America’s Next Top Model makes models wear Meat…
Now, in the past few seasons, I have lost some respect for America’s Next Top Model and its host Tyra Banks. The show just lost something, that sparkle that used to attract me to it. Now, I vow to never watch the show again. Last week, the models had to wear MEAT. Actual grocery store bought, dead animal. On their bodies. Worst part is, it was basically a “Meat Bikini” with these pieces of beef plastered over the model’s breasts and private areas. This is by far the most disgusting thing I have seen on ANTM. Whoever thought “hey, I have an idea for the next photoshoot, let’s exploit these young, want-to-make-it-big-in-the-model-biz-girls by having them wear meat bikinis!” should be fired. Immediately.
Here’s a little clip of the photos that the models produced:
This is not a true reflection of the strides that I thought the fashion industry was making with regards to limiting animal cruelty. Many companies are preventing the use of animal fur in their clothing to become more socially responsible. This episode of ANTM killed animals for the purpose of models wearing them. It’s so much WORSE than using just the animal’s fur. The models were in meat lockers with dead carcasses hanging around them trying to look sexy. This is the most un-sexy scene I have ever seen in my life! It’s almost like the show producers thought “how can we make this the most raunchy photo shoot anyone has ever seen? I know let’s do something that depicts Sadistic Beastiality!” Well, mission accomplished.
Tyra’s sidekick on the show, Jay, even went so far as to ask one girl “Are you comfortable in that because your face does not look pretty and you are not looking comfortable”. I should hope that she is uncomfortable. Jay also noted that “provocative is what sells in this business” Are you kidding me? Is modeling meat really provocative? I think it’s completely terrible. You are wearing a dead animal on your body. How is that sexy?
Here’s a clip of part of the show:
How would Tyra Banks feel modeling in meat? I am also sure that no company in real life would ask this of their models. I am surprised that no girl refused to do the shoot. This goes to show the crazy amounts of pressure these girls feel to succumb to demands of those in perceived power. I think it’s sad that these girls didn’t even challenge what was being asked of them. This show makes these striving models beleive they have to be submissive and give in to any demands that these fashion companies ask for. I thought Tyra was an advocate for models having brains and personality, not being passive, submissive and brainless. I wouldn’t want to be hired by a company that exploits animals and ultimately compares its models with pieces of meat, sticking them in meat lockers and reducing them to such levels.
There was just so much wrong with this whole show and I cannot believe that this episode even made it on the air.
on March 18, 2008 on 1:38 am
Jenna, I can’t say I’ve ever really watched a full episode of ANTM, but I do know the concept and I think that is just gross. I agree with you completely. I’m surprised no one did say no. But of course if they did, Tyra would call them a failure for standing up for what they believe in.
GRRROOSSS.
on March 18, 2008 on 2:22 am
Jenna,
I agree that this show has changed a lot over the past few seasons, but I also think that they used a prop like raw meat to test the girls. Every season they bring in bugs, snakes or anything else they feel will make the girls feel uncomfortable. I am not suggesting it is right, but they want to see how strong minded these girls are. If they are able to separate themselves from the uncomfortable feeling and still produce a successful shot.
on March 19, 2008 on 1:22 am
You make some really good points, Jenna.
I would have a agree with you that ANTM has really gone down hill the past few seasons. The photoshoots are getting worse and worse each week, almost to the point where it seems like the show has run out of ideas so they just went with what seemed like a good idea. Tyra did say in that episode that the women were going to be treated “like meat” in the fashion industry, and that is something they have to live with if they want to be models.
I just think it is really unfortunate that Tyra went *that far* as to have those poor girls wear meat bikinies. Just look at the end result; the majority of the “best shot” photos looked terrible, and anyone could see just how uncomfortable the models looked. It was probably because they were too afraid to speak up to Tyra and Jay to say that they objected to such cruel and unusual methods to look beautiful for fear that they would be sent home for not doing what they were told or trying to challenge the creative director of the shoot.
I’m interested to see if there is any backlash from PETA or any other animal rights organizations from this episode.
on March 22, 2008 on 9:22 pm
Being involved in this industry for years, I have never had an agent tell me to wear meat. Actually, they encourage free speech and individuality anchored by strong morals. What Tyra is trying to prove, is exactly opposite of that. Instead of ranting on and on about how pathetic this show is getting, I rather stress that possibly Tyra could be the issue… wait did I say could? I meant “is”. I think she need to re evaluate her own personal values and maybe throw on a meat bikini. I mean, she wants to be a role model right? And nothing says role model than a pathetic attempt for stardom.
on March 23, 2008 on 7:15 pm
Wow, I haven’t been watching ANTM because you’re right, its getting ridiculous. That is so gross. Did she explain the point of wearing the meat? I can’t see the clips on my computer, its not loading properly.