On “Dancing with the Stars,” I’ve seen several physically stunning actresses and models who’ve had the opposite experience. Just before their first dance steps, the audience basked in their beauty. Then they began nervously clomping across the dance floor like lame horses and were quickly shown the door.

Ms. Boyle’s experience seems to suggest that people are willing to overcome their prejudices and see the world anew. But those same people can turn back into snarky snobs just as easily. Some already have. Post goose-bumped pundits are speculating about a deliberate charade to increase ratings.