Keller @ Large: 'I Am Cait' Not Much To Fuss About
BOSTON (CBS) - I watched the premiere of the reality series about the former Bruce Jenner's transition to Caitlyn Jenner – "I Am Cait" - to see what all the fuss was about, and I didn't see much to fuss about.
Episode one spent a lot of time dwelling on Caitlyn's clothes and makeup, in what seemed like a half-hearted attempt to sensationalize the story. And if those superficial details weren't enough to excite controversy, the shot of Jenner entering the ladies room in a forthcoming segment certainly will.
But whatever shock you felt at seeing Jenner as a woman likely faded fast when the unexciting but reassuring messages of the show became apparent.
For starters, "I Am Cait" is a positive showcase for Jenner's family values.
He has close, supportive relationships with his extended family, and the bulk of the show was devoted to his focus on them. As his elderly mother said to him: "Your values are still the same."
One of Jenner's sisters says of his transition: "he wanted to live an authentic life." That would be hard if Jenner was a phony in other ways, but he is described by those who know him as an excellent parent, spouse and friend.
Somehow, those traits seem more important than someone's sexuality.
But wait a minute, all this authenticity is being packaged on camera for sale, doesn't that make it suspect? Maybe, although the show's heavy emphasis on the fallout from social hostility toward transsexuals seemed altruistic enough.
Or maybe – if "I Am Cait" is a success – we'll learn that we've reached a cultural milestone: tolerance sells, if the saleswoman has the right values.
Huh – I sense a trend coming on.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
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