I am going to talk about America's Next Top Model, which airs it's 10th season tonight! I must say, for a person who doesn't care for celebrities, or the whole "fashion world" and it's many rules, I am IN LOVE with this show. I defintely think that the whole show is made, because of the "host", Tyra Banks. She certainly isn't the "industry standard" of what a typical model is!
Tyra Banks cares about issues that are important to her, which include girl's self image, and "model" weight (pun intended) for girls/models. Tyra has the Tyra Banks Show, and has her own camp for girls called "T-Zone". Here, she talks with young girls about the pressures of sex, body image, dating, fashion, etc. Tyra is a positive role model for girls, and young women (and older women), and not to mention, men, who can see that a positive, beautiful, sexy woman, can also be independent, strong, and active in her "community".
Although Tyra certainly isn't perfect, (who is?), she is somebody who is a positive force, she shows that successful celebrities can stand for "real" sizes in the modeling industry, and real problems actually going on (cheating, boyfriends/girlfriends, sex, dating, teen pregnancy, stereotypes, etc).
I did say I was going to talk about America's Next Top Model, so here goes:
ANTM, although not the best role model for young girls, is a "reality" show, that is actually close to reality. Girls who are interested in being models, (or even if you just like the show), can see that modeling is actually hard work, and that sometimes it Just Isn't Fun. I think this is a hard lesson to learn, and hopefully it helps give girls a better idea of exactly what it's like. Also, I'm sure there are lots of people that "knock" models, and this show might help them to realize that modeling isn't just posing and looking pretty! Of course, the show is very entertaining!!!!
If you don't agree, sorry, I'd like to hear why!!!
I must agree, America's Next Top Model is such a fun show...almost like a guilty pleasure to me lol. They were showing a whole season's episodes back to back one day during the summer and I watched them all from start to finish. Very productive day for me :)
You can say she's a wonderful role model but we come back to what this show really is. It's rating girls on how beautiful (read: thin) the bodies that they were born with are. It breeds unhealthy desires, jealousy, and an all around unhealthy experience for the easily influenced minds of the youth who watch it.
-peter
That's why I said the show isn't a role model for girls. It IS based around thinness, and beauty, but, Tyra is also against the whole "weight" issue, and women have been "plus-size" on the show. None have won yet, and I think that she should push the issue more. Yeah, so maybe her show won't be as popular, but that is defintely one thing that I think she could stand up to! Like I said she isn't perfect, but you are absolutely right about the show!
She runs a contest meant exclusively for thin and beautiful (by current Western social standards) women. I think that alone makes her a terrible role model.
I wouldn't go as far to say she is a terrible role model. Paris Hilton, is a terrible role model. Tyra is not the greatest when it comes to that show, but, in order to have a career she needs to buy into that alittle.
I certainly hope that she, as well as the rest of the modeling industry, will begin to except "bigger" girls as "super"models, but of course, the modeling industry has yet to have the big break through for larger women. The first large supermodel is going to have to be strong, and independent. They have had larger girls on the show, but none of them have won, but it's not because Tyra is "out" to get them! They just don't have what it takes to compete to the finals, and win!
Do I think Tyra could change that? Yes, but that would also mean being dishonest about which contestant was better suited ( meaning talent, good pictures etc).
Modeling discriminates against short people as well! I haven't heard anybody call her a bad role because she is a part of an industry that discriminates against short people!!! Even if you ARE thin, and "beautiful", if you're too short, oh well.
I have to defend her, because if I had a child, and she was looking for a good role model, I would be happy to find that she chose Tyra. Which is my last point, certainly, parents should be able to tell which shows their children should be watching! Yes, it can't be the parents sole responsibility to control what they watch, BUT they should teach them the difference between what is "right", and what is on t.v.: meaning, not all girls look like that and they don't have to.
Finally, I think Tyra gives a good ballance of showing girls what modeling is, but also talking about issues on her show. Tyra herself, is a "larger" model, she has a "so What" campaign which basically shows women that they should love themselves no matter what!
Sorry about this being so long, I kind of got caught up in typing points to my side. As I have said, you are right, she does "condone" a bad view for women everywhere, but she isn't the only one, and she certainly isn't the worst role model!