Timeless vs Trending: Unveiling Ugly Betty's Enduring Impact

Summary

The title "Ugly Betty" is not appreciated by modern audiences as it inaccurately describes Betty's appearance, which many find attractive and relatable.

The portrayal of gay men as more respected in the fashion industry in Ugly Betty perpetuates an unrealistic stereotype.

The episodes of Ugly Betty being aired out of order caused continuity issues and made the series harder to follow, which is uncommon for a TV show.

Ugly Betty, based on the telenovela Yo Soy Betty, La Fea, incorporated various themes such as fashion, journalism, family, friendship, career, feud, resurrection, LGBTQ issues. However, some of these elements in Ugly Betty have raised concerns. Despite this, the show's appeal was enhanced by the contrasting principles of its characters, particularly the selflessness of Ignacio Suarez and the career-driven mindset of Wilhelmina Slater.

When Ugly Betty was released over ten years ago, it was considered a unique addition to American television. Over time, there have been considerable changes in how people perceive storylines and even the law itself. Consequently, certain aspects of Ugly Betty have stood the test of time and would still be relevant in modern television, while others have not aged as gracefully.

Ways Ugly Betty Has Aged Poorly

The Title

Betty, adorned with braces and glasses, deviated from the conventional image of a MODE employee - slim and fashion-conscious. However, these physical attributes failed to besmirch her beauty. As the curtains closed, the epithet "ugly" dissolved from the title, leaving Betty on the screen to showcase her transformed appearance. In today's society, where notions of beauty differ vastly, classifying Betty as unattractive would be met with disapproval. The presence of America Ferrera -- sporting glasses, braces, and an eccentric ensemble of misaligned attire -- does not deter modern audiences from finding her alluring.

Pretending To Be Gay

In the context of the fashion magazine setting, Ugly Betty addresses certain stereotypes, including the belief that gay men receive more respect in the fashion industry compared to straight men. An example of this is showcased through the character Suziki (played by Alec Mapa), a fashion television anchor, who presents himself as gay despite being married to a woman and having two sons.

Moreover, Amanda Tanen (played by Becki Newton) has a boyfriend who is a designer and also pretends to be gay for similar reasons. However, it is important to note that this stereotype, then and now, is far from the truth.

Episodes Aired Out Of Order

Viewers of Ugly Betty may have experienced confusion during its initial run. The episodes were not aired in the order they were produced, causing inconsistency in the series. This issue is evident in the first season, particularly when Betty and Henry first meet. Due to the network rearranging the episodes after filming, they encounter each other twice. The disorder continues on the season 1 DVD, where episodes two and three are reversed, further complicating the viewing experience. While it is not uncommon for network executives to make production decisions, it is unusual for those decisions to hinder viewers' ability to follow the series.

Retouching Photos

When Natalie Whitman (Sarah Jones), a popular actor, visits Mode magazine for a photoshoot, the magazine team decides to digitally alter her image to make her appear thinner than she actually is. Although Betty initially recognizes the negative impact this sets on body standards for young girls, she eventually agrees with Daniel's choice to use the retouched photo. However, the unedited version of the photo is later leaked, resulting in a positive outcome.

While publications still resort to retouching photos, modern magazines have also begun showcasing individuals of various sizes. This practice, which was once uncommon, is now widely recognized. In "Ugly Betty," the show implies that photo retouching is necessary and beneficial, as even Betty supports it. However, this portrayal does not accurately reflect the mindset of contemporary television. In the present day, a character like Betty would continue to advocate for natural photography practices.

Illegal Same-Sex Marriage

When Wilhelmina and Marc visit Connor Owens (Grant Bowler) in jail, Marc highlights the fact that Wilhelmina can easily marry Connor with just 20 bucks and five minutes on a computer. However, Marc cannot legally marry a man. It's worth noting that at the time when the series was created, gay marriage was not yet legalized. Nonetheless, almost a year after the series concluded, same-sex marriage became legal in New York in July 2011. This significant legal change means that Marc can now marry his partner, thus invalidating the basis of his sarcastic remark. Therefore, his comment isn't meant to be offensive but rather reflects the societal context of the show.

Too Old For Modeling

By deceit, Wilhelmina manages to convince Daniel that a renowned designer specifically desires him to grace the runway in their show. Giddy with anticipation, he wholeheartedly accepts the offer and begins diligently preparing for his moment in the spotlight. However, the constant reminders of his supposedly advanced age gradually seep into his consciousness, until he is confronted with his own reflection and painfully realizes that he no longer possesses the youthful allure required for such a role.

Models like Lou Kenny, who strutted down the runway at the age of 58, and Joani Johnson, who played a vital role in Rihanna's Fenty campaign at 67, exemplify the shift in the fashion industry's perception of older models.

Ways Ugly Betty Is Timeless

Finding A Profession

Unlike Betty, who had a clear aspiration to become a writer, Amanda's career path remained uncertain. However, her passion and knowledge for the fashion industry fueled her desire to pursue a career in that field. The audience can easily relate to Amanda's journey of self-discovery as she transitions from an actor to an assistant, receptionist, designer, and ultimately a stylist. This narrative resonates with many individuals who, like Amanda, start their professional journey in one area and then redirect their path to find greater fulfillment. Amanda's quest to find a career that aligns with her own personal growth is a significant aspect of Betty's story. (

Justin's Supportive Family

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Throughout the show, Justin Suarez (Mark Indelicato) went on a personal journey, discovering his true sexual orientation and gaining a deeper understanding of himself. Despite facing relentless bullying at school due to his love for Broadway theater and fashion, Justin's family stood by him unwaveringly, providing constant support and encouragement for him to embrace his authentic self.

Skinny Models

: In contrast to Marc St. James's unfortunate experience where his mother abandoned him upon learning of his sexual orientation, the Suarez family embraced and celebrated Justin's coming out as a testament to their unwavering support. This instance highlights the growing acceptance of homosexuality in the late 2000s, surpassing the attitudes held merely a decade prior.

Betty consistently promoted body positivity and opposed the use of exclusively slim models in magazines and fashion shows. On one occasion, she persuaded Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius) to hire models with a healthy physique, which he agreed to. However, when the issue was discussed with Wilhelmina, she argued that designers prefer slim models to draw attention to the clothing rather than the models themselves. Even in present times, most designers continue to employ slender models on the runway for ostensibly the same reason.

Fashion's Impact On Eating Habits

Ugly Betty's progressive approach in addressing the topic of thin models versus larger models in magazines or on runways was truly ahead of its time. Unlike most other shows, movies, or novels, Ugly Betty fearlessly shed light on this issue. With a growing acceptance of diverse body types in the fashion industry, if Ugly Betty were airing today, Betty would undoubtedly be advocating for inclusivity within the series as well.

Throughout the series, various characters express concerns over weight gain, a common issue in the fashion industry. Constant exposure to impossibly thin models and celebrities contributes to this preoccupation. For example, Marc chooses to skip breakfast due to indulging in French fries the previous night, while Amanda consistently rejects carbohydrates. Additionally, schoolgirls visiting the MODE office discard their sandwiches, fearing the possibility of weight gain.

Unfortunately, the fashion industry's influence on eating habits remains pervasive, promoting the harmful notion that beauty is synonymous with thinness. As models and celebrities continue to share their experiences with food and its association with their careers, musician and actor Demi Lovato has been openly discussing their own battles with food and substance abuse since 2020. Significantly, Ugly Betty's portrayal of these distorted relationships with food remains just as relevant today, even more than a decade later.

Ageism In The Work Place

Despite the fact that models now have the opportunity to continue their careers to a later age compared to 20 years ago, this does not imply the absence of age discrimination in the workplace. Ugly Betty effectively portrayed this issue through an insightful conversation between Amanda and Helen (played by Kristen Johnston). Helen disclosed that she used to work as a receptionist but had to abandon her job due to age-related reasons.

Amanda's apprehension about her future and potential job loss consumed her. Tragically, it is still common to witness a preference for youthful receptionists today, with job descriptions occasionally stipulating age requirements. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the fashion industry, perpetuating the erroneous notion that beauty is limited to a specific age.

Betty Embraced Alexis

The emergence of Ugly Betty's problematic elements has sparked a significant amount of criticism among modern viewers. Unlike the earlier audience, they are now able to perceive these issues more clearly. One such concern revolves around the transphobic remarks made towards Alexis and the deliberate use of her previous name upon her character's introduction, compounded by the decision to cast Rebecca Romijn instead of a transgender actress. However, it is important to note that these transphobic elements actually serve as a crucial component of Alexis' narrative.

The comments made by characters like Wilhelmina, Marc, and Amanda in Ugly Betty showcase their initially mean-spirited nature towards everyone. Their behavior highlights their two-faced nature as they treat Alexis nicely but make snide remarks behind her back. However, as these characters develop, they become more likable. On the other hand, Betty takes the initiative to educate herself about what it means to be a trans woman and provides research for Daniel to improve his relationship with his sister. This aspect of Alexis' story in Ugly Betty is not problematic but rather a constructive way for the character to handle her introduction to her boss' life.

Like any television series produced during a specific time period, Ugly Betty contains elements that transcend its era and possess a timeless quality. However, there are also aspects of the show that may appear controversial or problematic, which allows modern audiences to engage in dialogue and gain a deeper understanding of why those elements were included in the first place.