Big Brother 11 As I See It: In Defense of Chima

I never thought I would write that heading, but I had to. When I thought seriously about Chima and her departure from the Big Brother house, my first impression was the same as many. I rejoiced and was happy that the person causing the most conflict was gone.

After reflecting, I have changed my mind. You all have read the articles, you’ve watched the episodes and you’ve formed your own opinions, so nothing I say is going to be news or change your mind. But read this anyway and think about it.

First of all, what Chima has experienced so far in her young life is horrible. That’s the only word. Horrible. To be raped and assaulted by a serial killer is such a terrible incident that I can only imagine the horror and trauma that Chima went through. I do not and will not minimalize what can only be thought of as a terrible chapter in a young woman’s life.

That being said, I am really curious as to how the producers of Big Brother really screen the contestants to participate in each season. I am assuming that Chima came across as a likeable, attractive young woman with good work credentials who would be an asset to the program and one who would draw in viewers. Whatever psychological tests administered could not have possibly gone beneath the surface of Chima and found what was lying dormant there, but perhaps this will be a lesson to those who choose the houseguests.

In the very first episode of Big Brother, Chima was immediately annoyed that she was classified as being part of the “Brains” clique instead of the “Popular” one. That should have been an early indication into Chima’s picture of Chima. Chima wanted to be popular, she wanted to be the one in control and when she wasn’t, everything fell apart for her.

Control seemed to be her major issue. Once Chima lost control of her game, she lost control of herself and it wasn’t pretty. She continuously assured us and the other houseguest of how strong she was and how in control of her life she was.

I have known many strong women in my life. I have known women and men who have undergone almost the same type trauma as Chima. But, the difference is that they didn’t have to keep vocalizing about how strong they are. Strong women don’t pout when they don’t get their way, strong women don’t sling about racial slurs, strong women don’t quit, and strong women don’t steal others personal possessions. I don’t know whom Chima was trying to convince, but I have a feeling it was herself.

Chima’s reaction to Russell was bordering on hysteria to us viewers. She not only referred to him as a “Muslim terrorist” and herself as the “twin towers”, but she also wished a prison sentence and rape on him. Does that sound like a sane, strong woman?

I have no idea why Chima focused on Russell other than perhaps he was immune to her looks and was focused on the game. When she goaded Russell constantly in an effort to have him physically hurt her to insure his eviction by the Big Brother producers, it was uncomfortable to watch. I was glad that Russell showed restraint, although I am sure it took a lot of effort on his part. Heck, at the time, a lot of us wanted to slap her, myself included.

I will never understand her stealing Russell’s rosary or her plan to make Michele ill. My own rosary came from Ireland, was given to me by my mother before she died, is with me all the time, and woe to anyone who might even think of taking it. Michele’s allergy to red dye was known in the Big Brother house and the actions and thoughts of Chima to sabotage her are indeed scary. To steal is one thing; to plan to harm someone physically is another story entirely. These are not thoughts of someone who is thinking rationally.

In a recent statement Chima referred to the Big Brother house as a “pressure cooker.” We, who have observed this program from our living rooms, cannot deny that familiarity breeds contempt on this reality show and people who are civil and nice in their daily lives are not so civil and nice in the Big Brother house.

Be that as it may, it does not give one free rein to run roughshod over the other houseguests and act so childish that one sits on the washer so the other houseguests can’t wash their clothes. Chima’s actions are not those of someone who is thinking clearly, if at all.

Now I know that there are comments and criticisms all over the internet regarding Chima, most of them derogatory and unkind. There are comments regarding her appearance that are unwarranted. Did anyone think about the fact that she wears wigs because of the surgeries following her attack? Has anyone thought about the fact that there are a myriad of young women with collagen-injected lips and plastic surgeries? Did anyone think that perhaps Chima’s injuries required some of the plastic surgeries? If you didn’t, then you haven’t done your homework and researched the details of her attack.

Let’s be kind, people. Let us have some compassion rather than criticizing and throwing Chima to the wolves. It is obvious to the viewers that Chima is a deeply disturbed young woman.

I am not, nor I do proclaim to be, a psychiatrist or psychologist All I am is a mother and grandmother and I can only imagine the distress that the grandmother who has helped raise this young woman is feeling – she must be beside herself. I know I would be if Chima were my daughter or granddaughter. That her family loves Chima was evident on their interview. I hope their love extends to seeking help for her.

I also hope that the powers-that-be in Big Brother world would offer some type of help to Chima rather than chastise her for her actions Perhaps someone with professional insight and assistance will offer services to this young woman and help her to be the woman that she said she wanted to be.

When she proclaimed that she wanted to help other victims I was the first to say that she is no role model for anyone. Maybe, with some therapy and guidance, she can be. It is up to her.

So, let’s lay off the Chima-bashing and try to be charitable. She’s a human being with problems and issues just like all the rest of us – hers are just more severe than some and less than others. The only difference is that we didn’t air all our shortcomings and weaknesses on Big Brother.

Peace!

Now you can follow RealityNewsOnline on Twitter! You can get up to the minute notifications on article postings and other reality TV news by following us there. So head on over to RealityNewsOnline’s Twitter page!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent articles on Reality News Online:

Eileen is an assistant at a legal referral service in Cincinnati OH. Her real job is being Grandma to the five most beautiful children in the world. You can reach her at ohiograndma2003@hotmail.com for comments.

Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! Also make sure to check out FoxesOnIdol for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows.

For more news about Big Brother 11, be sure to check out SirLinksALot: Big Brother 11 and The Source: Reality TV Headlines!