I almost didn't share this because it was from Tyra Banks with a big picture of Tyra Banks. How bad is that? I'm not ashamed to admit I've watched more than my fair share of Top Model, and that's mainly where I have seen her in past years. I don't know her besides what I see on TV and in publications; I think she has a talk show too. I just don't associate her with words of wisdom for my life.
I like the message, though. I like it a lot. It pertains to careers and more relevant to me lately, how I interact on Google+. Don't chase the numbers or popularity, be yourself and post what you are passionate about. Like anything, the rest will come. So, the message wins. Enjoy!
Thanks +Tyra Banks for the post. A few notes to your PR people: (1) Feel like you are hitting us over the head with the Harvard sweatshirt. (2) Really, you are going to post on G+ and you have a Facebook tag? How about nothing, or at least both. Okay, done.
Reshared post from +Tyra Banks
Google+: View post on Google+
Post imported by Google+Blog. Created By Daniel Treadwell.
To be clear, Tyra's dream was to walk up and down a catwalk in heels.
Can't we actually encourage people to dream a dream with a little more substance?
+Kevin Marousek Not fair to knock someone's dream, whatever it is. I'm sure there are some real bubble-heads out there, but then there are models who go on to inspire youth and build very successful businesses.
To use your analogy fairly, we should be encouraging many young kids to dream a better dream than hitting or throwing a ball.
My opinion, in the end, there are people of substance and shallow superficial meaningless people in every career when you start looking.
There is a difference between a substantive person and a substantive dream. I've met Tyra a few times when I worked in Hollywood, and I won't argue her substance. But we seem to hold models (and athletes per your extended idea) up as something more than they are. Tyra's dream made her very rich, but that doesn't make it any less shallow.
+Kevin Marousek Agreed. Well said. I think the criticism should go on the industry on the whole, and society underlying, that we even have a void for young-wannabe-models to dream about and fill. We are a very vain people; I can not argue with your points at that level.
She never said this….bet money on that. Some PR hack did. All she knows how to do is throw phones, curse and be a diva.
+Dean Montague I don't know her personally… only what I see on TV and read and I take all of that with a
salt shakergrain of salt. To be fair, I have seen her act really caring and say some very thoughtful things and, at least to me, it seemed believable.+Dean Montague you are getting your black models confused, she doesn't throw phones. Naomi Campbell throws phones.
+Melanie Aylsworth Yes! And isn't Russel Crowe a thrower too?
He is.
What's with all the Debbie Downers on your post?? She seems genuine from what I've gathered over years. Got ate alive for years for being heavier and owned it. Good for her. Far worse women in the industry to attack. This sounds like something she would say. I believe it and still think she's a good roll model for girls that want to model. No drugs no scandals first black woman on sports illustrated magazine cover.
+Melanie Aylsworth I'm not sure. It was unexpected. :-/
sigh
Perhaps my initial statement that I did not expect to get words of wisdom for my life from Tyra set the ball rolling in the wrong direction. I did not mean to diss her so much as say that I don't generally cross circles with her aside from reality TV and that I only know what comes from the media. Then I also zinged her PR people for an an image-piece that could have been done better.
For the record, I don't think Tyra is bad. Just putting it out there. You know… in case she's reading. 😉
They all say it's not about the money….once they have the money.
Could be just reading words, but I chose to believe in the good of some.
+Melanie Aylsworth girls shouldn't want to model..they should want to make something much better of their lives than to be a clothes hanger. That's part of the problem.
I was one of those. I modeled for a few years for school. What's the problem with being tall, thin and pretty?
As an ex model I've talked young girls out of going down that road. I got out of it as I saw the ugliness and wanted no part of it. The girls thank me to this day. #justmyopinion
+Melanie Aylsworth because it perpetuates the idea that girls are just pretty and only good for hanging clothes on. Parading around for others to gawk at and judge is really what you want young girls to aspire to?
If you choose to see it that way. You sound pretty bitter.
The problem with young girls modeling is they start to believe that in this world, all that matters is looks and sexy clothing. I have 3 daughters and 2 grand daughters and would never want them to be on display. It not only sets them up but hurts them in the long run. +Dean Montague doesn't sound bitter, he's speaking the truth on the subject. And I for one have witnessed first hand the damage done to young girls modeling. Thankfully I had the where with all to get out of it!
+Melanie Aylsworth I am not a bitter or negative person. Modeling hasn't done any good for anyone. It's not just my opinion. The runways and the magazines just perpetuate gross consumerism and push the idea that something fake is to be held up as beauty. Real beauty doesn't come from a makeup kit and piece of clothing or a designer. No camera has ever truly captured beauty. No image on the cover of a magazine is even real in today's media. As long as we continue to create these type of fake images we will never learn to love who and what we are as individuals. If you choose to send your kids down that road that is your choice. My choice is to send them down a more substantial path than that is all.
As the father of an 11-year-old girl, I would not want her going into modeling. It's been a few years since I've seen an episode of Top Model but Tyra still seemed pretty up on modeling. What do you think of her +Vicki Elam? Is she trying to make the industry better or perpetuating it?
+Scott Cramer As long as she continues to model and support young girls to follow the same path, she's perpetuating it. On the other hand, she's been a successful business woman and for that I gives her kudos!
Heck, this is confusing for an adult male. I can only imagine trying to sort out the ethics and morals if you are a young kid.
Its very difficult to comprehend +Scott Cramer unless you've been in that field. All I can say is, protect your daughter from societies influence.