Disclosure: I’m something of a reality tv junkie, though “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” hasn’t made my list yet. However, I do watch “The Next Great Baker”. The show focuses on baking lucious cakes in full-throttle cut-throat competition but tonight’s episode touched a little bit on anxiety disorder.
One of the contestants was not able to continue because he was overwhelmed. He chose to withdraw rather than impede his teammates chances at success. Buddy Valestro, the Cake Boss, was very understanding and sensitive. I was touched by his genuine support of this chef.
It was the other contestants’ responses to this fellow’s departure that left me shaking my head. One competitor commented that if this chef were his employee, he’d be fired. Another said there should be no excuse for not continuing in the competion. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, “My ‘tear’ goes out to him” and “This is a game. I’m not in it to sit in a circle and sing Kumbaya” ~ were some of the comments made after the contestants learned of their comrade’s resignation.
Though I certainly wasn’t surprised, my reaction was disappointment that these people were so arrogant and cynical. How nice it is to have your health and not experience pain or anxiety that can be so debilitating. It seems so easy for these individuals to cast stones when they’re not the ones being impacted by illness. And make no mistake, anxiety is an illness.
It makes me sad that as mammals with the highest intellegence level, man can be so insensitive to the sufferings of others. I’m glad that Buddy Valestro took the high road and treated this exitting chef with dignity. Maybe the other competitors watched the episode and saw themselves in a new light. There’s always hope, eh?
Andreamarjulie's Blog 