This video from MsMojo details 20 reasons why America's Next Top Model (ANTM) has not aged well, highlighting problematic aspects that have become more apparent over time (0:09-0:16).
Here's a breakdown of the key issues discussed:
Exploitation and Underuse of International Destinations (0:26-1:52): The show traveled to various fashion capitals but often underutilized these locations, using them as superficial backdrops rather than integrating local culture or fashion.
Lack of Compensation for Labor (1:52-2:57): Contestants reportedly worked long hours without proper breaks or legal wages, highlighting the exploitative nature of reality TV labor practices.
Focus on Drama Over Actual Modeling Skills (2:57-4:05): Later seasons prioritized manufactured drama, social media voting, and personal storytelling over teaching fundamental modeling techniques, diminishing the show's credibility.
Inconsistent Career Outcomes for Winners (4:19-5:26): Many winners struggled to achieve high-profile modeling careers post-show, with some finding more success in acting, contradicting the show's promise of fame.
Rescinding a Winner's Title Over Personal History (5:41-6:58): The controversial disqualification of Angelie Preston due to past work as an escort, despite producers allegedly knowing beforehand, highlighted the show's image protection tactics.
Manipulative Editing to Create Drama (6:58-8:02): Footage was often edited to amplify conflict, turn amicable relationships into feuds, and exaggerate personality traits for entertainment.
Ageism (8:14-9:05): The show increasingly marginalized contestants over their early 20s, mirroring industry ageism and contradicting claims of inclusivity.
Questionable Makeovers (9:18-10:36): Makeover episodes, though a signature moment, were often traumatic for contestants, involving extreme changes without full consideration for their well-being.
Contestants Turned Against Each Other (10:36-11:46): Producers allegedly stoked conflict among contestants through various tactics, creating manufactured rivalries and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Sleep Deprivation and Stress Production (11:49-12:54): Production intentionally induced stress by depriving contestants of sleep to elicit dramatic reactions and confrontations.
Tyra Banks's Behavior (13:10-14:24): Re-watching the series reveals problematic critiques from Tyra Banks and other judges, such as mocking a contestant for not wanting to fix a gap in her teeth.
Shading the Intellectuals (14:24-15:38): Contestants pursuing higher education were often discouraged from their academic paths in favor of focusing solely on modeling.
Personal Tragedy as Entertainment (15:38-17:15): The show exploited contestants' personal tragedies for dramatic effect, such as encouraging a contestant to use her grief for a photo shoot or pressuring another to face her trauma on camera.
Putting Contestants in Danger (17:15-18:20): Some photo shoots and challenges were hazardous, involving extreme conditions like walking in high heels on unstable runways or posing in frigid waters.
Pressure to Be Nude (18:20-19:40): Contestants were often pressured into nude photo shoots, with those uncomfortable facing criticism and shame.
Treatment of Disabilities (19:40-20:55): The show made no concessions for contestants with disabilities and often used their conditions to create drama.
Normalizing Toxic Behavior (20:55-22:05): Contestants endured inappropriate behavior, including kissing a racist model or experiencing sexual harassment, being told it was "part of the industry."
LGBTQ+ Discrimination (22:05-23:17): Despite including diverse contestants, LGBTQ+ participants like Isis King and Ebony Haith faced discrimination and lack of acceptance from fellow models and judges.
Cultural Appropriation and Black or Brownface (23:17-24:28): The show featured problematic photo shoots that treated ethnicity as exotic, including instances of blackface and cultural appropriation.
Obsession with Weight (24:43-26:12): Sizeism was a recurring issue, with models criticized for weight gain, and skinniness equated with health, leading to contestants struggling with eating disorders.