America’s Next Top Model

Americas Next Top Model is my favorite show and I really love to watch it. Actually, I am also trying to become a model and this show has taught me a lot of things about modeling.

Huh...I don't want to be part of that talk

Racisim, stereotyping, and prejudice are alive everywhere in society, and I agree with you that to deny it is not present would be a false statement.  But I wouldn't consider it a racial stereotype as much as I would argue that it's a cultural stereotype.  No matter if a person is white, black arabic, etc there are general stereotypes for each, but people generally tend to follow cultural ways where they live (which many times can be areas of predominantly a particular race).

When choosing a model who will be in the public eye, the judges have to choose a girl who is easily likable and presents herself in a professional, courteous manner.  I don't think that African American women are pegged as having attitudes in general...there have been many African American girls without obvious attitudes and many non-African American women with attitudes on the show.  But once again, speech and values are generally a cultural thing...people of lower income levels or people who have to defend themsleves more often have developed stronger, more defensive personalities that can often be received as having an attitude.

I also believe that women have to undergo changes to be made "beautiful" in America's eyes (just look at reality show plastic surgery makeovers)... however, I don't believe that only African American women are expected to change to be beautiful for model standards...every women regardless of color is expected to change, and (as you said) to be versatile in the modeling field.

In response to your question, I think that it is very possible for a girl to be made over with an afro..however I think that it is unlikely because it wouldn't allow for much versatility with the photoshoots.  It wouldn't be for racial reasons, but rather because the show is searching for a face who can pose and look different for each shoot.  It's easier to create an afro for one shoot and a then have a different hairstyle for another.  Having a single hairstyle in every photo would make the girl appear less versatile.

In my opinion, I think that stereotyping and racism in America is evident, but Americans only continue the stereotype by segregating themselves, whether it be by race, income level, etc.  And I find it funny that people try to claim that everything is racist...while there is an underlying base for stereotyping people by race in the show (sub-conscious or not), the final decision will mostly have to do with the girl's personality, public perception of her (which can indirectly be affected by race), and her versatile modeling capabilities.


Edited by meli - May 17 2006 at 9:04pm

Kyle didn't get her hair cut like a boy. She had her long blonde hair dyed to a chocolate brown and kept her length. You must have her confsed with one of the other models...

Which season was the one where Jennipher got a foot of hair cut off?

omg am still watching cycle 5. kyle was cut on mon nite thought that wasnt a good idea she was the prettiest of them all and had the nicest hair. dont like lisa at all she looks far too old and drinks too much not much of a role model in my opinion

I know someone who modeled professionally for a few months.  The reason you need to be so tall, at least 5' 7" is they want all the women to be around the same height, and build.  That way designers don't have to change their clothes so much for fashion shows or photo shoots.

Sugaree wrote: I love that this show too...can any one tell me why a requirement is to be 5'7" or taller? Why do models have to be tall? I never understood that. I like Molly Sue and Furonda. Molly sue is the most unique looking, and I think Furonda is adorable, and she's got a beautiful skin tone. Both have nice hair cuts that suit them. Sara and Brooke look like the same person to me.

Bambilee wrote: Yes Molly Sue... shes uniquely beautiful. The others all look the same to me. Tyra banks is cool cause she doesn't give a hoot what the modeling company says about her weight. She's plump and proud of it. But her hair as she tells EVERYONE all the time, isn't real. I wish I could wear weaves... lol. When does the show start?

WHAT??!!  Tyra is what you'd call plump?  Oh my.

they are going to appear bald for the first groups of pics. I am sure they are Bald caps though!  It should prove interesting though!

I like molly sue and Gina, like you said the other girls look like one and the same person..