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Why "Ugly Betty" is an Inappropriate Title for a Television Show

By Dorrie Kane, published Sep 27, 2007
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Having never watched "Ugly Betty," I know very little of its premise. I have heard that it is based on a Colombian telenovela called "Yo Soy Betty, La Fea," that it's a popular show with a fine cast, and that its lead actress, America Ferrera, won an Emmy for her portrayal of Betty. Fine. No problem. It's the title of the show that is the problem and one word in particular: ugly.

The word ugly does not apply to people. That is, it does not apply if one is talking about physical characteristics. To refer to a person as "ugly" is to buy into a falsehood that a hierarchical society has sought to perpetuate. We are told that there are certain facial features as well as body types that we must have if we are not to be placed on the lowest rung of the ladder of societal acceptance, wherein lies "ugly."

I submit that when referring to people the word "ugly" can only relate to their actions, not what they look like.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "ugly" has a Middle English etymology, that it is akin to old Norse. ugga, meaning to fear. There are 4 entries in the definition of "ugly."
1. frightful, dire
2. a. offensive to sight--hideous
b. offensive or unpleasant to any sense
3. morally offensive or objectionable-- Example, corruption--the ugliest stain of all--
4. a. likely to cause inconvenience or discomfort---Example, the ugly truth--
b. surly or quarrelsome--Example, an ugly disposition, or ---the crowd got ugly--

Supposedly when people are speaking of someone's physical characteristics they are using the word "ugly" as in entry 2, "a" and "b." Sentimental idealism, perhaps, but it is my belief that every entry above named as they apply to fellow human beings relate only to their actions, and not their looks. Actions can indeed be ugly, whether in thought, word, or deed.

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