Friday, February 24, 2012

Title Change: The Biggest Bully

Something smells. The Biggest Loser house has gone sour. The way the social game is being played this season make me cringe, makes me sick. The dynamics perfectly exemplify what happens when people lose perspective, when people lose focus. This nonsense is being played out on a reality show, which is appropriate since the “reality” of what is going on is far too common.

While watching young and immature Conda talk behind people’s backs, play people against one another, encourage players to gang up on others, all the while waving her finger and moving her head with the utmost of attitude, I am reminded of being in fourth grade at recess. I had my own personal bully and she was oddly similar to Conda. She was physically big, larger than life. She was unpredictable. She was good at rallying her minions in her favor. She twisted people’s actions and told lies about them. She manipulated. She came to school to be the boss, to be in charge and to be mean. She never came to learn.

In hindsight, my bully (who later actually became a good friend and who I’m still in touch with thanks to Facebook), clearly had to dominate others because she needed control and power. Maybe she felt helpless at home, who knows. All I know is that I went to school each day afraid and distracted from other friendships and from learning.

The parallel between what happened to me at school (and what happens to millions of other kids at school)m and what is going on in the Biggest Loser house is evident. What makes it more shocking, however, is that this is being played out by adults. Adults who have been picked from hundreds of thousands of people to have the opportunity to be part of the transformative experience of losing weight and losing age-old poor habits. They have the chance to dig into issues of their past that might have caused them to gain weight. They have two of the best trainers in the world and all of the tools to be successful without the distractions of children, jobs, real life. Being on the Biggest Loser is and should be a gift.

How can it be, then, that so many of the contestants have lost perspective? Just like my personal bully did not come to school to learn but to dominate, these players seem to not be showing up to lose weight, but to seek revenge, to be at the top of the social hierarchy. The fact that the entire team was willing to actually gain weight (or lose such a small amount in was embarrassing) just to oust another player shows that complete perspective has been lost. They should all be ashamed on many levels, but mostly because each of those people committed the worst crime. Each of them let their own selves down. They have to live with that.

I am not getting into the fact that Daphne made some odd choices or that she might have stooped to a certain level as well. I simply wanted to point out what happens when people unite in negativity. A dark cloud descends, light gets pushed out and poor decisions are made. People’s feelings get hurt, the ultimate goal of healing is lost. Just in how we saw the power of coming together in goodness when we did the Virtual Run for Sherry, we now see the consequences of connecting based on fear and hate. It is ugly. It never ends well. I believe it’s not what we’re on this planet to do with one another.

By the way, Conda – you stated that you are setting a good example for your daughter while being on the show. You should be ashamed. All you have shown your daughter is how to manipulate others to get what you want. Not a skill to be proud of.

What have been your impressions of the Biggest Loser this season?

SUAR

If you are not being bullied all I would say - cause I like to talk about the other side of it as well - is you know, be someone that nurtures, and if there's someone in your class that maybe doesn't have a lot of friends, be the person that sits with them in the cafeteria sometimes; be the bigger person – Lady Gaga

88 comments:

  1. Oh, I couldn't agree more with your post! This season has taken a turn away from weight loss and the emotional healing to get their life back on track. I don't feel a connection or inspiration from any of the contestants this season. I really hope some of them have a breakthrough (esp the black team after last week's weigh in) and decide to shape up and make the most of their time on the Ranch.

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  2. From a die-hard BL fan - thanks for this post.

    I used to love watching loser - it was inspirational with the occasional dose of reality drama but this season has me stressed out and pissed off. WTF? Conda drives me up a wall and Daphne stooped just as low this week and I was so disappointed… As you pointed out tho, the whole team stooped that low. I hate a bully and you nailed it. C is a bully.

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  3. you are so on target here!
    it should be changed to the biggest bully, but then Conda would win, and i don't want her to win anything except for maybe some personal insight and respect for others. then, maybe, the season will have been worth it.

    this season has played WAAAY too much to her, and I kinda have to fault the producers with that. kinda. i mean, i am sure (because i have to BELIEVE in positive here) that there are more conversations going on that are not in line with Conda. Why aren't we hearing/seeing those? IMHO, it is because bland, positive conversations about the REAL struggles and triumphs don't sell advertising or draw ratings.
    Which is sad.
    Thank you, Beth, and Happy BirthWEEK!
    Gene

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  4. I am not happy with this season, its like watching high school, I dont have a favorite, I have alot of "I hope you get voted off"

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    1. YES! And I didn't even like high school for many of the same reasons.

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  5. So true. The fighting and manipulating is just too much for me this season. I used to love the positive feeling I got from the show, now it just stresses me out to watch it. I had heard they walked off the show in protest of bringing someone back - sort of twist in the game - hello that happens every season, remember the guy who won the marathon last season? Word is two of them were cut from the show because of it. I can only hope one was Conda.

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  6. I haven't watched it regularly in a long time but I've heard NOTHING good about this season. I also found this about the whole cast recently and Bob's thoughts http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/contestant-protest-shuts-biggest-loser-1.3550366

    How horrible.

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  7. I have been liking the show less and less the past couple of seasons but this one is the worst I think... contestants going home cause they want and this whole nonsense of letting this bratty, selfish girl run things! And I do know they edit for sensationalism, but it is hard do watch sometimes.

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  8. Amen!! I watch this with my kids and honestly we pause the DVR ALOT to highlight want is wrong with how these folks act and try (unfortunately very easily) to parallel the actions on the show to what happens in middle school. Exposing how people can fall into that pack mentality so easily when they are insecure about themselves. What that means to others being bullied and how ugly you look when you are participating. The HYPOCRISY of it all.
    I hate this season and relish them kicking off the whiners, they are already NOT the biggest loser, just BIG LOSERS.

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  9. Crazy...I am not a BL fan...some times I watch the last episode to see the transformations but that's it...guess I am glad I am not watching this time around for sure! Doesn't sound so good.

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  10. I haven't watched this season, but I remember all too well those feelings you are describing. What an awful time 3-5 grade was. It's that pack mentality--you all follow that one leader, no matter how awful they are. We all took turns being mean to each other in our group of friends at the whim of this one girl. Finally, we had enough strength to stand up to her, but it was a long road. Makes me glad I'm not watching the show.

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  11. This show used to be inspirational. It was people changing their lives for the better and working through their issues. While I realize that drama equals big ratings, I'm afraid this is having the opposite effect. I've all but given up on TBL. I've started watching The River on ABC instead. I just can't deal with the high school bullshit anymore. I used to be inspired by these people. I used to sit and watch it and eat cookies and pie and think, wow, that could be me some day. Instead, I've decided to turn the damn thing off, sign up for a race and start training. Best choice I ever made.

    I learned a lot from TBL over the years, but it has completely dissolved into Jersey Shore. All we need is a little booze and hooking up. (Which frankly might make the show more interesting...I'm kidding). There is nothing inspirational about this show any more. There is no team. It's just a bunch of assholes. There are enough of them in my day to day life. I don't want to watch them on TV too.

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  12. My 11 year old noticed that the weight loss numbers haven't been nearly what they usually are. No wonder. They aren't there for weight loss. Every time Conda cries and uses the word "like" 5 million times, she just isn't believable. I used to love to cry to this show because of the inspiration. Hasn't happened this season...

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    1. Come to think of it, I haven't cried either. I think the lack of weight loss is due to all the other ugliness and loss of focus going on.

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  13. Sounds like they're getting trashy just like the Real World. I remember the days before The Real World started having groupies in the shower.

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  14. I have watched every season in the past. Due to schedule conflict this season I have not been able to watch a single episode. After reading this and several other not-so-nice posts/stories about this season I am glad. I just hope that a few bad people don't runion this for all the other people in the nation really need a chance like this, and didn't get it this time, because this cast was picked!

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  15. This is the worst season of BL, by far.

    Conda is, indeed, the worst on the show. But her negativity has affected everyone. The girls on the Black Team weren't crying because they didn't lose much weight, they were crying because they got on the "Mean Girls" bandwagon and it was obvious. They were crying because they were embarrassed. And they should be. I didn't even feel comfortable watching it. I felt gross and embarrassed for them, especially Conda who doesn't seem to have the sense to be embarassed for herself.

    In two years, Conda will be back up to three bills and will be blaming someone else for all her problems.

    And as far as a role model for her daughter? I hope the dad has full custody. THAT is the little girls' only hope.

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  16. I've been watching The Biggest Loser from the beginning and it really serves to keep me inspired and on track with my own aspirations. With that said, I'm not finding anyone to connect with this season. I think that might be because the theme, No Excuses, doesn't resonate with me, however it is the exact fit for all the current contestants, most of all Conda. Nothing is ever her fault, nothing is ever good, being unhappy is de rigeur, and - here I'm going to sound like an old fogie - I hear that a LOT from people in her age group. Honestly, you could transfer her to any reality show on MTV and she'd fit right in. So I think that's the point: the Conda attitude is prevalent and it's really not conducive to a happy life, hopefully she will figure this out so she can inspire others caught in that same trap.

    It's OK that this season isn't for me. I do hope that it is helpful to those caught in the vicious Conda cycle.

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    1. I do think it speaks to a larger problem of people not wanting to take responsbility and always finding someone to blame. This is the same for us runners - if we dont' run b/c of a million excuses we're only hurting ourselves. We need to take control of our lives without being victims.

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  17. Couldn't agree more - CONDA MUST GO. However, not only is there highly immature and bullying behavior, there's also such a mean streak! There is so much anger and victimization with Daphne and with her brother. I know that there are so many people that would have LOVED to have gotten even one week on the show and these two did nothing but complain about coming in late. It would be really interesting to see how the house would seem without Conda and even Kim to a certain extent (although I love the fact they're now separated). Perhaps we'd have something more positive?

    Gene - I couldn't agree with you more, btw. I'm sure that there is AMPLE footage of the contestants. Why haven't we seen something other than the bullying actions? I love Megan, and yet, she's hardly highlighted. We have Emily who is a world class athlete, and very little (in comparison) is directed to her. Frustrating.

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  18. I was curious what you thought of this season so I am glad you wrote this post. I love BL but this season has been HORRIBLE!!!! Every week I pray this is the week that Conda is voted off. What a nasty, mean, manipulative woman. I want to barf every time Dolvett hugs her and says what a great gal she is. It saddened me that the black team bought into Conda's petty mind games and went along with her plan to give Daphne the boot. I thought they were smarter than that and would recognize that Conda is the one that needs to go. How can they not see that?!? (and I agree with Jenifer; if Conda uses the word "like" one more time...)

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  19. Completely agree with all of this. The sad (and ironic) part to me is that this season is about "no excuses", and these contestants (not just Conda) are all about excuses--"I couldn't lose weight because I had to switch trainers...it's been so stressful with all this tension (that we brought on ourselves)..." That's called making excuses, and it doesn't bode well for their return to real life. The only way to save this season, is for the contestants to have a breakthrough and realize what poison Conda is, throw her off, and start taking the "no excuses" theme to heart. I'm, like, so not optimistic about that. ;)

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    1. Couldn't agree more. I hate the victim role. Nothing make me more frustrated.

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  20. yes it has been hard to watch. it started with antoine as well, conda is very immature but i do give dolvett the utmost for breaking thru to her a bit. daphne seemed to be taking the high road and then she too choose to be just as immature. i think bob even gave up on her in the end b/c she didn't seem at all remorseful. i read some past contestants on twitter and they were embarrassed as well. i have and continue to have experiences were a person (female friends) will somehow manipulate a group for their own purpose OR if they can't do the group i see them hone in on the ONE person they can and they pull that person and try to become secretive with them. it must stem from their own insecurities but it is sad.

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    1. Yes, I agree. Daphne was holding her own, then she started playing games too. I do think people try to get others "on their side" because it makes them feel more powerful, more "right." You are right, it stems from insecurities.

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  21. I can't stand Conda, can't stand her. She has a lot to learn about life.

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    1. If she learns anything as she gets older, she will look back on these episodes and be mortified.

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  22. I totally agree. I had to laugh when Conda smugly said she was setting a good example for her daughter! What?! Is she from planet earth? Just work hard, and shut up! My question is, why is her team following her? What about her makes people do what she says? Confusing.

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  23. Amen! I used to watch previous seasons and would often tear up because I was so touched and inspired. This season, not so much. I mostly just watch to see if I get my wish and Conda will get voted off. I agree that many of the contestants have lost sight of why they came to the ranch and I feel badly for those who wanted on the show and didn't make it but are at home instead, watching the ridiculous drama unfold. I can't imagine what they must be thinking.

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  24. This season is getting hard to watch...I want to see these people succeed and lose weight and they just aren't doing it! I wonder if at the end of this season if we will even see dramatic results.
    And Conda! UGH! Not only is she a bully, but she contradicts herself on a regular basis. In one scene, Daphne says that she was seeking a level of revenge. Then CONDA has the freakin nerve to say "how could you be that role model for your kids?" SERIOUSLY!!!! Because your bullying is a great way to show your kids how to act.
    Ugh....you got me started... lol

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  25. It's funny how these 'reality' show jump the shark! I was a huge fan of Survivor the first few season, but it changed. I can see the same thing happening with BL. Damn, capitalism.........

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  26. I totally agree. I haven't watched much of this season but am also disappointed that the season is going that way - but it seems like the producers set it up to encourage that. Which is why I'm not a huge fan of reality TV. It's all coerced/set up for ratings.

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  27. I am having a hard time watching this season. Its toxic! I had a bully growing up. She was my best friend. I understand how the others get sucked in by Conda. I hope that after the last weigh-in they will wake up and realize how they're cheating themselves (it took me years to figure it out). If next week is not better I might stop watching. Life is too short to waste 2 hours a week being miserable.

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  28. Thank you.....its like they don't see it! Conda is so toxic and has been since day 1 when someone said something to her brother and she went ballistic. She is a Bully...hope when she gets a chance to watch she can see through her misguided haze!

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  29. Totally agree with all of this. I can only hope that Conda doesn't even realize how she's acting and that, when she sees herself in these episodes, it will be a gigantic wake-up call to give up the negativity.
    I didn't watch Biggest Loser until Season 9 (Sunshine, Daris, O'Neal, Koli, Sam, Ashley, etc.), and I was so impressed with the dedication and unselfishness of all of those people. I've been watching ever since, but may have to stop after this season. I couldn't even get through the whole show this week. It was pathetic. I was cheering so hard for Daphne after last week's tremendous effort at home with Bob, and then she just ruined it for herself purely out of an attitude of revenge. Another commenter said it reminded him of high school...that's exactly it!!

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  30. I just blogged about this on Wednesday! I'm so disappointed with the season this year. Especially because it's supposed to be my inspiration and I really hate their attitudes. They have completely lost focus.

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  31. In complete agreement here. Up until this season I have been motivated, inspired, and compelled to work harder because of BL. Bob and Jillian (God rest her BL-soul) were there for the right reasons, working hard to help the contestants to see what they needed to fix within themselves in order to be successful on their weight-loss journeys.

    However, this season has lost me. I am done. DONE. I feel as if this season has encapsulated so much of what is wrong with our society today. Blame someone else. Beat someone down. Try to manipulate the system to work in your favor without working hard for yourself. And totally agree....if Conda thinks she is a good example for her daughter, holy cow.

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  32. I am so glad to hear someone else talking about this! I have been watching BL for years and have quit watching this seasion because it is SO negative. Just like you said about your gradeschool bully- these people did not come to learn, they came with the greed to win. Almost every past season, the contestants say they gained so much more than any money won, they won their life back. I fear that most of this year's contestants will go right back to their old habits and blame the others from this season for their future weight-loss failures as well. You cannot help those who do not wish to be helped. It is so sad. In my mind, this show set itself apart from other reality TV because it was inspiring and uplifting- there is nothing insipring or encouraging to viewers about what is happening this season. Hopefully next season will have a more positive outlook and encouraging group, otherwise I may write this show off altogether!

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  33. I have been a die hard the past few seasons, but this year was just plain yucky! If i want to hear whiny complainy people, i can just turn off the tv and listen to my husband. Next year better be "wow" or i might just stop watching all together.

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  34. I'm really disappointed in this season. This is the only tv show I watch, and I watch it because it is positive and uplifting. This season has not lived up to that. I'm giving it one more season, but if it becomes a focus on a drama fest, I'm out.

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  35. I haven't watched a full season of TBL but I've watched enough to get that it's supposed to be a game but more it's supposed to be a CONTEST, with rules and guidelines and a positive outcome (not just who wins because everyone on there needs to "win", right?).

    This is actually why I positively HATE the show "What Not to Wear". It's like they took the mean girls from high school and gave them a forum to mock everyone and how they dress. Actually, high school is when I learned that the person you are has not one.single.thing to do with what you wear. I find it incredibly ironic that Stacy London INSISTS that people spend hundreds of dollars on jeans...and I bought several pair with her photo plastered on them...for $7 apiece!!

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    1. Seriously, how mean is it to write in to have someone be on that show? And don't they all really end up dressed the same in the end? They are mini-Stacy when they leave.

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  36. I can't believe that the producers haven't "engineered" an episode to getting Conda mental "help." Even if she loses weight she will not have lost at least part of (what I think) put her there to begin with. Her bully personality. It's sad enough that Conda may not be able to be "helped" but the saddest thing is that everyone else viewers included are being distracted by her behavior and losing sight of the focus of the show. Conda is enough that I rarely watch an episode anymore. I simply fast forward to the end to see who they voted out.

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  37. While ultimatley they are there to lose weight it is obvious to everyone watching that the situation is unlike real life. These people face stresses that we probably cant even imagine. I am betting this season as, in seasons past, this is just how this particular group is dealing witht he stress, not that that is any excuse. Whatever happened to treating people like you want to be treated?

    With that said, I find it really uncomfortable to watch their behavior! Its not only with the contestants but with Bob as well. This show is truly about getting your life on track and dealing with your demons. These contestants will never be truly successful later if they dont deal with these things now.

    I am hopeful that things change but with the latest news of players walking off because of a twist says that it hasnt. They are really stupid for wasting this change they are being given all because of one spoiled little brat.

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  38. You're so right. This kind of thing is really discouraging to me, but I have a feeling that we're seeing more & more of it because it garners ratings. I wish I understood why, because I agree with you that it's horrible & sets a terrible example for any kids who happen to see it.

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  39. Word. Conda is just vile. I used to love to watch the transformations to a healthier lifestyle, but this season is full of manipulation and mean spirited people. I miss Jillian - she wouldn't have taken any of this sh*t. Sigh. At least we still have Dolvett to look at...

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  40. TOTALLY agree with your assessment! Used to be an encouraging show, now it's just as trashy as Jersey Shore or the Kardashians. Conda is awful. I even started a petition to get her removed from the show - but I had so much backlash on Facebook (and downright abuse by her purported family members - what a tribe of crappy people) that I removed it. I do see there's another petition out there - please sign if you feel it will help:

    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-the-negativity-bring-back-the-inspiration-biggest-loser/

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  41. As much as I agree about Conda being a bully, it is a game show. They choose contestants based on who will draw in viewers and edit the material in the same way. We will still have great transformations this season as we do every season and I agree that Conda will gain it all back and continue to blame her problems on someone else. Emily and Kim are my favorites. I know that both of them are there for the right reasons even if Emily did get caught up in the drama this week. I really hope that they end up changing their lives and in the long run, I don't think that Conda will change that.

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    1. If they choose contestants for ratings, then they really blew it with Conda. Seems many, many people have ditched the show because of her.

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  42. I quit watching this season. It no longer inspired me and quite frankly just pissed me off. I have better things to waste my time on.

    I would be curious to know how much of the horribleness is due to editing, how much is being pushed by the producers (suggestions to the contestants on how to act), and how much is organic.

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    1. I wondered about the editting part too. It's hard to know how much of the real story the viewers are getting.

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    2. I think that it is in part the edting, but no other seasons have been This Negative. That makes me think these people really are like that. Overall, this show tries to portray a positive image about healthy lifestyle changes and maybe there is just so much drama this year that if they edited it out, there would be nothing to air...

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  43. Conda is pretty awful, but I love TBL for some of the weirdest reasons. And to be honest it does inspire some people when they see that a 300+ lb person can get off their couch and run. I do think some of it is very misleading, but it's got it's good points in some ways. For example, it took me the longest time to figure out that when they were doing those super fast running sprints on the treadmill that they were not running for very long at those speeds. I was perplexed for the longest time. I find it most humourous when we find out that someone is overeating in secret in their room. At any rate, bullies will always be out in the world and the sad reality is that there are just as many adult bullies as kid bullies (some of them might be the same people.) Maybe it's a good lesson in reality to some of the people on the show that they need to find a way to hold onto their integrity in the face of such people. After all our character is the summation of our actions not the summation of our nice thoughts. :)

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  44. Thank you for writing this! I could not agree more. I was so upset and disgusted after the last episode that I have decided not to watch the show anymore. I started watching it for inspiration but now it just pisses me off. The bullying on that show is ridiculous. I will never understand why people (especially adults) choose to be mean and negative instead of supportive and kind.

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  45. This used to be "my show" and I looked forward to it every week as my time to unwind and watch some ridiculous reality tv. Now, the drama and the cat fights and the bs has totally turned me off, and I finally just quit watching. Let's bring back the seasons when they had competitors like Tara!!

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  46. I must say this is by far the worst season I have ever seen. I honestly have thought about no longer watching it. i feel like everyone is very whiney and bitchy and not there for the right reasons at all. i don’t see how the others don’t realize that Conda is terrible…it all makes me very sad. great post too!

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  47. Well said. I haven't watched every episode, but I've seen enough to clue in on the ugly behavior. Love what Gaga said...I say it to my kids on a regular basis. I love when I hear my kids tell me they befriended someone who was being picked on, or didn't have a friend. Great post. :)

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  48. I wish these people on TBL would realize what they are losing by playing the reality game instead of what the show was intended for. Conda and Jeremy are from where I currently live. A few months ago they were taping at the gym I go to for a future episode to be shown in March. Can't tell you I have seen her since. Maybe the show isn't actually done taping yet? With her attitude I wouldn't be surprised if she put her weight right back on.

    I don't understand where all of the hate in this world comes from.

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  49. The sad thing is adults acting like middle school/high school kids are everywhere. I work with some and it is awful! And reality TV shows showing adults doing all these manipulation and bullying aren't really setting a good example for the young ones watching it. It's sending a signal that says "It's OK to do this to achieve what you want." I got rid of cable TV 3 years ago and I am still glad that I don't have all these junk in my home. makes me sick!

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  50. I am a little annoyed with this season of the show. I expect to see transformations and big weight loss numbers every week. I never really paid much attention to the show before last season because I really didn't like Jillian. It seems like a lot of numbers are lower this season. I am very unhappy with Conda. Her brother seems like a sweet guy. But her, I see why she was overweight and I guess she deserves to be if she is going to be a beyatch. Who would want to give Dolvett 'tude? I would be all like "whatever you say, D-love!" and do whatever he said to do. I don't know if the producers are doing this to shake up the show for more ratings and to get us to talk about it.

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  51. I'm so glad you wrote about this. I just watched the most recent episode and was FUMING the entire time!! When everyone turned against Daphne and not Conda I thought I was going insane! Had I totally misread the situation? I'm glad to see other people felt similarly. Thanks again for writing about this, and in such a thoughtful way too.

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  52. I completely agree! I was just telling someone that casting failed this time around...and how disappointed I am in the current contestants. I don't feel that I have anyone that I WANT to root for.

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  53. It's a shame that Biggest Loser has stooped to the low level of many other reality shows. In most instances, conflict, the finger-waggin' attitude, selfishness and negativity sells. I find it interesting that BL viewers (myself included) are turned off by the producers' choice to highlight negativity and conflict. I hope they hear us and don't have a season like this again. I watch BL to be inspired and to watch people learn what their bodies and minds can do. If the BL producers keep this up, I think it will be the end of the show.

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  54. So disappointed in this season. Karen and I have discussed stop watching it b/c I can't take the non-sense.

    I personally would have fought Conda by now. She would have taken a beating from me and her bullshit. No WAY you let one person control you the way she has controlled this crew.

    I mean there are adults on this show being dominated by a 23 year old. Dumbasses.

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    1. OMG I would love to see you take on Conda. I would actually pay big money to see that.

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  55. I haven't watch Biggest Loser in awhile because it seemed to go so against getting healthy in a good way - way too much game playing. You're right that it is so weird that adults would allow this type of thing to go on. Sometimes wanting to be the "star" of a show supersedes what the show is supposed to be about. Sad. Especially when the premise behind Biggest Loser started out so positive.

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  56. I'm a long time BL fan that found inspiration to workout while watching, but this season has put me over the edge. I wrote NBC a few weeks ago because complaining about it to co-workers wasn't enough. I started only watching the weigh-in, but this week I even had to fast forward through that. I keep watching with hope that it will change, but I'm afraid this will help the ratings. I hope others will speak up and eventually the producers will realize their mistake. I'm actually happy to hear so many others feel the same. And PLEASE send Conda home!

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  57. I've never watched Biggest Loser (no time for TV) but I am surprised the TV producers or somebody don't intervene or something. Or maybe this *is* the premise of reality TV and it needs to be played out.

    I would freakin' get a psychologist in there, clearly some people (esp this Conda) have issues. Or maybe a psychiatrist.

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  58. I couldn't agree more. The drama is just ridiculous, I don't understand how everyone on the black team let Conda manipulate them against Daphne...not that Daphne was completely innocent either. The drama is definitely out of control!

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  59. The drama this season is ridiculous...and Im sure the producers are thinking it's great. Well..I think not and CONDA needs to get the heck out!!! Worst season I've ever watched!!!

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  60. There's crazy drama this season. I'm just glad Daphne is gone. She seemed like the worst instigator.

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  61. I am so disgusted with this season,, it makes me want to puke !!! I cannot stand the sight of Conda,, and after this week am even more disappointed In Daphne,, Shame on all you this season,, this is the worst cast ever. I dont even know why I continue to watch !! It should be Deemed " The worst season ever ".. I am embaressed for Bob and Dolvett to a have to deal with adults acting like children,, PLEASE CONDA,,,, GO AWAY !!!!

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  62. I stopped watching this season about 4 weeks ago, and I've seen every episode since the beginning of season 2. And the news this week that people walked off the ranch because of a possible "twist" to bring old contestants back reassures me I made the right decision. This show needs to end - the cast was poorly chosen, the editing is sketchy, and the "themed" seasons are taking this show to the be CANCELED NBC SHOWS land.

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  63. Not a BL fan here, but what I really would have liked to see spring forth from the original show's premise is two things.

    1) A program for people who could use the teamwork, accountability, nutrition teaching, and one-on-one exercise coaching that made the (original) show so helpful for the contestants. National broadcast and a big prize are not the only ways to bring people together and create accountability.

    2) Some kind of program for people who need to learn how to live a fit life but who are not as overweight as BL contestants. Why set up a framework (society-wide, I mean, not just the television show) that ignores health problems until a massive intervention is necessary? I am reminded of a former co-worker who was neglecting her "weight" problem because she knew that once she was at a certain weight, she would be considered a candidate for gastro-bypass surgery. Let's not encourage that kind of thinking.

    Anyway, it's sad to see that BL, which started out sounding like it matched up with the sort of encouragement & empowerment that I see in the running community has changed so much.

    -g.

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  64. I stopped watching that show long ago, for many reasons, mainly I think it belittles all the people that are trying to be healthy in a "Healthy" way, ie behavior changes, family support, without the help of celebrity trainers and the media.
    It disgusts me actually. REading this just seconds my thoughts.

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  65. Spot on comparing this season to HS bullying, Beth!

    Conda's complete lack of self-awareness of her actions is amazing to me? She is just an ugly human being who needs to do some serious soul-searching.

    The only positive I saw from the show last week is that when Conda's lacky teammates stepped on the scale each and everyone of them realized what they did was not right. You could see it in the body language. AND, more importantly, it appears they realized that Conda was the one who bullied them into this action. She is gone next time that team votes.

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  66. I just think of all the garbage that is going on this season, as opposed to previous seasons when they were supportive, not divisive. They were stronger because of this.

    And I think of all of those who tried out or who have tried out multiple times for the Biggest Loser and were passed over for these people - these whining, ungrateful, pot-stirring, drama-hooring, childish people. Conda should be ashamed of herself, that's true. But so should those who are letting this farce go on. How Conda was not bounced from the house long ago and how no one sees that she is the root of much of the turmoil and unrest, is beyond me!

    I didn't yet watch the episode from this past Tuesday. But I'm sure it will be more of the same - and I'll think, "Wow. There goes 2 hours of my life I'll never get back."

    I have LOVED LOVED LOVED TBL for years! I really got into it around season 7, because Tara Costa stood out to me as someone who had lost herself but was quickly reclaiming her life and who was determined to turn it around and live it to the fullest, in the healthiest possible way. I watched her pull a car and kill it on challenge after challenge and was inspired.

    Currently, I'm feeling like I'd rather watch the weather channel or the test pattern, than sit through another episode of BL. Sad. :(

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  67. We have our own version of Biggest Loser in Australia and I've noticed that a lot of the contestants are stuck in their early teens mentally. They give up, throw tantrums and cry at the smallest thing. There is one boy in his twenties that ate almost 1000 calories of chocolate just so he could go home and get a hug from his Mummy. And he wonders why he was bullied at school. It's mind-blowing how their development has been arrested.

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  68. It makes me glad that even though I applied for this season I never got that call back. How far this batch of "contestants" has fallen... *sigh*

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  69. I do not watch "Biggest Loser" on a regular basis, but when I do, I am, probably like thousands of other viewers, just hoping, praying and cheering on the contestants in hopes that they will lose weight, commit to better eating and exercise habits and live healthier, happier lives. It's sad that within the show itself, there is so much ugliness.

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  70. This season has been so disappointing. I remember when the very first season was announced and I didn't realize there would be a game aspect and I was so excited to see a positive reality tv show. Even with the game most seasons have been really positive but this one is ridiculous. I'm hoping that next week there's a change for the better.

    Unrelated, but I really hate how they have to reveal their votes in serving dishes!

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  71. I stopped watching 2 weeks ago for this very reason. This season is awful.

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  72. AGREE! The bullying and drama are at an all-time high this season. I can hardly stand to watch it anymore.

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  73. Thanks for writing this. I agree with what everyone else has already said regarding this season. This show used to make me cry, the contestants were so heartfelt and I really felt for them and liked watching their journey. This season is awful. From day one you could tell what kind of person Conda is, she is a vicious manipulative bully, and it makes me sick to watch how she conducts herself and treats everyone. I stopped watching the show 3 or 4 weeks ago for this reason. Also Kim has a very bad attitude as well, and some of the same qualities. It's upsetting because many other people would love to be in their positions at the ranch, and they are just wasting it.

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  74. SO TRUE! I hope someone from NBC reads this! Did you tweet it to Bob Harper?!

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