The Power of Colton Underwood’s Coming Out

on “Good Morning America,” in which the former “Bachelor” star announced that he is gay, was a striking and surprising bit of television. Consider the preconceptions an audience member may have brought to the table: Underwood was, for a season, at the center of a franchise that exists to find its star a wife, or at least a girlfriend. And although he and his chosen bride, Cassie Randolph, broke up acrimoniously a year ago, “Bachelor” couples are generally short-lived.

Which made his conversation with Roberts a healthy reminder about the power of the entertainment industry to present an image that may depart wildly from reality. The most meaningful divergence here isn’t even that Underwood was gay on a show whose engine is straightness; it’s that he was miserable, contemplating suicide and praying to God to change his sexuality.

” had played in Underwood’s story. While his life has more to it than a reality show, a viewer might have wondered, a bit, about exactly what it had been like to conceal one’s sexuality on a dating show, and the degree to which appearing on that dating show might have encouraged and prolonged that concealment.

That was, perhaps, obligatory: This was, for all its greater cultural value, also a part of the vertically-integrated “Bachelor” news complex at ABC, whereby the show generates headlines for ABC itself to exclusively address. But observations along those lines shouldn’t take away from what was plainly a challenging and exhilarating moment for Underwood. Only when his face relaxed after saying the words “I’m gay” did the degree of acting he had clearly been forced to do become clear.

It’s somewhat hard to see how this story fits into the narrative of a show that prizes heterosexuality and tidy endings. This story has the unexpectedness and catharsis of real life, not of a made-for-TV coupling, and “The Bachelor” is the last franchise I’d expect to handle further developments in Underwood’s story with proportion or good taste.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Taiwan blames human error during test for islandwide power cutTaiwan's state-owned electricity monopoly Taipower on Friday blamed human error during a test for a power cut that affected some 4 million homes the day before, and said it would offer discounts worth almost $18 million to affected customers.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

Turkey's Karpowership shuts down power to LebanonTurkey's Karpowership, which provides electricity to Lebanon from two barges, said on Friday it was shutting down supplies over payment arrears and a legal threat to its vessels as the nation grapples with a deep economic crisis. What a cockup. That's a fight waiting to happen.
Source: Reuters - 🏆 2. / 97 Read more »

The Official Pasta Sauce Power RankingsOne man's opinion on the best (and worst) jarred pasta sauces in stores. YES! the white linen victoria marinara is my favorite & i haven't been able to find it for years in LA so now i just cry about it on the internet Literally went to Monte Carlo Italian Deli / Pinocchio's in the Valley after reading this to pick up a bottle of RaosHomemade Definitely lives up to the top 1 praise. Legit some of the best marinara I've ever tasted. 🍝🍅🥫🏆🥇🤤 Organic pasta courtesy of Sanrio HelloKitty 😻
Source: latimesfood - 🏆 699. / 51 Read more »

On Gwyneth Paltrow and the Healing Power of BreadThis week, Gwyneth Paltrow managed to wind up the internet yet again with a throwaway comment. Raven__Smith reacts Raven__Smith She thinks she is quite something. Raven__Smith So arrogant. Raven__Smith Get your Physical Silver now, they dont have enough Silver for all, Great Reset - the riches lose everything
Source: voguemagazine - 🏆 715. / 51 Read more »

Power restored in Taiwan after rolling blackoutsTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Power has been restored to millions of people in Taiwan after an equipment failure at a power plant set off rolling blackouts across the island. After blackouts started around 3 p.m. Isn’t it crazy how the infrastructure of all these countries are crumbling but governments still don’t invest in them Family Mart or 7-11 on every corner. I love Taiwan. What is this - California?
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »