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Subject: America's Next Top Model Corpse
As an attorney who has worked on issues of violence against women and children for 30 years, I am stunned that you would host a show exhibiting models as corpse's and think it was entertainment. It is not that long ago that Snuff films were a reality in this country - probably they still are. We have a terrible epidemic of child pornography and sex slavery here and around the world. Making violence and death sexy entertainment is one of the reasons. And almost always women are the victims of the violence and death.
Next time you are in a mixed crowd, ask the men only what they do to protect themselves every day. The most common answer will be - nothing. Then ask the women. You will be able to fill a blackboard with the different ways women have to modify their behavior to try and avoid violence. We live in different worlds. Women live in a world where we are hunted and must always be in flight or fright mode. This type of show only adds to the violence.
The victims are not just these models or the children in child porn or the sex slaves from poor countries or poor parts of this country. They are your sisters and mothers, your daughters and nieces, your friends children and your own. And you.
Please stop the degradation of American society and put us on a higher path.
Dianne Post
WTVX appreciates your email and values your opinion. We welcome the feedback we receive from our viewers and share it with the management at The CW Network on a regular basis. “America's Next Top Model” illustrates the world of high fashion, which is fraught with edge and experimentation. Both the producers of the show and The CW are listening carefully to the issues that have been raised regarding the “Top Model” episode with the fashion shoot you have described. They will take these issues into consideration as the show continues to evolve.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Sincerely,
Tracy Letize
Program Director
WTVX-TV
Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:07:00 -0700
To whom it may concern:
I just wanted to write in response to this latest call to action from media watch. I would like to preface the rest of my email by saying that I applaud what you do and am thankful there is an organization out there keeping an eye on the media.
With that said, I think this extreme reaction to one episode of ANTM is too much. Yes, displaying models as victims of violence may not be the greatest idea they've had on the show but overwhelmingly this show has shown women of color in primetime more than most shows on TV today. Additionally, this season is featuring TWO plus size models, showing young girls that beauty comes in every size. I believe Tyra Banks has done a lot for women and body image over the years and support her work whole heartedly.
High fashion spreads such as they do on ANTM are a form of art which I believe needs to be able to be free to express creativity openly and without restriction. Violence against women is no laughing matter but art has always allowed society to examine itself in a safe place.
I think this call to action is uncalled for and misdirected. I truly feel that Tyra Banks is a role model for young women and do not believe in censorship which I believe your mass email is supporting. I implore you to reconsider your stance on this issue. Sometimes we jump to action too quickly without examining the issue thoroughly and I feel quite strongly that this is an over-reaction on the part of the media watchers.
With much appreciation for all you do,
Jennifer Lotz
Mr. Meyrowitz:
Would you find commercial or entertainment excuses to air an alleged "fashion shoot" featuring handsome men made up as dead Holocaust victims? Or Abu Ghraib prisoners?
Prison chic?
Elegant subordination?
The generally demeaning character of "America's Next Top Model" makes it rotten fare for viewers and no credit to your enterprise, but the recent display of young women as dead victims of terrible violence is absolutely inexcusable.
I'm not watching ANYTHING on your station until you get rid of this program.
Twiss Butler
Alexandria, VA
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