In December, the very last episode of a 22 cycle (season) show ended with 285 episodes (or about 195 hours). America's Next Top Model has been on the air since 2003 and I'm actually not ashamed to say that I have watched every, single episode.
Reality TV is such a tricky topic. You either love it or you hate it, it seems. It's trashy. It's fake. It's staged. It's intrusive and embarrassing and dramatic and exaggerated and vulgar. In a lot of ways, I agree and I understand these stereotypes. Sometimes. Other times though, I see an opportunity for learning - an opportunity to analyze people, their interactions, their relationships and their reactions. Other times, I see an opportunity for inspiration and motivation
As this legendary show came to a close, I really started to think about the effect that it has had on the world. Tyra Banks broke stereotypes and boundaries. She created opportunities for some people to fulfill their dreams and for others to be inspired as they watched them live out their dreams. She found people from all different walks of life and gave them huge opportunities. They became examples for and representatives of girls and boys across the US and then across the world, whether because of their race, economic status, past trials, family situations or health restrictions.
I won't deny that sometimes these episodes are filled with less-than-classy people or situations. However, I also won't deny the spark that Tyra ignites in her viewers nor the number of success stories that have resulted from America's Next Top Model, whether directly or indirectly caused.
Reality TV is such a tricky topic. You either love it or you hate it, it seems. It's trashy. It's fake. It's staged. It's intrusive and embarrassing and dramatic and exaggerated and vulgar. In a lot of ways, I agree and I understand these stereotypes. Sometimes. Other times though, I see an opportunity for learning - an opportunity to analyze people, their interactions, their relationships and their reactions. Other times, I see an opportunity for inspiration and motivation
As this legendary show came to a close, I really started to think about the effect that it has had on the world. Tyra Banks broke stereotypes and boundaries. She created opportunities for some people to fulfill their dreams and for others to be inspired as they watched them live out their dreams. She found people from all different walks of life and gave them huge opportunities. They became examples for and representatives of girls and boys across the US and then across the world, whether because of their race, economic status, past trials, family situations or health restrictions.
I won't deny that sometimes these episodes are filled with less-than-classy people or situations. However, I also won't deny the spark that Tyra ignites in her viewers nor the number of success stories that have resulted from America's Next Top Model, whether directly or indirectly caused.
I watch America's Next Top Model too! But still haven't decided for myself whether I love it or hate it...it's entertaining, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not alone! I grew up watching this show! I agree with you, Tyra Banks did create many opportunities for people to live their dream.
ReplyDelete