awkward ones. Disgusting and ridiculous.