Last Tuesday, Jennifer Livingston, an anchorwoman from Wisconsin, went on-air to defend herself after a viewer criticized her for being overweight in an email. The email went viral when her husband, who is also a television anchor, posted it online. Livingston spent several minutes discussing her weight and being bullied, and tied in her experience to promote October as National Anti-Bullying Month.
First of all, I would like to make clear that I believe bullying is wrong. Regardless of opinion, lifestyle, body image or beliefs, bullying someone because of his or her differences is not an acceptable way to behave. I also believe the critical eye of the public is one of, if not the worst part, of broadcasting.
As a communication major with a concentration in broadcasting, I find myself being completely turned off to the idea of having someone tell me to change my appearance to be appealing for the expectation of viewers. I hate how shallow we all are.
I also know the bitter pill to swallow in broadcasting is to have thick skin. Being criticized from viewers is part of the job. I’m sure she was told in school (like I was) to not have your feelings hurt when people criticize your appearance. And sure, being criticized for being overweight is not something anyone wants to experience, especially if your job is to broadcast yourself to thousands of people every day.
However, I think this entire fiasco went too far. I think this was a personal matter that should have been handled privately, if at all. To many people, this woman’s editorial was a matter of standing up to bullying and getting a “you go, girl” reaction. To me, it showed insecurity. And why shouldn’t she feel insecure? I’m sure reading that email was hurtful and humiliating. But letting her viewing audience in on her personal issues was, to me, not professional.
If she really “doesn’t take crap from people” and can handle the pressure of the media, she would have blown him off. She would have read that email and said “Huh, check out this jerk,” and deleted it.
The criticizing viewer said she wasn’t a good role model for young viewers because of her weight. I see his point to a certain extent. When you are held in the eye of the public, people do look up to you. You are a role model for the community. Being overweight and on the air is a slippery slope: either you aren’t a good role model because you aren’t healthy, or you are a good role model because you stand up for yourself and your body image.
I don’t condone this journalist for speaking out, but I think she could have gone about it a better way. She could have addressed her weight and being a role model in a way that wasn’t so personal and aggressive.
I also think it was unprofessional of her husband to post the letter online in the first place. To me, that breaches the line one draws between work life and home life. I’m happy he was irate from the email criticizing his wife.
As her husband, he should support her. As a journalist, he should have stayed out of the matter entirely.
I hate to be cynical, and I certainly hate to think this journalist is seeking attention through her dilemma, but the timing on this seemed too perfect.
I find it very hard to believe she has never received a letter or email from a viewer criticizing her weight, and it seemed perfect to share her experience during the beginning of National Anti-Bullying Month.
Ido not personally think her weight affects her ability to be an excellent television personality.
In fact, after watching some of her broadcasts, I think she is a beautiful, talented reporter. However, I do think her reaction to the criticism could have hurt her reputation.
But, sadly, the way of the life of a reporter doesn’t always revolve around how people think you are on the inside. The industry is shallow, and I hate how we center our world around appearances, but Livingston knew this going into her career. At least I hope she did.