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MSNBC named their most influential women of 2008 and America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 winner Whitney Thompson made the list, being the first person appearing on their retrospective slideshow.
MSNBC applauds Whitney for breaking down fashion doors and showing America that thinner isn’t always the winner and hope that her 36-32-43 measurements will usher in a new era of curve-worship.
While I think the sentiment behind this accolade is nice, I just don’t think Whitney has the portfolio to back this up yet. Had MSNBC spun this as an “inspiration for young girls” nod or as a “notable women of 2008″ I could take it, but she hasn’t shaken up the fashion industry-only ANTM.
The other ladies honored on this year’s list are Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, Tina Fey, genetic researchers Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey, Michelle Obama, Female Olympians Dara Torres, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Trainor, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, Miley Cyrus, military general Ann E. Dunwoody, CNN commentator Rachel Maddow, author Stephenie Meyer, and the women of The View.
I think this list is fairly diverse in its representations of different industries and types of women. It’s a bit celebrity-heavy, but few industries are as wide-reaching as entertainment. That being said, so you think Whitney deserves a place of honor among these other recognized women?
I’m sorry but I’m probably part of the audience that should be cheering Whitney but I find her tactless and ignorant. Just because MSNBC says so, big deal. This is just as important as say People’s 50 most beautiful issue…it’s a who’s popular at the moment contest.
Also, as has been said multiple times, being a model isn’t a right or a calling; it’s a CHOICE. Whitney made a choice to be in an industry that judges people solely based on how they look…period. It’s not science or difficult to fathom. You either have the look that the industry wants or you don’t. You don’t spend time and effort getting into the industry to then constantly slam it. You have options. The same way I have no patience for girls like say Dom and Renee who look too old to model but who keep on trying to model is the same way I feel about Whitney.
She won a reality show and now gets 15 minutes to spout her drivel. The worst part of it is, she’s not even a decent model. I could tolerate her vitriol if she knew what she was doing but she doesn’t.
Mind you, I’ve got nothing against the industry being more open/tolerant to different body sizes and if enough people feel the same way and can make a change then that’s great. But personally, if Whitney is going to be the one to hoist the banner I just don’t see it coming any sooner.
As for disparaging models like Emme, Kate Dillon, Crystal Renn, Barbara Brickner, Liis and if we want to compare pear to pear, Fluvia, I’ll take any of them over Whitney any day.
Well once again some people think she is! Stop Hating
What the hell is Whitney doing up there??? She wasn’t really inspirational/influential. In fact, not at all!
Absolutely Whitney deserves it. No plus-size model before her has had anything like the impact or recognizability that she has had. Emme was the first to break through, but she was always a bit too old and matronly. Kate Dillon and Crystal Renn have had some exposure, but nothing like viewership that Whitney gained through 13 weeks of Top Model, and the publicity she’s gotten since then.
But most importantly, it’s her uncompromising pro-plus message that makes her so significant. Other plus-size models have been too timid and apologetic, still apologizing for and kowtowing to an industry that systematically excludes and discriminates against them.
Whitney says, point blank, that current standards for models are GARBAGE. And she’s right. Bravo to her for not selling out and kissing the industry’s collective butt, but rather, telling it like it is.
Many plus-size girls could do well to imbibe at least a bit of her self-confidence. They need it.
Hell yeah I think Whitney deserve it she’s an inspiration to females,especially every one who has eating disorders. They can look at her and say I don’t have to starve myself! I luv that’s my girl. Go Whitney!
Oy! Don’t get me started on Whitney. Luckily, this list isn’t exactly supposed to be taken all that seriously. There are other plus models who came before Whitney who actually know what they are doing and don’t spout the same sort of nonsense she does. I hope she is grateful to Tyra for giving her this title and the minor celeb status that goes along with it because without it, no legit agency would sign her or keep her around for long because she really sucks as a model.