For fans of The Amazing Race, here’s a couple of comments that the charming Flo posted on the Television Without Pity message board and subsequently deleted:
florinka
posted December 12,2002 11:36:11 AM ESTI have been trying not to read anymore but after last night’s episode I decided to register and respond to some of the cruel criticisms. I would just ask that you consider the stress of the race at this point and the fact that I am clearly a competitive woman who just wants to win this race. I am happy to explain and even apologize for certain behaviors but I have frankly had enough of reading this garbage and not standing up for myself.
florinka
posted December 12,2002 11:54:02 AM ESTLook-I did not go on a reality tv show not knowing that I would judged by a bunch of people without anything better to do – However, since you spend so much time watching and commenting on television programs did you consider that perhaps editing is involved here and while I concede to giving the editors some material to make me the “bitch” on the show- I may infact have redeeming qualities and moments that you do not have the pleasure of seeing. I understand that I put myself out there for all to critique- but unless you have been on the race you can’t really understand the impact that it can have on a person. I am really shocked to see myself reacting like I do in some situations- I am lucky that Zach and I were together 24 hrs a day and that I hopefully was able to make up to him for the times that I hurt his feelings. However I will say that regardless of how weak and whiny you all think I am I know how valuable of an experince this was for me and I look forward to defending myself to some extent in the near future.
It seems to me you can judge the impact of a show’s pressure by watching how all the contestants react to it — if one stands out as the most obnoxious person in the history of reality television, there’s your Vassar girl.