Last night, the revamped season of America’s Next Top Model aired and there was a lot of diversity on the show! We had models of different ethnicities and we even had a trans model, but where were the curvy models?! Plus size super model Ashley Graham was a judge, but many felt that she was not enough of a representation since other types of people had a model to represent them on the show. #OrangeIsTheNewBlack actress, Danielle Brooks, also felt this way and penned an open letter to her fellow curvy girls.
She writes:
“This is not a bashing of any sort but an observation that wouldn’t allow me to hold my [tongue].
As a plus woman being seen only 1% of the time is a real thing. Period. After watching #ANTM last night I was super excited to see my girl Ashley Graham, but bummed out not to see any plus contestants. A curvy judge but no curvy contestants? Out of all 24 girls not one was plus. You had an Asian, African, a red head, transgender, an androgynous sister, even twins…(much love for that) but not 1 plus size woman-when 67% of women are plus in the US??
This could’ve been a perfect opportunity for them to highlight fabulous designers that also do plus fashion or highlight strictly plus designers that rarely get any shine. They could’ve also highlighted the struggles that come with being plus. We could’ve at least gotten to 2%. The plus competitor would’ve been able to lean on the fact that a reflection of herself (Ashley Graham) was in the room reminding her that her dream IS possible. All these things still would’ve moved us forward, and would’ve done more than me posting an IG post.
Regardless, We are worth these incredible opportunities. We deserve to be seen. I’m going to continue to push back and speak up for that young girl that wants to model, wants to act, wants to be upfront and needs to be reminded that she is just as deserving as anyone else.”
As a plus sized women myself, I was also bummed to see that we didn’t have much representation on this season of ANTM! However, Tyra Banks has always promoted inclusion and has made people acknowledge different types of beautiful over the years. So, since she’s working behind the scenes as an executive producer, perhaps she will be sure to include more curvy girls next season!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on Instagram & @tallyohhh on Twitter!
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BN9e68IDhdo/
