to absolutely hate sob stories?

[SummerFin]

Just watching America's Next Top Model (and before you all say it yes I probably am being unreasonable just for watching that haha) ... anyway there is one contestant on there that constantly goes on about - I was one of five kids, I had to raise them, we have no money - I deserve to win for that reason.

There have been many others, I should win because I'm gay and been bullied throughout my life because of it, my mother doesn't love me, I grew up in a trailer park, I'm plus size etc - therefore I deserve to win.

Same as other shows such a X Factor, or even The Apprentice - where having grown up on a council estate entitles you to win.

I'm not cold hearted, I wouldn't kick a puppy for example haha. But at the same time I just think we all have problems in our past and present and obstacles that we've had to overcome - background, appearance, relationships.

I don't think this entitles anyone to anything in a competition.

Or am I just being unreasonable and have a heart of stone?

[juneybean]

Ohh it's the only reason I watch Undercover Boss USA, they all have such tragic stories!

[AgentZigzag]

I haven't watched the model one or X factor, but they're not winning because they've had a shit life so far, they're winning because they've shown they've overcome adversity to drag themselves up the ladder out of the shit.

Viewers like watching that because it gives them hope they can overcome their own problems, as well as the fact that people like to see others do well. Mostly.

[simplesusan]

YANBU.
The thing is these reality shows wouldn't exist if it weren't for the sob stories.

You can only apply to such shows if you were beaten black and blue everyday of your life by your wicked step parent, after your natural beloved mother/father died painfully and slowly, leaving you to fend for your 19 other siblings.
All on 20p a week too.

[AgentZigzag]

And it's not as entertaining to watch someone born with a spoon in their mouth succeed at something they've spent their whole life working towards with the best education, than someone who started with nothing and did everything themselves regardless of the things they had to deal with.

[Ilovesunflowers]

YANBU but my dog died this year, I have beaten my crack habit and got beaten up by my cat. Now gimme money!

I particularly love how the music changes for sob stories and you can automatically guess what's coming. It's either: a) I grew up on a housing estate. b)I was raised by my grandparent(s) c)I'm a single parent or d)I am super poor.

Not saying that some of those things aren't hard but winning should be based on talent.

[SummerFin]

Viewers like watching that because it gives them hope they can overcome their own problems, as well as the fact that people like to see others do well. Mostly

I see your point.

I would still rather someone win a talent contest for being the best.

Top model is a bad example because they all seem to have such terrible lives they get mentioned about 5 times per episode.

[nenevomito]

Its all about giving them 'colour'. There's nothing like a backstory, complete with some emotive music to dramatise something that is essentially quite dull.

X-Factor and Britain's got Talent are experts at this and its gotten worse over the series. Its why I now turn them off when I used to watch them.

[Softlysoftly]

YANBU I can't stand it and can't watch them. I just want to go on and say "no, I'm alright actually, parents were fairly normal, school was ok, middle of the road" .

See the cameraman faces fall and the music techs "saaaad music" button finger shake :)

[AgentZigzag]

It's making a connection between the viewer and the contestant, they want you to care about them.

[elliejjtiny]

YANBU. However I do sometimes think about the day when DS1 goes on the x-factor and sings subsituting she for he. When Simon asks why he's singing it, he'll say it's dedicated to his brother and then DS2 will wheel himself onto the stage to thunderous applause. I'll be backstage along with approximately 50 family and friends all wearing t-shirts with "Go DS1" written on them [bugrin].

[dopeysheep]

Only sob story I've ever read and though holy shit that's terrible was Jahmene Douglas (?) from X Factor talking about his abusive dad. Who was jailed for torturing his mum and then his brother commited suicide.
The guy can sing though.and that story didn't come out until v late in the competition.
On the whole though.they are manipulative bollocks.

[sydlexic]

I agree. I went to a slimming world woman of the year competition, everyone told their story and it was a misery contest. The winner was the one who was prepared to bare their soul, cry and collapse in distress. It was all most distasteful. It should have been a celebration of success.

[ENormaSnob]

Yanbu

The x factor ones are the most irritating imo.

[scottishtablet]

YANBU. Competitive misery.