So What's the Purpose of America's Next Top Model Anyway?

There is one show on television that I love without a doubt. It's my own guilty little pleasure. What show is it? America's Next Top Model of course! This is probably the only show where I strictly forbid my boyfriend to converse with me while it's on. Honestly I can't even tell you why I like this show so much. Is it not a complete waste of time?

Think about it every winner almost with the exception of Eva has disappeared off the face of the earth. After they are awarded with the much sought after cover in Seventeen Magazine, I suppose they go back to their regular lives, or do they? Is this show purely for our entertainment or do these winners actually get a foot into the modeling industry? Well, now that I think about it I might have to retract that earlier comment; I actually did see Danielle on a RocaWear ad in a magazine once. I think she was from Cycle 7 of the show.

There is something about ANTM, however that keeps me coming back each season since it first debuted. Is it because I secretly fantasize of one day wearing fabulous clothes and posing for pictures? Do we all do that? That's it! That is the reason. Maybe all of us secretly fantasize about the glamorous life of models and pretend one day to be in their shoes. Either way ANTM is one of those shows that keeps you captivated, especially when the girls are fighting and bickering over really superficial stuff. Like last week one of the girls, Bianca, was screaming at another contestant about how fat her thighs were. This girl had to be about 110 lbs, I kid you not. It was funny to say the least. Then there is the shy girl, I forget her name but she has Aspergers syndrome which makes her a little self conscious in social situations. She is extremely awkward but when she puts on those designer dresses, makeup, and hair she transforms before your very own eyes.

I just had an epiphany. Maybe when Tyra Banks first created the idea of the show she really thought it would help launch prospective models into the fashion industry. But now I think it may have to do more with her making a statement on society. She is basically saying to the world: Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. And even if you have a disability you can be beautiful too. I can't help but admire that. It's a great lesson for all of our young women who compare themselves to celebrities and models and because of this succumb to anorexia and bulimia. As great as this concept is, I still can't help but feel sorry for those girls because most of them are basing their lives on this competition. When even if they win, it will probably get them nowhere besides a 1 yr contract and a magazine cover. After that, is it back to square 1? Should they give up on their dreams? They feel this is the opportunity of a lifetime that will propel them to stardom, but will it? Who knows? I really don't think the emphasis should be on how good you look on a picture anyway.

Nevertheless however shallow the basis of the show may be, I can't seem to peel my face from the TV until the commercial breaks. It definitely has all the elements of a must see: it's dramatic, sometimes political, funny, and definitely entertaining. There are so many aspects I would like to tackle but this article is running a little long already. One last thought...Am I the only one that is repulsed by the sight of Ms.Jay? I don't understand why he thinks he is so fabulous and why they keep bringing him back season after season. If I have to see him in heels one more time I might just boycott the show! Just kidding...Well its Wednesday and I am about 2 hours away from another entertaining hour of catfights, insults and fashion. Enjoy!