America's Next Top Model (aka: The Machine of Conformity)

Photo courtesy of netmen

Tyra Banks is such a hypocrite.

On The Tyra Banks Show, she talks about accepting your body the way it is and encourages women to look past the stereotype of conventional beauty. This conversation continues on her website where women discuss their struggles with self-confidence.

Switch the channel to America's Next Top Model, and Tyra's preaching a whole different philosophy. The contestants are a direct reflection of the conventional beauty standards. Skinny, tall, perfect skin, etc. Auditions for the new season is already causing controversy. Tyra says she wants to see more diversity and will make the height and weight requirement flexible. The official ANTM application says that "Producers reserve the right to make case-by-case exceptions...[and] are looking for a variety of models, including plus size models."

But a woman who went to the audition says they weren't even going to see people who didn't meet the requirement:

"I PERSONALLY went to the auditions in St. Louis FIVE DAYS AGO. And I am 5'8". They did NOT allow case-by-case exceptions!!!!! After standing in line for an hour looking amazing, a woman with a loud speaker came out and frankly told those who aren't 5'7" and under to, "Get out." and she also said, "Even if you're 5'7" and a half we wont see you so you might as well go home.""

Even the women who do make it on the show are cleansed of anything that makes them look different. It's like the show is a machine they put women through so that they reflect the stereotype of a beautiful woman. Watch my podcast to find out more about ANTM contestants being forced to conform: