We all love to hate reality TV. This assignment asks students to watch a few episodes of America’s Next Top Model after reading an interesting and accessible culture review from Contexts. There are many elements in ANTM worth sociological examination: race, gender, and sexuality of contestants and judges, gender performance, use and display of bodies, modeling culture, body image, patriarchal power, infantilizing women, feminism, self-branding and individualized success ideals. You could even ask students to send you clips of segments they found especially provocative and show some of them in class to spark the discussion.
Read the culture review “The Top Model Life” by Elizabeth Wissinger featured in Contexts magazine’s Spring 2010 issue.
Then, watch an episode (or a few) of America’s Next Top Model online.
Full episodes found here.
Comments 2
edgertor — October 14, 2010
actually what i find more interesting about the show is the tension in this dichotomy: the women are supposed to have complete control over their bodies and faces, yet mold to the expectations of the photographer/audience. They're supposed to be expressive, yet are in some ways completely subjugated to the lens. You often see the frustrations inherent in this push-pull in the stresses the women express later, on-(video)camera.
Kia Heise — October 27, 2010
edgertor, I agree. This is a great point. There are many interesting dimensions with the presentation of self in ANTM. Thanks for commenting!