I normally try to stay away from talking about television shows, but this one relates to a photo shoot, so…
I’m not sure what to think of this story, regarding America’s Next Top Model:
It basically states that the media is furious over a recent episode of ANTM, where the models are asked to be “transformed into different races” and photographed. Then, the story compares this action to a recent Australian “blackface” television performance that upset Harry Connick, Jr. and much of America.
Now, I haven’t watched the full episode of ANTM, so I may be way off here. Maybe there was a secret scene where Tyra Banks requested the models to mock and degrade the race they are portraying?!? As you can tell by that sarcastic remark, I seriously doubt it.
This is NOTHING like the Australian blackface incident (they were obviously over the line, as they made fun of the Jackson 5’s skin color). From the segment I saw on the internet, this ANTM episode seems to be more of a teaching experience and a focus on awareness. How in the heck can AOL TV complain that Tyra is putting her models in blackface?!? These images look sincere and the clip appears to be teaching a sort of “walk a mile in my shoes” sort of lesson.
I work in the media and have to wonder if these few publications trying to demonize Tyra Banks have gone mad? Most legitimate publications wouldn’t even dare to call this episode racially-charged. Is this another case of a few dubious media outlets trying to gain ratings by causing a big stink?