Amazing Race!

[KAMLEM]

I like Amy, but her husband has said some things that made me cringe, like he feels uncomfortable in a mosque as an American. Ugly, ugly, ugly.

I really think you took it wrong, I don't think he meant it that way at all. BTW - he's not her husband, they aren't married. They had only been dating a short time before they went on the race.

 

[trip]

I realize that Travis has been very harsh and at times nasty in tone but I really believe it is due to the stress and urgency of the moment. I think it is an effect of the race and not a normal issue for them, unlike other couples that have run the race and it is the way they speak to each other all the time.

I am hoping for Amy and Jason to come in first, then Travis and Nicole and for Marie and her "only getting 40%" partner to come in .

I don't like that excuse - they are both used to performing under stress and urgency - they are both ER doctors.

I'm happy with the team that won.

 

[gwynne]

I don't like that excuse - they are both used to performing under stress and urgency - they are both ER doctors.

I'm happy with the team that won.

I agree. He's a big boy, his little temper tantrums were an interesting window into his personality.
I felt bad for his wife, but I wasn't overly impressed with either of them. They both had rather unpleasant self righteous attitudes.

 

[wiigirl]

I'm happy the way it ended!

Me too!

 

[fortwildernessishome]

I have to say, I'm so glad the ones who appeared to have taken the hypocritical oath instead of the Hippocratic Oath didn't win. They seemed okay starting off but the way he continually put her down while saying how much better he would do the task plus both of their holier than thou attitudes toward the Afghanimals really turned me off and if I were their kids I'd be ashamed they were my parents. At the end it seemed as if she was really biting her tongue when Phil asked her about the race, as if she was either going to cry because of how horrid he had been or blurt out that the race damaged their relationship because it made her realize what a demeaning jerk he was.

I was happy with the final result, though I was really hoping that the 4th place team would be the winners.

Totally agree, especially what you said about her biting her tongue at the end. Did anyone notice that when she was talking she was actually twisting her wedding ring around on her finger. I actually wondered for half a second if she was going to take it off and throw it at her husband!!!

I cringed when they spoke of setting such a good example for their kids and making them proud. I would imagine they must have been cringing as well as they watched the last few episodes, especially last night! UGH!!!!

 

[robinb]

I agree. He's a big boy, his little temper tantrums were an interesting window into his personality.
I felt bad for his wife, but I wasn't overly impressed with either of them. They both had rather unpleasant self righteous attitudes.

Didn't they say that when they met he was her supervisor when she was a student? That dynamic seemed to come into play in the race. He was very controlling and she was very submissive. I really hope they are not like that IRL.

 

[Kerrio929]

I'm so glad Amy and Jason won. Marie was a good racer but Jason and Amy proved that you can run the race well while maintaining a sense of decency and decorum. Marie was just a rude, nasty person. And Travis. What a jerk. I also noticed the ring twisting and I can't believe she didn't say anything to him at all. I was so mad for her, I can only imagine how she was feeling...

 

[CaliBear]

He said he felt uncomfortable because Amy had to cover her face etc....alluding to the fact that women are not looked at as equals in that part of the world. I don't think he was disrespectful at all and I really have no problem with him or anyone else feeling uncomfortable in an environment that supports inequality for any group of ppl. I'm very glad they won...they were by far my favorite, and honestly after tonight with all the failure and all the ridiculous comments I'm glad the Dr.'s came in third.

If he only meant it the way you describe, he should have left out "as an American" as part of his speech. I happen to be an American living in a Muslim part of the world and his comments don't represent me, and honestly, don't help matters.

 

[EMom]

If he only meant it the way you describe, he should have left out "as an American" as part of his speech. I happen to be an American living in a Muslim part of the world and his comments don't represent me, and honestly, don't help matters.

He made an honest assessment that he felt uncomfortable and gave valid reasons why. Americans are not perfect, but are light years ahead of the Muslim world in the treatment of females. As I watched those episodes, I knew I would have had a hard time as a particpant if I'd had to cover up, etc. It's nothing I would ever feel comfortable doing, because as an American, it is in conflict with my beliefs.

If some remark made by a contestant on a reality show is going to make things harder for you in a Muslim country, then maybe the problem is with the inhabitants of the country and not the remarks made by the contestant.

NOTHING he said was offensive, except to the unduly sensitive. When I watched that episode, I felt bad for the women. Did I feel bad as an American? A woman? A feminist? All of the above.

Oh....and Travis was a buttmunch. His wife needs to kick him out of a fast moving taxi and never look back.

 

[EMom]

Let's say a Muslim family came to the US to film a reality show and the wife and daughters had to wear skimpy bikinis. The father says that as a Muslim, he is not comfortable with the way they have to dress. Would you find THAT offensive? Because I'd find it perfectly understandable, as he is in a situation that goes against his cultural norm.

Or do offensiveness and outrage only run in one direction?

 

[CaliBear]

Let's say a Muslim family came to the US to film a reality show and the wife and daughters had to wear skimpy bikinis. The father says that as a Muslim, he is not comfortable with the way they have to dress. Would you find THAT offensive? Because I'd find it perfectly understandable, as he is in a situation that goes against his cultural norm.

Or do offensiveness and outrage only run in one direction?

To compare with what bothered me, he would need to say, "As a Muslim, I feel uncomfortable going to x in America." There's a big difference between saying you feel uncomfortable with the clothes and saying you feel uncomfortable in a place based on your nationality.

If some remark made by a contestant on a reality show is going to make things harder for you in a Muslim country, then maybe the problem is with the inhabitants of the country and not the remarks made by the contestant.

I was referring to relations in general and these kind of remarks in general. No one remark is going to affect how people view Americans, but there is a stereotype of the Ugly, Arrogant American and comments like his are another drop in that bucket. So no, not life-altering, but I don't root for people who I feel are embarrassing in that way, especially since they signed up for a race around the world and should know they're going to experience a variety of cultures, religions, etc.

 

[EMom]

To compare with what bothered me, he would need to say, "As a Muslim, I feel uncomfortable going to x in America." There's a big difference between saying you feel uncomfortable with the clothes and saying you feel uncomfortable in a place based on your nationality.



I was referring to relations in general and these kind of remarks in general. No one remark is going to affect how people view Americans, but there is a stereotype of the Ugly, Arrogant American and comments like his are another drop in that bucket. So no, not life-altering, but I don't root for people who I feel are embarrassing in that way, especially since they signed up for a race around the world and should know they're going to experience a variety of cultures, religions, etc.

Okay....Let's say the visiting reality show Muslim family has to go to an American water park and dress in swimsuits that show a lot of skin. And the father says that as a Muslim, he is not comfortable with his family doing that. He does it, because he wants to win.....but he is not comfortable with it.

Is THAT offensive? It seems, by your measure that it ought to be. I'd understand his discomfort, however. I might not be able to relate to it, but I would be able to understand his viewpoint.

I don't think Jason was remotely an Ugly American.

 

[robinb]

He made an honest assessment that he felt uncomfortable and gave valid reasons why. Americans are not perfect, but are light years ahead of the Muslim world in the treatment of females. As I watched those episodes, I knew I would have had a hard time as a particpant if I'd had to cover up, etc. It's nothing I would ever feel comfortable doing, because as an American, it is in conflict with my beliefs.

If some remark made by a contestant on a reality show is going to make things harder for you in a Muslim country, then maybe the problem is with the inhabitants of the country and not the remarks made by the contestant.

NOTHING he said was offensive, except to the unduly sensitive. When I watched that episode, I felt bad for the women. Did I feel bad as an American? A woman? A feminist? All of the above.

Oh....and Travis was a buttmunch. His wife needs to kick him out of a fast moving taxi and never look back.

Let's say a Muslim family came to the US to film a reality show and the wife and daughters had to wear skimpy bikinis. The father says that as a Muslim, he is not comfortable with the way they have to dress. Would you find THAT offensive? Because I'd find it perfectly understandable, as he is in a situation that goes against his cultural norm.

Or do offensiveness and outrage only run in one direction?

Your comparison to bikini wearing Muslims and wearing a head covering in a mosque is like comparing apples to oranges. The head covering was a sign of respect for the religion. I am an atheist and when I went to Bar Mitzvah in an Orthodox synagog I was not offended that I needed to have my knees and elbows covered or that my DH wore a kippah. Nor will I be offended when I finally visit St. Peter's Basilica (on my bucket list) and I am asked to adhere to their dress code (no bare shoulders, shorts or miniskirts). Russian Orthodox churches often require women to wear head scarves. I really don't see the big deal to respect someone's religion in the place where they practice that religion.

 

[soccerdad72]

Of the teams remaining, I'm glad Jason and Amy won, but while I wasn't a big fan of them, the Afghanimals had a good point on the robot-building task that it was crazy for the two girls to work together building each other's robots. Had to be impressed with Marie on that task too, BTW. Not enough to make me like her , but she did kick butt on it.

 

[nikkistevej]

I was happy Jason and Amy won, they were one of my faves from the beginning. I also used to like the doctors- but about halfway through they started to get on my nerves with the self rightousness attitudes. Then Travis acted like a total jerk the last few episodes, and they really relied on Jason and Amy to help them the past few episodes too. I wanted her to take the ring off and cuss him out!!!
I also didn't like the Afghanimals at the beginning, but they grew on me. I wish they would have been in the final 3. And I always liked Tim, just didn't like Marie- although she was a very tough competitor!!!

 

[EMom]

Your comparison to bikini wearing Muslims and wearing a head covering in a mosque is like comparing apples to oranges. The head covering was a sign of respect for the religion. I am an atheist and when I went to Bar Mitzvah in an Orthodox synagog I was not offended that I needed to have my knees and elbows covered or that my DH wore a kippah. Nor will I be offended when I finally visit St. Peter's Basilica (on my bucket list) and I am asked to adhere to their dress code (no bare shoulders, shorts or miniskirts). Russian Orthodox churches often require women to wear head scarves. I really don't see the big deal to respect someone's religion in the place where they practice that religion.

I've covered my head in Catholic churches and Russian Orthodox churches and that was within my comfort zone. Covering up the way a Muslim woman does would not be within my comfort zone because it says more more to me about their viewpoint regarding women than it does about showing respect for religious dress standards. YMMV. As an American woman, it would offend me and make me uncomfortable to have to dress that way. Thank goodness I don't have to.

So let's make the visiting reality show Muslim family have to dress in average American garb to enter a run of the mill church. The father is uncomfortable with his wife wearing a wrap dress and heels, in full makeup. His daughter is wearing a short skirt, tank top and a shrug, made up the way teens girls usually are. Although standards for US church dress vary, this is within normal standards. The Muslim man is not comfortable with so much skin showing, but to dress in Muslim attire would not be culturally accurate, so they must dress American style.

Again, is he being offensive to point out that he is not comfortable with the dress as a Muslim? Or is he just being honest? (the way Jason was honest......)

Jason did not pitch a fit or refuse to follow the instructions. He did not refuse to wear what he and Amy had to wear. He merely said he was not comfortable with it.

 

[gometros]

Travis is a complete jerk. I can't stand him right now. And I really hope when he watches this he realizes how much his words hurt. Ugh.

I'm still rooting for Jason & Amy!

I'm almost tempted to accuse Travis of emotional abuse. Not only does he constantly put Nicole down, but he never shows support or offers comfort when she needs it.

I'm happy with who won and actually came around to liking Marie and glad they came in second. I loved how she said that she chose her partner

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

 

[jen73]

Glad Jason & Amy won. Jason made me laugh when in Juneau, asked before getting into the taxi "do you speak English?" Must have forgot where he was.

Excited for All Star Edition.

I was also thrilled they won, although Marie kicked butt in the robot building! I was cracking up laughing when I heard Jason ask about speaking English...lol Didn't someone yell "what?" after he asked that??

Travis was working my last nerve, what an AWFUL example ON TV to show to his kids how demeaning he was as a man to their mother. And she took it, over and over and over again. She just looked like a sad little puppy constantly getting reprimanded. I think he should have stepped as the man and did the helicopter drop, maybe he was afraid of failing!! I am soooo glad they didn't win.

 

[EMom]

Early on, Nicole got on my nerves when she whined and cracked under pressure. As the weeks went on, I saw Travis' true nature and wondered if she was so stressed and afraid to fail because she knew she'd get a butt chewing from her husband. He talked to her in nothing but negatives. He was condescending, he demeaned her, he told her she embarrassed him. What a charmer.

Even at the end when he gave a token "I love you," it was painfully obvious the (for the moment) unspoken words were, "even though you embarrass me, let me down, make me ashamed and are a failure in general."

He did not offer support. He kept putting her in tasks when he could have done them. DH asked me why he kept doing that instead of trying the task himself. I said I thought it was his habit to let her try and fail so he could treat her like dirt. He had no desire to try and perhaps fail himself. Far better to let his wife do it so he can make her feel worthless. THAT was the end goal. I'm happy they lost. Even witchy Marie was better than Travis.

I would not stay with a man who held me in such low esteem.

 

[robinb]

I've covered my head in Catholic churches and Russian Orthodox churches and that was within my comfort zone. Covering up the way a Muslim woman does would not be within my comfort zone because it says more more to me about their viewpoint regarding women than it does about showing respect for religious dress standards. YMMV. As an American woman, it would offend me and make me uncomfortable to have to dress that way. Thank goodness I don't have to.

I find it disconcerting that you had no problem following Christian modes of modest dress in a church but would be "out of your comfort zone" following Muslim modes on modest dress in a mosque.

So let's make the visiting reality show Muslim family have to dress in average American garb to enter a run of the mill church. The father is uncomfortable with his wife wearing a wrap dress and heels, in full makeup. His daughter is wearing a short skirt, tank top and a shrug, made up the way teens girls usually are. Although standards for US church dress vary, this is within normal standards. The Muslim man is not comfortable with so much skin showing, but to dress in Muslim attire would not be culturally accurate, so they must dress American style.

Again, is he being offensive to point out that he is not comfortable with the dress as a Muslim? Or is he just being honest? (the way Jason was honest......)

Jason did not pitch a fit or refuse to follow the instructions. He did not refuse to wear what he and Amy had to wear. He merely said he was not comfortable with it.

You're still reaching for a comparison where there is none. The tank top and shrug may be a common wardrobe in US churches but it is not a religious wardrobe .