Another look into racial pop politics from Slate, but a good deal sharper than their Merritt piece. I've only watched ANTM once and I didn't notice these issues, although Tyra was irking me a bit with the slightly exaggerated code-switching.. trotting out this "girl you trippin!" voice that reads to me like a clumsy affectation.. (something Oprah does too, but she's more convincing with it)
...Since UPN's programming caters to a black audience, it makes sense that Tyra, the first black woman to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, is at the helm. But lately, the supermodel has seemed disapproving of the trappings of black American culture. Though she illustrates her allegiance to the sisterhood by making loving references to her booty, for the past few cycles Tyra has been discouraging any behavior that could be considered "too black..."
