Fitting the Top Model Mould

I came across an article that talks about the recent boot-offs on Canada’s Next Top Model and the reasons given for the girls getting kicked off. The article writer says:

To become a supermodel you have to fit the mould. That’s what keeps being drilled into these girls’ minds over again, and last night’s episode of Canada’s Next Top Model was no different.

With all the advice given to these competitors, the only thing that seems to be the most important is having the perfect body. But what does it mean to have the perfect body?

Obviously Natalie didn’t have one, since she was booted off the show this week. This girl, who already has low self-esteem, doesn’t need to hear: “Fashion demands that you fit a mould … we wonder if you can find a place in this industry,” said host Tricia Helfer before revealing Natalie wasn’t continuing on in the contest.

But Natalie wasn’t the only one who got a similar comment.

“Your voluptuous shape may keep you from high-end editorial,” Tricia told Ylenia.

Then society wonders why so many girls are anorexic these days.

What do you guys think about this? Do you think that shows like Top Model make it more difficult for women to feel better about their bodies, or does it have no affect at all?

I haven’t seen Canada’s Next Top Model since I have no access to it, but I wonder how it differs from America’s Next Top Model where Tyra allows for full-figured women to make it in. Of course, I’ve yet to see a full-figured woman actually win on Top Model (unless I missed a season somewhere…)

What do you guys think?

(source)