2008 Woodie Awards
To The Point
Did "America's Next Top Model" cross the line with morbid photo shoot?
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Opinions
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Dana Johnson
YES
In recent years, a majority of our society has established the idea men and women should be treated equal. "America's Next Top Model," a show that claims to liberate women and launch their careers in the fashion industry, has pushed all women one step back in their fight against abuse.
During a recent photo shoot, the models were forced to pose dead, beaten or battered. Using elaborate make up to make bruises and fake blood, the girls posed like they had just fallen down stairs or had been shot; one was electrocuted in a bathtub.
All were wearing a skirt hiked up high enough to make it appear as though they had been raped, then killed. The resulting images are porno for rapists and serial killers to get a high. The producers claim it was for the industry and the art of the photograph.
There are many alternatives that don't portray violence against women and are artistic. The producers should know this considering they haven't had a problem coming up with any themes for shoots in previous seasons.
There's nothing sexy about violence and abuse, and "Am
erica's Next Top Model" should know this.
Misty Lester
NO
Although most of the photo shoots up to this point have had less morbid themes, a large number of people (who probably never watch the show) are outraged with the results. It's almost as if some people actively seek opportunities to protest anything that goes against their belief, even if they are not exposed to it.
The photo shoot provided yet another reason for people to get worked up about physical violence and sexual abuse. Obviously violence is not a joking matter, but it wasn't being joked about on "ANTM" anyway.
One of the arguments being made in defense of the show is that modeling is about posing and not about being a role model. Between eating disorders and cat fights (although not all models should be generalized in the same category), models are a representation of a product, not to be confused with an ideal lifestyle.
One could argue the crime scene victims' shoot was nothing more than an expression of art. We all know each individual uniquely perceives art in his or her own way. Tyra Banks clearly perceived the photo shoot to be art.
While much of the show itself is most likely offensive to some people, we can't go around pointing fingers at people who see something as artistic expression just because we don't agree.
YES
In recent years, a majority of our society has established the idea men and women should be treated equal. "America's Next Top Model," a show that claims to liberate women and launch their careers in the fashion industry, has pushed all women one step back in their fight against abuse.
During a recent photo shoot, the models were forced to pose dead, beaten or battered. Using elaborate make up to make bruises and fake blood, the girls posed like they had just fallen down stairs or had been shot; one was electrocuted in a bathtub.
All were wearing a skirt hiked up high enough to make it appear as though they had been raped, then killed. The resulting images are porno for rapists and serial killers to get a high. The producers claim it was for the industry and the art of the photograph.
There are many alternatives that don't portray violence against women and are artistic. The producers should know this considering they haven't had a problem coming up with any themes for shoots in previous seasons.
There's nothing sexy about violence and abuse, and "Am
erica's Next Top Model" should know this.
Misty Lester
NO
Although most of the photo shoots up to this point have had less morbid themes, a large number of people (who probably never watch the show) are outraged with the results. It's almost as if some people actively seek opportunities to protest anything that goes against their belief, even if they are not exposed to it.
The photo shoot provided yet another reason for people to get worked up about physical violence and sexual abuse. Obviously violence is not a joking matter, but it wasn't being joked about on "ANTM" anyway.
One of the arguments being made in defense of the show is that modeling is about posing and not about being a role model. Between eating disorders and cat fights (although not all models should be generalized in the same category), models are a representation of a product, not to be confused with an ideal lifestyle.
One could argue the crime scene victims' shoot was nothing more than an expression of art. We all know each individual uniquely perceives art in his or her own way. Tyra Banks clearly perceived the photo shoot to be art.
While much of the show itself is most likely offensive to some people, we can't go around pointing fingers at people who see something as artistic expression just because we don't agree.