although, i am not that fussed about other peoples opinion, its just that, their opinions.

the fact is this, i think it is horrible that no one outside of the 'reality tv' world would give her a chance if she walked through the door because of the way she looks. i think it is disingenous for people to say otherwise, but we are a society that puts appearance over substance.

i am big enough to say i was biggoted in my views about ms boyle before she sang, and after hearing her i was ashamed that i even thought that way,because she has real talent.

if people look at the audiences reaction to ms boyle before she sang then you will understand what i am talking about. if not, thats alright too.

Speaking as someone who was judged on appearances quite cruelly in the past I see nothing wrong with the post itself. It seems an honest portrayal of how one person being idolized does not make up for a country and individuals far too used to judging on appearances. I would wager that virtually everyone does it at least sometimes in different situations and to different people.

Also DarcyK is right to call you out, despite your mea culpa, because it's implied that if Susan Boyle did not happen to have the voice of an angel her “redeeming” quality would be lost and mockery could then proceed, guilt-free.

Enjoy the moment, enjoy Ms. Boyle, enjoy her voice, enjoy her success.

Dorian

I saw her as representing the ordinary, the mundane, and the self-consciousness that is found in each and every one of us.

She made me feel good about myself. And I'll bet she had exactly the same effect on millions of other people as well.

Two things are offensive: (1) shallow people like you who consciously or subconsciously judge other people by their outward appearances. That is just mean and often evil. You top that off by inditing yourself for not knowing better, but people like you never change (evolve) beyond token incidents like this one.

(2) Media coverage was condescending and patronizing toward Susan Boyle. From ABC to CBS, NBC, Fox – all publishers led their pieces by stressing the following attributes: (a) looks – ugly, homely, unkempt, fat, obese; (b) age – middle-aged, old, “spinster” (yes, ABC actually used that pejorative which, historically, has been a condescending euphemism for a lesbian); (c) clothing – dated, dowdy, matronly.

Would you ever see ABC News lead a story with this lead: “we bring you tonight the story of a beautiful 18-year-old young lady. She has the figure of a runway model and dresses the like. You wouldn't believe it but she has an incredible voice.”

Of course not! Not just the public at large but mainstream media has constructed an American Idol image of talent. And it's idiots like this author that buy into it – and find themselves shocked when a person who looks “different” has wonderful things about them.