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Sheena Sakai the queen of New York's asphalt jungle & Top Model - Top Model photo

Video Beat EXTRA EXTRA - TOP MODEL Australia LOST THE PLOT

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

Australia TOP MODEL LOST THE PLOT - As Vogue (Australia) editor Kirstie Clements voiced her choice she said, ""I have worriers about you behavior and attitude. We have standards and we have ethics and the girls have to represent that. - Recommended TV Listings - SHEENA'S LAST STAND - Part 2 Top Model Sheena's Gone

Sunday December 21, 2008

Bad Examples Produce Bad Results

When the question is asked what does it take to be America's Next Top Model after watching the Australian version one has to wonder just what does it take. After watching the various editions of Top Model i.e. Britain, America and Australia what stands out the most is the cultural differences and hypocrisy of each country. Most noticeable is the hypocrisy of permitting language which may be considered vulgar is some countries while at the same time blurring out images of the side view of a model in a dress exposing the side of her breasts.

The Australian version uses words such as tits and pussy to describe parts of a woman's anatomy. In one of the three series we have reviewed a mother was talking to her daughter on the phone about using the term super pussy's and while noting that all people don't have the same views as they do about sex.

The bad behavior (to some) includes the shows hosts and judges. The behavior of some of the contestants is deplorable and disrespectful to other contestants but tolerated. The answer why could be for ratings and to spice up the show. What is not taken into consideration is how these poorly behaved individuals impact the viewer particularly those viewers in 3rd world countries who may think that the way to success is to behave as those ignorant individuals on these shows.

In the fourth edition of Australia's Top Model the eventual winner Demelza Reveley then 16 (now 17) displayed the most appalling behavior in bullying another contestant Alamela Rowan. Demelza is tall and pretty on the outside but proved to be ugly on the inside. Alamela is petite, polite, considerate and very intelligent. It was her intelligence that caused the bullying of her since the girls involved are intellectually challenged while Alamela enjoys reading books and learning.

Demelza and several other contestants thought it would be amusing to put condoms filled with mayonnaise in Alamela's bed and chili in her breakfast. Demelza also threw water balloons at her. The group of girls also thought it was funny to pour water on her head. Alamela didn't protest or fight back and that angered the ignorant bullies more since they couldn't get the reaction they sought from her.

At the beginning of episode five, host Jodhi Meares appeared in a message to viewers before the start of the episode explaining that the events were examples of natural teenage behavior (my daughter didn't behave like that) and the team behind Australia's Next Top Model do not support nor condone the behavior.

It has been alleged that the show did not properly handle the behavior of Demelza and the other contestants that engaged in such actions. It has even been stated that FOX8 (Australia) downplayed the events, with reports that in addition to the attacks that were televised, Demelza has claimed to have apologized numerous times to Alamela, and has expressed a wish that she be given a second chance, and has claimed that "everything's fine between me and Alamela".

There has been controversy about a certain "favoritism" by Jodhi Meares. Many fans on the FOX8 website have expressed their opinions about Jodhi being extremely biased towards Demelza. Since that time Meares has had her own personal problems with one being not showing up for the final of the show. Dawson took her place and Mears was dropped from the following series of the program.

When the judges announced their decision Vogue editor, Kirstie Clements stated that Demelza is not ready to appear on the cover of Vogue and Australia's Next Top Model judge, Dawson, agreed. Clements pointed out that she was concerned about Demelza's attitude and behavior and that is important when representing a brand such as Vogue. As Clements voiced her choice she said, ""I have worriers about you behavior and attitude. We have standards and we have ethics and the girls have to represent that. Because of that I choose Alex (the runner-up)."

Continued - And The Winner Is - The Victim of Being Bullied Becomes The Best Ever Australian Top Model

NOTE:

Since our favorite Top Model ever Asian Sheena Sakai was eliminated last week the devil gets its due in tonight's episode as her tormentor Elina Ivanova, 18 bites the dust and is eliminated. I can see the wide smile on Sheena's face right now.

One of their problems was that Sheena took exception of Elina and another European born contestant Marjorie Conrad, 19, of being misunderstood because they were born in a different culture. As Sheena's chest swelled up she burst out with, "It's not where you come from but where you're going (that matters)."

That was followed with a heated moment with both asking each other Are you finished?" several times and glaring stares. Sheena relieves out GO GIRL AWARD.

America's Next Top Model airs Sunday night on Channel V. Please note the schedule below for the time and repeats by using the chart ad applying it to your time zone in Southeast Asia.

Tyra Banks Top Model franchise has shows in United States (original) o Australia o Austria o Belgium o Brazil o Canada o China o Croatia o Denmark o Finland o France o Germany o Ghana o Hungary o Israel o Italy o Kazakhstan o The Netherlands o New Zealand o Nigeria o Norway o Philippines o Russia o Slovakia o Spain o Sweden o Switzerland o Thailand o Turkey o United Kingdom and International franchises Central America o Scandinavia o West Africa

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