Vanilla Ice's successful transition from ridiculous rapper to industrious reality television star has been a work of delicate, but impressive, marketing brilliance.
Rob Van Winkle has enjoyed three seasons of renovating and flipping Palm Beach County houses on the DIY Network as the star of the Vanilla Ice Project. But, as it turns out, a rapper-gone-"metal"-gone-DIY is far too normal for Ice. The time has come to spice things up a bit. So, Rob's going to lay down his power tools and learn how to build stuff from a community of Amish people in Ohio on Vanilla Ice Goes Amish. Keep in mind, these folks will not be watching the show they'll be starring in. But it doesn't seem like a totally bad idea.
As far as reality TV's exploitation of the Amish goes, this particular vehicle appears to be one the least despicable. On the surface, as it has the potential to educate rather than portray the Amish in dramatic situations or follow the "fascinating" process of unravelling Amish youth sometimes endure as they mature.
Ice appears elated to be learning the ins and outs of home repair and Amish construction techniques. He's been quoted as saying:
"Sometimes you gotta get in where you don't necessarily look like you fit in. Home renovation is a huge passion of mine and I love learning and developing my craft. Getting the opportunity to live with and learn from the best, top-notch craftsmen in the world -- the Amish -- I mean, it doesn't get any better than that! This family took me under their wing and let me into their lives and for that I will be forever grateful."
So, sounds like we're going to be watching Vanilla Ice Goes Amish . It premieres on the DIY Network on Saturday, October 12, at 10 p.m.
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