why i'm obsessed with Vh1's "The Pick-Up Artist"

For the first time in the history of my family, we have cable. So a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a show on VH1 called "The Pick-Up Artist." The show is hosted by a tall, skinny, perpetually hat-and-ski-goggles clad obvious ex-nerd named Mystery and the premise: 12 nerdy ass dudes, ranging from a 45 year old virgin to a 22 year old anxiety stricken cutie, come live in a mansion and learn how to talk to, pick up, make out with, and date W O M E N. Each week a dude is eliminated based on how well he puts Mystery's "teachings" into action. The last man standing will earn the title "Master Pick-Up Artist" and travel the world with Mystery teaching other wayward dudes how to talk to ladies. K?

Without a doubt, the show is sexist. Women, during episodes, are frequently compared to children and animals. In the club, the men of the show are encouraged to approach their "target." It's the typical misogynist bullshit that makes my feminist blood boil. But I can't stop watching it.

I'm completely hooked and here's why: Yes, Mystery is a chauvinist who looks to be seeking revenge on the women who shunned him when younger and nerdier. But the men, the 12 participants, could not be more sweet. Imagine men. On television. Being insecure and emotional. Not for laughs. These dudes are insecure. They want relationships. The openly admit that they are terrified of women. And they obviously love eachother. Unlike the inevitable drama among competitors on shows like "American's Next Top Model," these guys are really looking out for eachother, providing support through ups and downs. During elimination it is not uncommon to see tears. A lot of tears. Especially from the bottom two, the one that stays ultimately crying, hugging and consoling the one that is eliminated. Where can you see that on television?