Because Tyra Said So...
I think it is safe to say that I am a super fan of the reality show Americas Next Top Model(ANTM). The show first aired my senior year 2003 (yep… I’m “older”). I remember doing my best to watch it any time it was on tv. I especially loved when you could flip through the channels and find a marathon of the show going on. I would veg out the whole day watching it. I can’t say exactly what it was about the show that hooked me. I love all things fashion, so maybe it was that. Whatever it was, I’m still hooked to this day.
The breakdown of the show is basically girls (and for three seasons guys) go through various challenges, and eliminations over a twelve week period to eventually become Americas Next Top Model. There can only be one winner, and that special person is selected by a panel of very distinguished judges in the fashion industry. The prize package typically consists of a modeling contract with a famed agency, a high paying contract with a cosmetics line, and the coveted title of ANTM. To an aspiring model, an opportunity like this is hard to come by, that’s why so many go out to audition for the show. I realize that no matter what, it is still a reality show and a lot of the scenes are staged. However, that doesn’t change the passion these young models have, and the belief that if the panel of judges and Ms. Banks say they have modeling potential, then it must be so.
When I was in the seventh grade I remember flipping through my older sisters Seventeen magazines whenever she was finished with them. I would look at the models, and wish that I looked like them, even the blonde haired, blue eyed ones. One day I ran across a Cover Girl ad, and on it was a lighter brown model, with green eyes, and perfectly white teeth. I was memorized. I tore the page out of the magazine, and taped it to the cover of my red, English notebook. I just thought she was so pretty, and I felt like she was someone I could aspire to be, or at least look like. Classmates would make fun of me for having a picture of another girl on my notebook, but I didn’t care, I wanted to be just like her and I didn’t even know who she was. Turns out, it was Tyra Banks.
Isn’t it crazy to think of the amount of power people we don’t even know can have over us? As a teenager, you’re at your most impressionable stage of life, and if a positive self-image isn’t put into you from a young age, its hard to grab ahold of it as an adult. The show is still continuing on now for its twenty third season. Young people from all over the world have competed for this title, and many have gone on to have great careers as models, even the ones who didn’t win. All because Tyra said they were worthy.
Let’s sit on that last thought for a second. The television in my bedroom is there simply for background noise. When I found that HULU had every season of ANTM I was in heaven. I’ve seen every season numerous times, so I just keep it playing in the background. It’s a pretty easy show to watch, I don’t have to think too much while viewing it. During one episode however, I noticed something that I never have. After the eliminated girls find out they will not become ANTM, they do a little interview basically sharing their feelings of what just happened. Many of them, from many seasons all said the same thing “ if Tyra saw something special in me, that must mean I’m special”. That statement just blew my mind! I know I’ve heard these girls say it before, but something made it stand out that time.
We are living in a time where everyone is seeking validation in one way or another. Society, in the form of social media to give an example, wants to tell us that if we don’t look like A,B, or, C then we somehow are behind the curve. We don’t quite measure up. We aren’t relevant. No one wants to follow us. You get my drift (ooooo that remark was so 90’s of me). ANTM is no different. I realize in some seasons Ms. Banks tries to give council, and for warn the young people of what she refers to as the “ugly side, of the beautiful modeling industry”. I think to myself “ is that enough though?” If these models haven’t had anyone other than society telling them who they can be, or how capable they are, is having a super model saying it to them, really going to make a difference? The success of the show says yes, but what happens when the show is over, and they go back to regular life?
This topic is important to me because I have an almost 16 year old daughter who loves the show just as much as I do. We watch it together, and I wonder if she ever has those thoughts. Does she hope one day Tyra will tell her that she's worthy, and special? Being someone who has struggled with self-image issues over the years, I try really hard to remind myself of not who the world says I should be, but who my God has created me to be. I try to do the same for my daughter but it’s hard. I haven’t always been the best mother I can be. That saying “hurting people, hurt people” is so true. However, that cannot be a crutch. As an adult and mom, I have to identify, and move past my own hurts as not to continue to hurt her or anyone else’s.
I wonder if Tyra realizes the “power” her words and decisions have over the models on the show. If she did, do you think she would correct, and redirect the young people who make such powerful statements about her deciding if they are special? It’s not for me to say, but what I do know is that we all gotta get back to understanding just who created us, and deems us a special, capable, and worthy of His attention. Our heavenly father knew you were relevant before “The Gram” ever made you feel like you weren’t. Psalms 139:13-14 reads “ for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Do you know that full well? Do you know that the creator of the universe is in love with you? Do you know you were called for such a time as this? You don’t have to go through a series of test and challenges to get the all-knowing, number one judge of all to choose you and call you special. He chose you before you were ever even thought of. You are Gods winner, and number one top choice. Rest in the knowing that you are loved. Journey on friends.
