I’m watching a Tyra Show rerun that originally aired on 3/18/09 that takes a look at 3 different women: A tanner, a smoker, and a drinker.
Long story short, Tyra shows random people on the street “before” pictures, where these women “look great” and have “great, smooth skin”. Then she shows aged pictures; they have used technology to show what the future shows for these 3 women. The same people take a look at these pictures, and they call them “monster”, “not attractive”.
I understand that because Tyra is an ex-supermodel, that looks matter… but what all three of these addictions have in common are in the INNER effects. The HEALTH effects of their choices. So instead of having a show about HEALTHY living, it is a show about looks.
I don’t get it… didn’t Tyra come out on her show live one time wearing a bikini to show the tabloids that she wasn’t fat, and that she looked good? I’m confused… what kind of “talk show” is the Tyra Show? Is this seriously just about looks? Would it be impossible to strip it down and actually be SERIOUS and talk about the health effects of obsessive tanning, smoking, and drinking? Wouldn’t that be a more effective approach?
Edited to add: At the end of the show, with about 5 minutes left, Tyra DOES bring on a dermatologist to talk about the skin effects (aging) of tanning, smoking, and drinking. Still, what about other health effects? What about social and professional effects that obsessive drinking and smoking could have? Why does it need to be looks, aging, wrinkles, sagging skin?
What do you think? Do you watch the Tyra Show? Disagree with me?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
i think looks are part of society and its a shock tactic to scare people into quitting those habits over vanity. It probably works for some.
trisha
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I think, sometimes, actually seeing the physical effects of a negative behavior might have more of an impact than a discussion on the detrimental health effects.
Honestly, I think nearly everyone understands that tanning, smoking and drinking are bad for your health–it’s been pounded into us. But does everyone get that it’s also bad for your looks? That might have a greater effect at persuading the younger viewers who think that they’re going to “live forever.”
Just my thoughts!
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You hear the health effects everyday about these addictions. Seeing the effects on your outside makes a better connection. I smoke and plan to quit this Saturday. I know the health effects but would be devastated if you showed me a pic of what I will look like in 15-20 years. IMO I think she is just trying to take a different approach at what everyone already talks about. To get attention you dont say the same things, you take a new approach at it. If you wanna see what the health effects watch The Dr’s. If you wanna see what you will look like, watch Tyra.
.-= Jessica @Riding with Jessica´s last blog ..My Weight Issues, Not Yours =-.
I agree with Trisha. No one can see whats going on inside. But the outward effects might be enough to make people stop – or think twice. We are a vain society.
Just think – how many people exercise to lose weight as opposed to building bone density or lowering cholesterol? It’s what’s outside that motivates people to be healthier. Go figure. Her tactic may work.
I don’t watch Tyra, though. I used to on American Next Top Model…
Those are some really good points, and I definitely didn’t look at it from that perspective. Think about everyone’s background too… my mom passed away from lung and brain cancer. She smoked for God knows how long. So for me, I care more about the health effects, what’s going to happen to my insides, then my looks. There’s only so much you can do about both, but wouldn’t it be better to display healthy habits for our children? Maybe it just irritated me and I need to vent! But ya’ll have a good point… it IS a different approach, and perhaps with the younger audience she has captivated, it’s good marketing! I just hope that this isn’t all these kids hear about, and that they do learn about the health repercussions of their choices!