Hi tyra, i'm sixteen years old, and I recently had an abortion. This wasn't exactly my choice. I never would have wanted to have to do that to my baby, I became so attached to it immediatly. I knew I was pregnant before I even missed my first period, I repeatedly told my boyfriend but I think he was just in denial and didnt want to believe that. I do not have my lisence and neither does he. So it took us about a month and a half to two months until we were able to get an at home prenancy test. When I got the test results came back positive, my boyfriend said he did want to keep it and we were gonna be ok. Then i told my mom the next morning. My mom was not mad she said that she would support us and help us in anything we decided. Then when he told his mom that night, she said if you have the baby, im kicking you out and i will not help you guys at all. I love my boyfriend more than anything and I couldnt let him get kicked out and I need help and if he doesnt have anything he cannot help myself and the baby. When i got the abotion i was almost 3 months pregnant. Ever since im even more self conscous I have a problem with my weight now even though im only 116 lbs. I have a problem with breaking out and acne scars also and it has become even worse since. Im constantly thinking about the baby and what could have been and how i wish i didnt have the abortion. even though the abortion is a much bigger issue one i cannot say so what about. I want to be able to feel good about myself. I want to be able to say so what about my weight and my break outs and scars, but I want them fixed so badly that i cannot simply say so what. please help tyra.

Hey Tyra. I'm Jamila :)! I am from Singapore! I love you! I am 13 this year and I weigh 169 pounds. I'm only 13! I am now trying to loose my weight. I have been insulted for every single day abt my weight and size. I had a tag on my blog. It said something like.. Omg! Jamila cute?? I vomit.. bla bla.. and you know what? I didnt care.. I simply replied.. spam spam lah SO WHAT?! Tyra I've wished so many times for me to be dead. I want to become famous but my dream dies day by day... For once you've made me laugh at an insult. I'm only 13. this insults have gotten so bad.. I feel I;m worthless. even in an attempt to solve a maths question, i cried so bad cos I could not figure it out... I started hitting myself. and when i eat something fattenign like ice-cream, I cry before I go to sleep. Thinking about how horrible I was to eat ice cream when I'm so fat even though i havent ate it in a whole month. You've gave me something I have been dying for. I love you Tyra. Thank you!

Hi Tyra, I'm Gina, 22 this year and I'm a dance teacher, in sunny Singapore. As a modern asian woman, we haven't been spared from the weight war. Better yet, as a dancer and teacher, I face my weight and size issues daily.

Due to the fact that asian women are smaller in size, with my weight at 121pounds and standing at about 5"3, I'm big. Yes, quite big actually. I was always the back line in when I was still in dance school and always the reject when it came to ballet partnering class.

And up-to-date, I still have a whole list of things I WOULD NOT wear cos a part of me believe that they'll make me look bigger than I should. The includes heels most of the time and being an active swimmer gave me broad shoulders and that does not help at all!

Upon watching your show, I did the impossible. I actually printed a "So WHAT?!" tee and wore it with my weight printed together with the phrase I walked down town with my head held high, feeling really good! Thank you Tyra, for going that far mile to making women feel accepted and promoting the essence of true beauty!!

And I will never forget what you mentioned on the show. Do not look left or right at others, but only in the mirror and being the best YOU can be.

Hi Tyra!!! I wanted to tell you that you have inspired me and a few friends to start our 'Baby you're Beautiful' campaign. It's a program where we try to raise the self esteem of young women. We are going to have assemblies at our school, fund raisers, T-Shirts, and surveys galore!!!! YOu are so inspiring to us all, and we are making you our number one example! You truly are a beautiful person both inside and out, and I thank you so much for trying to make young women feel beautiful, no matter what size! We think the standards that are set are ridiculous, and nobody looks like that in real life! So that is what Baby, You're Beautiful is all about. We show young women that average is beautiful. And most of all, to love themselves. Thank you so much Tyra. I am a huuuuuge fan of you and your show. I hope one day my friends and I make it onto your show so we can broadcast our program to a larger audience, and make young women listen up!!!

hi Tyra!
I really admire you in the courage that you put for getting back with those unruly paparazzi.They're the type of people who would love to see you when you're down.You are a very beautiful person inside and out.Before when i haven't watched your show my confidence and self esteem was very low. Growing up in an asian country where being thin is what they consider sexy and beautiful.plus fatness is also another term for ugly. i'm 22 years old now, and i've been overweight for almost 3/4 of of my life...You're the only person that made me realized and helped me to appreciate and loved myself for what i am. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TYRA for inspiring us women and that no matter what we look like, what race we come from, what our body type is WE STILL ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL INSIDE ABD OUT, JUST LIKE YOU TYRA.=)

LOVE,
CAMILLE OROSA from THE PHILLIPPINES

Hey Tyra!
I was just looking through the site for some information on the SO WHAT campaign because i'm doing a research paper for my college english class on eating disorders and the media and all the negative influences it has on women today. I'm putting you in the positive influences part, if thats ok, because i believe that you give strength to women everywhere...and by the way i am with everyone who says "So what my thighs rub together when i walk" i know where they're all coming from...ttyl tyra much love

LOVE your show topics and you are absoultely awesome as a host! After coloring my hair for more than 20 yrs. I had a SO WHAT moment when I saw the greys creeping up (2 wks after coloring)! Early (mid 20's) total greying runs in the family. I thought, low lights, highlights, streaks, color chunks! I'm done with this! Keeping up with hair coloring, to look younger more powerful, or competent is what social "norms" expect us to follow. Especially when working in a formal busniess enviornment. It wasn't easy to let it go after soooo many years. A couple of my co-workers even considered it to be the focus to tease me. "Hello Pepe Le Pew", or "Your 2 inch roots are showing". I have even been nicknamed "Greta Garbo" SO WHAT!!!!! I stuck it out and now it's at a 75% level of positive complementary comments. Hey, some have even asked when did I dye my hair (no tease this time). I am so glad I took the plunge and stopped conforming to what others expected. This is ME!!!! I love it! I still have a couple of months for the total transformation SO WHAT! I can't wait. I'm truly enjoying my inverted highlights!

I;ve got stretch marks on my legs from childhood obeseity, that havent gone away since I lost 80 pounds. SO WHAT. I have a gap in my teeth that rivals Madonna. SO WHAT?!?! And I have split ends, but who cares? I'm fine the way I am :)

so trya... in reading some of these first i noticed... "tyra got so much mail to read.. and a lot are long!" then i thought, these ladies have alot of strength to say "SO WHAT" i wish I could say it, but i cant, when one isnt healthy, one cant just shrug it off and make one's self feel better by saying "so what". i mean, can they? do u think saying so what can help one become healthier? or would it give them a right to stay un helathy?

Hey Tyra, Im a 17 year old proud single mother of a beautiful 1 year and a half old baby boy and after giving birth to him all most of my baby weight stayed on i went from a size 0 to a size 7 i felt pressured by eveyones opinion that i should lose weight to be as thin as I was before but 1 year and a half later i say SO WHAT!!!! I realized my body went through all these changes to give life to my son and i would give anything for him even if it means gaining 100 pounnds hes worth it and SO WHAT i still have baby weight but i gained so much more than that i gained the feeling of giving life and brining to life my gorgeous son Jose Gonzalez and im very proud your the insperation i neede to open my eyes beauty comes from within

Hi Tyra
U R BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHY, so don't let the tabloids make u think u r not.
The only thing I have to say is "SO WHAT I LOVE TO EAT SO WHATTTTTTTTT"!!!!!!Who doesn't!!!!

It is easy for Tyra to say so what about weighing 160 pounds, she is very tall. Be real... It is not that easy...

Hey Tyra!

Everyday I'm told that I'm too fat. As a Chinese person, many people are skinny and not as curvy. So what if im not!!! I am born in a multicultural society, I'm not the only one with my body figure. I love how you tackle the issue of race and weight issues.

So What?! if..
-I'm not a size 2
-I don't have huge boobs or a huge butt
-I wasn't extremely attractive as a child
-I'm almost 6 feet tall
SO WHAT?!!!

HEy Tyra!
I weigh 125 pounds and im proud of it! But i don't fit into dresses becasue my hips aren't 10 inches bigger then my waist. So one size is two small and one size is too big!!
Please help me ms.banks!

"The average size of women in the US is 12/14," yet every day I would go to school and see that I was the only girl who was size 14. As a child, I was catching lizards and snakes while my classmates were playing in their mothers' high heels and makeup. What I looked like never crossed my mind. Early in middle school I developed an incredibly negative attitude toward exercise because it was forced upon me so immensely by my coaches at school. After that, I looked at exersice as torture, and athletes as conceited. I ate all the time and became 'addicted' to sodas. At age 12 I remember going through a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper in less than one week. This continued for 8 years. After graduating high school, I was relieved because I no longer had to be surrounded by skinny girls every day to remind me that I was fat. At age 20 I was accepted to SMU, a school known for it's beautiful & sexy students among other things. The first semester there, I became very depressed because of my image, but I hid it well from my family and friends. I would practice with myself how I could talk to someone about it, but every time I opened my mouth I would sob. I skipped some classes and avoided talking about my feelings because I was so exhausted from crying. One day I would dry to look nice, then the next day I would rebel and try to make myself look dirty and frumpy. I finally wrote to a teacher (we hardly knew each other at all) and explained to her why I didn't come to her Health class. She then offered to lend me an ear and a hand as if we were best friends, and suddenly I felt free. I learned from her that being skinny isn't the important thing; what's important is to be healthy. All the health statistics I heard growing up never affected me, but for a reason I can't understand or explain, this teacher whom I hardly knew changed my entire outlook. Although it was extremely difficult at first, I reduced my soda intake from 2-4 a day to 0-2 a week, and started an exersice routine which only consists of walking comfortably on a treadmill for an hour a week. From that alone I dropped a size, which is awesome but it's not the main point. I am a size 12, still the fattest girl in the room, but now I can say I'M GLAD!!! SO WHAT?!!! There is not anyone I've seen that has a body quite like mine, and that's hot to me. My boyfriend LOVES my curves, and now I realize he's not just saying that to make me happy. I see the skinny girls next to me in class and think, "how boring is that?!" I guess my main point is that whatever you look like, how you take care of what's inside (body and soul) makes you glow on the outside. Okay girls I know that sounds incredibly cheesy but it took me 9 years to realize IT'S SO TRUE! I've got thunder thighs and a spare tire? SO WHAT? I'm taking care of myself the best I can without completely changing my lifestyle. How can you enjoy life by starving yourself, working out hours a day, or completely blocking out one of the best things the world has to offer: sugar! It's okay to have a chocolate bar, a soda, or ice cream. Just don't eat them all together at once!

Tyra "so what" was the most insperational show ever! People need to love people for who they are! Not what they look like. I have always been "thin". What i've noticed is when people say comments about my wieght it seems to not matter if it hurts my feelings. They say are you anorexic, or belemic,or you should eat a tub of crisco. Or other things. Also many women make fun of my breasts. I have a small C cup but they act as if i have none. My point is this... It hurts to make fun of anyone, wheather they are small,large,or niether. I'm with you Tyra "So What" I am thin and my sister is solid and we are both beautiful regardless!ladies dont atack eachother other with comparisons. Celibrate Diversity! Thanks Tyra you are empowering!

Hey Tyra!

i loved your "so what show" Im in my teens, 5ft 7in, and weigh like 140 pounds. i always worried about my weight, becasue all of my friends are really thin and small. people would make fun of me becasue i have alot of muscle. i was so self consious even though i know its mostly muscle because i am a highly competitive synchronized swimmer and i train at least 4 times a week. to make matters worse, my mother and father try not to let me eat as much because they fear im going to become overweight.its upsetting, because i have to sneak around the house after a 4 hour practice to grab something to eat. but ive decided so what. who cares that im not 120 pounds. I know that im a great person and that i have way more important things to worry about than my weight. besides, im a strong girl and eating some chips after an intense practice will not make me gain 30 pounds. I need to eat, and im begining to llove the skin i am in. you are an insperation to women every where!

love you tyra!

meg

PLEASE TYRA HELP ME!
hi tyra i watch your show all the time, i dont wish to put my real name so you can call me MRS. O. i'm just wrinting to you to ask you for some advice and help. i've always been a thin girl with very good curves 108 #'s. i was a teen mommy at age 16 in 1999, i gained 69 pounds with my 1st son and was able to lose all my weight, i had my daughter at age 17 in 2000 the very next yr, and gained 72 pounds since then i have not been able to lose weight.i've taken every kind of diet pill, laxetives, i've gotten prescribed pills by my obgyn and have not been able to lose weight. in 2003 i started to lose weight well 5 pounds but that was more then what i had been losing, just to find out that the only reason i was losing weight is because i was pregnet with my 3rd son, after i had him i tried everything again to lose weight i had another baby girl in 11/2006. i recently turned 25 and over weight at 225 pounds i'm only 5'1 and not a real big eater as a matter a fact i think i eat only 1 real meal a day and just snack if i have a chance to on apples and bananas, special k cereals. drink green tea almost everyday. now i've joined a all girls gym before and left after 4 months for the simple fact i did not lose no weight but gained 5 pounds. i was so mad i paid them just to gain weight. i've tried alot of other things i'm still nursing my baby girl for two reasons her health and because they say you lose weight when you nurse, and that is soooooooo not true i havnt lost a single pound. for some odd reason i lose and look alot skinnier right after i have my kids i look (picture a dog after giving birth to a litter of puppies all skin and bones) just like i did back in the day i take care of myself listen to my mother and grandmother myths about wearing a girdle and wearing sock, dont let the cold air hit dont walk over puddles of water (you know us mexi-CAN women) during your 40 days. and i still blow up 4 weeks later. even if i just eat healthy food WHY? why is it i just cant lose weight? i'm going to be getting married to my high school sweetheart of almost 10 yrs in 5/08 and i want to lose at least 60 pounds PLEASE i beg you please give me some advice and tips on how to lose weight. i've listen to you talk over and over about to love ourselves the way we are but i'm sorry everybody is lying to you when they say they feel good i cry every single day because of my weight, i cant wear a style of clothin that i like because it dont look good on a heavy set girl. i get tired right way playin with my kids i got to rest. i try to move around do things around the house just to keep my self busy trying to sweat some calories. i have not bought myself clothin since........... dam girl i cant even remenber wait a minute i bought myself some maternity clothing thats the only time i dress good. i could go into the dressing room with 20 outfits and maybe come out with 1 shirt that fits me. Then to top it off the mirrors they got in the dressing rooms just make me get depressed i stay in there crying wishing for a miracle. i've gained 117 pounds and all i want is to lose 60 for my wedding. and thats even if we can pull this wedding off with our budget. PLEASE TYRA HELP ME

PLEASE TYRA HELP ME!
hi tyra i watch your show all the time, i dont wish to put my real name so you can call me MRS. O. i'm just wrinting to you to ask you for some advice and help. i've always been a thin girl with very good curves 108 #'s. i was a teen mommy at age 16 in 1999, i gained 69 pounds with my 1st son and was able to lose all my weight, i had my daughter at age 17 in 2000 the very next yr, and gained 72 pounds since then i have not been able to lose weight.i've taken every kind of diet pill, laxetives, i've gotten prescribed pills by my obgyn and have not been able to lose weight. in 2003 i started to lose weight well 5 pounds but that was more then what i had been losing, just to find out that the only reason i was losing weight is because i was pregnet with my 3rd son, after i had him i tried everything again to lose weight i had another baby girl in 11/2006. i recently turned 25 and over weight at 225 pounds i'm only 5'1 and not a real big eater as a matter a fact i think i eat only 1 real meal a day and just snack if i have a chance to on apples and bananas, special k cereals. drink green tea almost everyday. now i've joined a all girls gym before and left after 4 months for the simple fact i did not lose no weight but gained 5 pounds. i was so mad i paid them just to gain weight. i've tried alot of other things i'm still nursing my baby girl for two reasons her health and because they say you lose weight when you nurse, and that is soooooooo not true i havnt lost a dam pound. for some odd reason i lose and look alot skinnier right after i have my kids i look (picture a dog after giving birth to a litter of puppies all skin and bones) just like i did back in the day i take care of myself listen to my mother and grandmother myths about wearing a girdle and wearing sock, dont let the cold air hit dont walk over puddles of water (you know us mexi-CAN women) during your 40 days. and i still blow up 4 weeks later. even if i just eat healthy food WHY? why is it i just cant lose weight? i'm going to be getting married to my high school sweetheart of almost 10 yrs in 5/08 and i want to lose at least 60 pounds PLEASE i beg you please give me some advice and tips on how to lose weight. i've listen to you talk over and over about to love ourselves the way we are but i'm sorry everybody is lying to you when they say they feel good i cry every single day because of my weight, i cant wear a style of clothin that i like because it dont look good on a heavy set girl. i get tired right way playin with my kids i got to rest. i try to move around do things around the house just to keep my self busy trying to sweat some calories. i have not bought myself clothin since........... dam girl i cant even remenber wait a minute i bought myself some maternity clothing thats the only time i dress good. i could go into the dressing room with 20 outfits and maybe come out with 1 shirt that fits me. Then to top it off the mirrors they got in the dressing rooms just make me get depressed i stay in there crying wishing for a miracle. i've gained 117 pounds and all i want is to lose 60 for my wedding. and thats even if we can pull this wedding off with our budget. PLEASE TYRA HELP ME

heyhey!! Tyra
I loved your show about "so what" but I still don't feel great about my body I am 13 years old and I am like 5ft tall and 103 pounds I get made fun of alot at school about alot of things but some of the guys call me fat and I don't know if its a joke or not but it really gets to me I can't stand it! it hurts me so much emotialnaly that me cofidance is really low!! help plez e-mail me back with help!! And I would love to be on your show!!

Tyra, babe, thank you for defending us chicks that aren't 5'11 or size 1. I'm 16 years old and I like to see people that stand against the obsurdity of having to fit into a specific mold. :)

Tyra,your such a strong woman and a inspiration.
I can relate to alot of things on your show.I watch your show everyday and get a little more inspired everyday.I may be young but i have opinions to.

Im a little over weight and after i watched your show and got all those girls and woman in those bathing suiuts with there weight on bathing suts,and i have to say i was very inspired.i have no more problems with confidence and ive gained alot of it from watching your show and i dont let anyone put me down anymore im a person just like them,and lerning to stand up for what i believe in.

If they try and put me down,talk about me,my opinion im just something great for them to talk about.

Thanks Tyra.
God Bless You.
-Kayla Norris.

This my sound weird but SO WHAT!! I fought like crazy to lose weight. After I became pregnant with my son I told everyone love me for who I am or ... you fill in the blank. From the end of my senior year of high school and maybe before if I liked someone I would starve myself to lose weight. Then I started working full time at a pizza restuarant, favorite food ever, (even when I worked at a pizza place), I ate it like it was never going to have a pizza again. I ate other things but pizza was a there food. Love it still. My first year there I weighed close to 300 pounds and wore a size 24W-26W. I lost 120 lbs and dropped to a size 16W. Just walking the resteraunt and worrying that something would go wrong on my shift. When I left there I was a size 18W. Yes I gained some weight back. After about a year from leaving the pizza place (DOMINO'S, I was pregnant with my now 5 yr old son. I gained 35 pregnant pounds, and 50 eating pounds. I didn't care, and today I way 240 or so pounds, my son loves me the way I am. So What if everyone else thinks that is fat. I love ME!! Take me or leave me. FAT WILL ALWAYS BE BEAUTIFUL!!!

TYRA!
OMG! I just wanted you to know you are an amazing person! I watch your show everyday. You have brought me to tears so many times because you are such an inspiration. You're the strongest woman I've ever seen. I love your confidence! You built my confidence up. I used to be bulimic. When I started watching your show, I was not bulimic, but I could relate to the stories. Your words are so powerful and you inspire me. I love that you are not judgemental and you are so openminded. I LOVE YOU. hehe =)

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love americas next top model!!
:) sincerely samanth!!
p.s. jlsb lias sgyfd7t

Tyra;
I just wanted to tell you that I watch your show everyday and I feel you are the most honest adn caring host i have seen.
The So What campaign is something I wanted to comment on. I was in a very abusive marriage for 10 years and I finally got tired of it, I left him with my 6 year old daughter and never looked back. I was on my own, no family to count on. Guess what I made it. So What I never have money for luxuries, I am on myown and safe. My daughter is safe. It has been almost 10 years and I still struggle by myself,but SO WHAT. I am happy!!!
I just neede to say that, because I have never said it before.
Thank you for the opprotunity. Tammy

Tyra I am semi-tall and I have a small waist but I got hips that show. They are only 32 in. but I have people telling me you have such big hips. Now my jeans are getting smaller and then I saw your "so what" campaign and I was like so what my hips are getting bigger and so what my best friend tells me how big they are. so what she is flat as a board and yah I don't have the thickest curves but I love the curves I have. Thank you Tyra

Hi Tyra!

I really don't know if this is the right way to say anything to you, but i'm gonna try it anyway.

I'm a girl from the Netherlands, and watch your show every day, of course we are far behind, but to me it doesn't matter because your shows are always great to watch!

I really need to tell you that ever since I began watching your shows my life has changed. I respect everybody, I think a lot more before I say things that can hurt people, and I hope that everyone will see your show someday and become more nice to each other!

I really want to thank you for all that you've given me, I like myself more than ever now!!

You're great, keep up the hard work!! One day it will pay off!!!

Kiss
Toossie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUTJQIBI1oA

this video is a MUST see.

Hi Tyra,

I just wanted to take the time and say a big thank you for what you are doing to help with girls, and women's self esteem. You've inspired me so much when it comes to helping my daughter. My 9 year old daughter is overweight. She has always been a thick built girl, while her younger sister is just long and lean. It breaks my heart when she tells me that she wishes that she could look more like her sister. She layers clothes to try and hide her body. I try and help her pick clothes that flatter her figure, but it still bothers her that she cannot wear those cute little clothes that other girls her age wears.

Then I remembered Mia, and Liv Tyler. I performed a websearch and showed her the two sisters who are equally beautiful, and very successful. This gave her a big lift! For other moms who have little girls who are plus size, I would suggest doing a web search for Mia Tyler, and Camryn Mannheim. And I just love Camryn's fighting spirit. And I cheered when she accepted the Emmy saying that this is for all the fat girls!

I reminded my daughter that women, and girls come in all shapes and sizes just like Christmas presents, it is what you find inside that makes you special.

It is just wonderful that you are shining the spot light on "real" women! You are right we are more than a number. I loved that episode. And those words "So What" have stuck with me ever since. I'm never going to be a model, I have a hail damaged booty, thunder thighs given to me by my mom, and will never be less than a size 12. As a teen, and young adult I struggled to love myself. Watching a model as beautiful as you say that you have your flaws just blew me away. You are helping so many women, and I wish you luck on the success of your talk show, and America's Next Top Model. Again women come in all sizes, and I know that you have talked about getting some heat for having your modeling show. For the women who are like my youngest daughter who have no butt, hips, thighs and are naturally skinny they too need someone to look up to.

thanx tyra,

finally, the light comes on 4 them.
i'm watching tv and a dove commercial comes on
i think they "meaning society" got it
they had curvy women in the commercial
so do you think your "So What" testimony from Good Morning America and your very on show itself had anything to do with it?

Uuuumm - LIKE HEC YEAH !

So again, thanx Tyra. I think they're (again, meaning society, because - yeah, we're our own worst critic but they are the ones setting the tone here for these young girls) finally getting it. We're talking healthy curvy women.

it was truly a pleasure to see!

Well Mrs Tyra why do you have so many Fat ppl on your show is it to make you look thinner now?BTW i am milato and i am more Blacker then you,do you really think you can Dance?

Maybe you need to spend your $$$ on a personality and maybe you can keep a man or maybe guys are turned off by your weight go fig!!! Your not largest Fan. P.S. XOOOXXXOX

Tyra...
That episode was especially inspiring to me! There are so many women out there that are not accepting of their bodies. The best thing you said on that show was that don't look at someone else and expect to look like them. Your body was made the way it was and find a weight that is comfortable for your body. That's how i feel. I am 5'8" and i weigh 150. I think that is good because I've even been told if I am any skinnier I would look too skinny. So, I loved that you said that on that show. That show made me want to get up and jump. There was so much energy and I felt it through the T.V. I Tivo your show and watch all of the episodes. You truly are my inspiration. I am proud of you and how far you have come. It just goes to show......NEVER give up!!! Thanks a lot TYRA!!!!

Dear Tyra,
My name is Rachel i'm 14 years old, and I live in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. I hope you will read this, if you dont i understand. I just wanted to say I love you soo much. Your an AMAZING role model for all teenagers.
I watch your show everyday after school, and one episode I thought was really good was the " SO WHAT episode " it made me cry because I realized something, I should love myself for who I am and I shouldn't care about what other people think and what I look like.
My so what statement is..
I may not be skinny like a model, SO WHAT! I am me and I love who I am. I'm not going to change for anyone no matter how pressured i get into doing it. I think its wrong that the media writes storys about all the celebritys and the way they look, its so wrong. Like all celebs are beautiful weather they're fat or skinny. Personaly I think there should be more plus size models in the modeling industry, I think its soo good that on ANTM you have plus size models. Thank you for that Tyra :) I want to be a fashion designer when i grow up i have TONES of scrapbooks filled with my designs. If i pursue my dream in designing, i am going to design clothes for women all shapes and sizes. Thats something i truly believe in.
Well i am going to go for now, keep up with the show, i'll keep watching everyday.

byeee.
LOVE YOU! (L)

sincerly,
Rachel.

Hey Tyra! You such an inspiration and I absolutely adore you. But I have a question and I really need your help. I don't remember what episode it was, but on ANTM you had your hair in a copper medium length hair do. It was layered and bounced so beautifully. I really want my hair like that for my senior prom on April 14. Please if you could send that picture to my email I would appreciate it so so much! I need it to show to my hairdresser

Hey Tyra,
I am from Germany and I'd so love to watch your show here. But unfortunatly there is no chance. So I keep myself posted on your site.
I love what you do and who you are. You inspire me everyday.
llllLLLLLots of Love
Gudrun, Germany

HI TYRA you are truly my role model. You have done so much in your life and have been so successful with your modeling career as well as taking on the T.v. world I love your show and Americas Next Top Model is my all time favorite. I am 18 and I want to model it has been a pasion that I will always have heart and desire to do, I just dont know how to get started is there any advise you have on helping me with that. THANKS, LOVE JACKELYN

I am a mother of 3 and i have gain 50 pounds im only 23 but i wanted to say SO WHAT I have gain so much weight.

HI:Tyra I watch your show everyday if i am not at home I record it watch it when I get home.I am writing you about the lady I love dearly. we just had a seperation, after 4yrs.6mo.It hurt.But I would love for you to make a dream come true. I need your HELP, you are the only one who can make it come true.She has this proable with her weight. She always says she is FAT and AUGLY. She has a nother promble about the way she looks.Could you {PLEASE} help her. I Have seen where you have made so many women happy and self confindence in there self. I all so have a daughter that got hit by a car going 70 miles an hrs.as she was walking down the side the road. The Dr.Said: she had at the time said she would not be walking by the time she is 40, she is now 31 her legs are starting to brother her now,she has never had a make over.Do you think she might need one.These two people I love Dearly I would love for a dream come true. I would love to see these two, have a surprise for them.Could or would you do this for them. I have a fixed income a month if i could aford it I would pay for it myself. Thank you for your time.May god bless you in every way he can.May all your dream come true: A Fan of your for ever. Joseph B. of a little town with one red light of HOLLY POND of al. Thank you, keep the good works up.

Hey Tyra,
My names Eric and I'm 18. The day I say your So What!? episode I was smiling so big! I know you inspired women across the country, but also guys, like me. I'll admit, I'm overweight and have moments when I don't like what I see in the mirror. To get rid of all the negative thoughts I just think back to what you said, "it's ok to be who you are." I alwasy get a extra boost of confidence. I just don't understand how people can look at you and say you're fat. That makes me feel so horrible, if you're not ok with the world, then I must be a monster! I just wanted to say thank you. What you did was a GREAT thing!! Keep up all the wonderful things you do!

Eric (From Burbank)

I was a relieved to see tyras initial reaction the tabloids that talked about a "fat" tyra banks. I remember feeling better about myself that even though the stupid pro-anorexia media thought a HEALTHY woman was fat, we were able to see the truth. I was a little sad to see Tyra rebutting it so hard, though. Suddenly I started to feel like maybe it wasnt okay to be over 100 pounds if im 5 foot 6. That maybe it wasnt okay to be average or more than average. I just had a baby a few months ago, and was feeling very down about myself until tyra spoke out. It would be nice if us normal people could be portrayed as normal and not "fat." They can all kiss MY fat a**... i know that... :)

Hi Tyra,
My name is Taylor Thompson I am a upcoming singr and I wonder if any of your singer freinds you know ever share with you where they draw there inspiration from when writing songs. I hope you get this you probably won't I wouldnt expect t but It fells good to talk to someone who can actually help you with your problem. Thnx Tyra, you have aheart of gold god bless you. I'm so proud to see that there are people in the world care so much for people and there problems even though you have problems of your own. YOU are a role modle in the lives of millions of little girls. Peace out. TAYLOR THOMPSON

Hey Tyra! I just wanted to say that watching your show and seeing all that you do truely inspires me. I love you and think you're wonderful. You're not only gorgeous you're smart too. I've always dreamed of being a model and I've done stuff here and there. I look up to you and hope that maybe I could look as good as you and become something GLAMOROUS! I wanted to let you know that you're doing a wonderful job on your show.

~Katy

I feel like I'm the fattest girl in the room all the time.

Hi Tyra, My name is Susan and Im a 47 yo nurse in NY.I absolutly love your program which is the first thing on the TV when I get in from work. I think you are a very positive initiative for women and I support you girl!!

Tyra,
I don't even know where to start. I'm 15 and I've had problems with my body since the 5th grade. I remember the exact day these issues started. I was walking with my first “boyfriend.” [which truly was being just friends with that title of boyfriend-girlfriend title.]
On my way to go home and this boy come up and asks him, “why are you going out with her? She’s fat?” It was traumatizing.
I went straight home and cried. Other than that, I’ve never truly been made fun of about being fat. The only time it came up was if I was in a fight with someone. All the person could say were fat comments and as ignorant as the majority of these people were, it got to me and it’s scarred me. I am not a fat girl, I know this, but at the same time it’s so hard to believe it.. if that makes sense. I am 5”1, 135ish pounds [it changes], and have a little bigger than D size breasts . I am constantly criticizing myself and afraid that even though people aren’t saying anything about me being fat, they’re secretly thinking it and making fun of me behind my back… it seems kind of childish and like I am too worried about what people think, but it’s true. The funny thing is, I don’t even know why it matters so much what people think because it doesn’t really make a difference in my life, but everyday I still continued to wear big sweatshirts and jeans thinking it hid my curves. Then one day I saw your show. Tyra, to tell the truth, you are the most amazing person; beautiful from the inside-out. For many years people have told me the same things that you are trying to get across, but for some reason you have such a bigger power then all of them, and when you speak, I believe it. I feel as if I know you because I watch your show each day after school, like I can just call you up and be like “Hey Tyra!” You seem so down-to-earth and caring. When I saw your video where you were saying “to girls at home, to girls at work… etc. etc… kiss my fat ass” it literally brought tears to my eyes and I was starting to believe that this was true. You are inspiring and you’re making such a big difference in society. I just want to thank you for changing my personal self-esteem and for all the other girls you are bringing confidence to.

Hi Tyra,

My name is Mary Northrup and im soon to be a mother of 2,i must say that watching your show has really helped me, before i had my daughter autumn who is now 2 i was 140 pounds and still thought that i was a eye sore to look at i tried so hard to lose weight after having my daughter i thought it would make me happy, when all it did was make me mad because i would work so hard and lose nothing, so then i would wonder what was wrong with me, you see all these pretty women on tv and they have the perfect bodies you just cant help but wonder why thats not you, well im 8 months pregnant with my second child and before i started watching your show i was already trying to figure out how i was going to lose the weight after this one, i was even thinking about having surgrey after the baby is born.i watched your show where you and all your guest wore their weight on their bathing suits, that show really helped me because i realized im not in high school anymore and im not 140 pounds but so what,im proud of every pound ive gained because i have a loving daughter and new baby on the way to show for it. so thank you again

~mary northrup~

Hey Tyra,
I just want to say i am so proud of you!! i always watch both your shows and i have always admired you and i just want to Thank you so much for being so strong!! i knew i wasnt alone but no one says so what!! most people just try to hide it and girl i am tired of hiding it this past year and a half have been really hard for me i have always been kinda heavy and about two and a half years ago i lost 60 lbs i was so proud of myself!!! then november of 05 i got pregnant and i gained 100 lbs with my pregnancy and i have only lost 40 lbs i am right back where i was and i have been really down on myself a i cried so much even though my daughter is the most important thing in my life!!! and i really can relate to the woman that was on your show that said she contimplated sucicide but wanted to time it right for some one to be there for her children i was in the same place and none of my friends or family know any of this because i dont want pitty and i didnt want them to worry about me. but i cant think like that anymore!!

i am saying SO WHAT if i havent lost the other 60 lbs from my pregnancy if thats the price i have to pay for my little girl society can kiss my fat a*s!!!!!!!!!!

tyra, im not really a big person but ive always been uncomfortable about my stomache because when i go to the beach there are so many girls that have prettier stomaches than me but after watching your show about so what i dont even care any more and this is what i want to say " yeah my stomache jiggles when i run down the beach SO WHAT!!!"

Hi Tyra,

I know you do not have time to read these emails personally, with such a busy schedule. I justed wanted to say Thank You Tyra for making time to do the tyra Show.
I love your show.I look forward each day to watching it.

Your shows have helped many women in ways you will never know. I call you a True Angel Tyra because you reach out and help others and never ask for anything in return.

God picked this life for you, and you made him proud by being a caring and giving person. That is what life is all about, giving and helping and not asking for anything. Seeing the joy on people's face knowing you made a difference is the gift you get back.

Keep up the good work Tyra, and please make time and do something good for yourself, because girlfriend you deserve it. I do not know you personally, but have much love for you as a person, and for what you do for others. Keep being real and staying true to yourself. You are someone I would love to hang out with because you a good heart and I can see that you have such good energy surrounding you. Plus you would be crazy like me girl. I love to laugh and be silly. Thank you for taking time to read this.

I know you have many friends, but if you ever need someone to talk to that is not someone you know, please email me. I am here for you. I am not asking for anything, and I am not weird, just another Angel like you.

Have a great day!

eh there tyra,
dam i never thought i would be doin this but it will help my confidence. woo here it goes. ok im 15 and really short and i do not have a flat stomach, my thighs roll n jiggle a lil n my butt is pretty dam big but my butt is kinda my trade mark i guess but i rather not have the rolly jiggly thighs or the stomach but to my but thighs n stomach to u i say SO WHAT !! bam there i hope that helps later tyra talk to u again soon!

Dear Tyra,

Hello my name is Laura and I live in a small town called Cranbrook, Britich Columbia in Canada. I love watching your show, yes even people in Canada watch your show, even better people in small towns watch your show. You have helped me to be myself when I watched the episode where the whole audience was wearing red bathing suits it made me feel empowered and not so scared of what my body looks like. I weigh 154 pouds SO WHAT!!! I now love the way that I look and I'm not gonna let what other people think decide who I should be. I don't want to some skinny, blonde chick with fake boobs. I like who I'am. SO if anyone should be reading this and your feeling down and I know that I'm just another person from some small town in the middle of nowhere just know that you are not alone, we are all here together. Us women must stand strong against adversity, we will pervail and get through any obstacles that stand in our way. Tyra has shown me that its ok to be who ever you are. My list of So What's
1). So What that my inner thighs rub together.
2). So What that I have a very round tummy.
3). So What that I weigh 154 pounds.
4). So What that I'm not some skinny chick with big boobs.
5). So What that I have my dads big nose.

Thank-you Tyra Banks.

Much Love,

Laura

Tyra,
I was actually looking for the link to e-mail you, but I couldn't find it, so this is the best I could find. I want to tell you that I never really was a fan until I saw your talk show. And, the more I watch your show, the more beautiful of a person you become to me. You are the one I compare myself to when I talk about losing weight. I'm 5'3 and 134 lbs. I have a 4 year old daughter, and I was 120 when I got pregnant, and have not been able to get those last 14 pounds to budge. I always think "I need to lose weight. I'll feel so much better about myself." I worry about what people from high school will think- I'm 24 now. SO WHAT?! WHO CARES?! However, almost everyone I've seen from high school is now chubby. But, I'm used to being the "stick girl" and now I've got the post-pregnancy body S T I L L, even after 4 years. As I'm feeling bad about myself, I see a magazine cover on you when you're saying "I weigh 161 lbs!" And, I thought "How beautiful is that?!" I saw an episode of your show about anorexic and bulemic women, and at the end, with tears in your eyes, you said "This is to all the media critics, this is for all the women who work, go to school, take care of their children, and get harassed because of their weight.... you are beautiful. So, everyone else can kiss my big fat ass!" And, my eyes immediately welled up with tears, as they are right now. You have given me so much courage to feel secure in my body and know that I am beautiful. I have given life to another person and for that alone, I am beautiful. And, you- my dear- have inspired me so much to realize my self-worth and my own beauty. Thank you Tyra. You are an extremely wonderful, positive and beautiful person, and I love you for it all!!!! Thank you so much. Take care.

hey tyra my names angel and im 15 years old ive been through so much i cant even think about my past anymore!! or even believe that that was me and that ive been there in those situations!! i just want women to know all over the world that no matter how old you are you need to be you and respect yourself you need to respect your body your relationships and evrything else im just sayin that ive been through situations where i lost everything i had no love and was going threw 3 different kinds of abuses (trust me im ok now and always will be always have!) girls should have a drive to live and the strength to handle any situation wile alot of my down time in my life i watched americas next top model cause i knew tyra was a depressed person but you could see on the show that she was a strong confident person!! tyra you are my inspiration!! to all the women out there if you are in trouble reach out for help because you need to believe in yourself and you are worth living for!! and always remember that things will get better and that you can always change things around you can be whatever you wanna be!!

Hi Tyra,

I know the chance of hearing from you is so slim because you have so much mail to go through but this is regarding a post on here by a woman Jessica. Thats the post date stamp of her post.

Posted by: jessica | March 12, 2007 01:47 PM

She has a remarkable point about thinness because i was once there. And i had no eating disorder. It was as i discovered later an unbalanced metabolism which i've since corrected by taking B complex... but yes thin women go through social rejection too and are referred to as skeletons and being less of a woman because of lack of curves. Attacked and accused of having eating disorders when some of them don't. I was down to 105 1bs in most of my 20's... I am now 137 at the age of 37 at 5'5". I think it is a great show idea and am with jessica 100% on it. maybe you can have women like her still going through it and women like me who've overcome the problem. Please please please Tyra post my mail and please respond to me if you can! I would love to hear from you. Thinness is an issue too and not as an eating disorder issue either but as a social ostracism... I love you!!!!!! Even if you don't post this please email Jessica and ask her to try the B Complex vitamin and see how it helps her weight. Pleeeeeeease... and could you let me know if you do that? Thanks...

Dear Tyra,

I believe your "So What" campaign is very encouraging for women everywhere, however I feel you left guys and or Teens out. As a GAY teen I deal with alot, probably more than alot of people will deal with in their life time. It's hard to take bullying and words that scar your soul forever. I wish I had the strength to say "So What" but it seems to hurt so much. Maybe you could a show about being a gay teen? a coming out show? or coming out stories?

Just a suggestion =)

Love ya,
Joseph

P.S I Don't wanna seem like all these people who ask for your help and etc... I just felt it would be a good story topic.

Well Tyra, I am 21 years of age and sometimes I don’t know what to think no more. I want to become a model and do some work in that industry and I hate how it works. Yeah I am tatted up "SO WHAT"!!!!! I mean I have two big ones, one on my left arm and one on my right and then one on my ankle and one are my chest area. SO WHAT. I know people don’t think that tats are cute but they are not bad tats at all. Oh wow. Also yeah I am not big and I am not small but so what on your size. I have a little stomach not to much fat but SO WHAT. I just tired of my dreams getting shot down just because the next person thinks of me. I mean some of these models I think shouldn’t be up there doing what they do just based off looks and personality but I am not the person who can judge, man it’s just my opinion right. SO WHAT if others don’t want to see them. SO WHAT if people think they are ugly! SO WHAT if people don’t like their shape. I THOUGHT MODELING WAS ALSO ABOUT BEAUTY WITHIN AND PERSONALITY LET OUT AND FACE MOST OF ALL FACE AND IF THEY HAVE THE TALENT TO DO IT. SO WHAT ABOUT EVERYTHING. SO TYRA HELP ME OUT TO FIND OUT!!! SO WHAT IS NEXT IN THIS WORD???? SO WHAT tamieka dawson

Tyra,

Frist I just want to say that I think that you are such an amazing person. I am 21 and married to a soldier. Since he has left for Iraq I have put on 20 pounds, and I was so scared of what my hubby was going to think when he saw me with the extra pounds, until I saw your show "so what." It made me relize that I am still sexy and my hubby will still find me sexy too! What I am trying to say is SO WHAT I am 5'2 and 145lb, I am still hot!

Dear Tyra, I just saw your "So What" show Monday night, and I've got goose bumps just thinking about it, again. My friends and I were just discussing Women's body image after our Yoga class that same night. This was because we all have friends that would like to join Yoga class but think they're too fat. Well, I got home and turned on your show and there you were with your whole audience wearing red swimsuits with their weight in big white numbers. My husband said,"See Tyra doesn't worry about it. You shouldn't either. You're beautiful, too!" Well, this got me to crying because I do worry about weighing too much. I'm 44 years old and I can barely remember a time that I didn't worry about being fat. Maybe when I was 5 yrs old before I started school. Then you introduced the "So What Bracelet" to your audience, and it was like the icing on the cake. I would love to see a sea of Red "So What' Bracelets where ever I go. I would love for you to get the "SO WHAT" message out to ALL women. I would love to be able to buy the red "So WHAT" bracelets for me and for all my friends. And for my friends daughters!!! I might even get two for my sons so that they can support the important females in their lives. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the next generation of women were raised saying, "SO WHAT" and believing it! God Bless YOU!!!

Dear Tyra
You are the most inspiration person. My name is Julia and i am 16 years old. I am not a small person and iwill never be a small person. I have a full chest and very full leg and they do touch. So What. I have a stomach and a butt. So What. I am a size 14 so what. I am healthy. Before i saw your show i was a comeplete and total mess. I used to wear big and baggy clothing to hid my figure. I can say now proudly that since that show i wear close that show off my assets instead of hids them. I have noticed that since then i have also became more confident and people have responded in a positive way to that. Black, green, purple, blue, size zero or size 40 everyone is beautiful. You helped me think of myself in that way
Thank you so much.
Musically yours
Julia

Tyra...I have to tell you that while I am old enough to be your mother, I really admire the way you talk and the things you say. I hope you really cherish all the time you have with your mother, becaust it's gone too soon. That said, I truly wish I could go along with the 'so what' campaign. My weight has spireled out of control, and due to diabetes, lymphodema, and other issues, probably my own lack of self-control, I have ballooned up to a size that I am horrified at. I am litterally 'beside myself' when I look at the scales, and wish there was a magic pill. We have decent insurance, but even the cost-share is out of the question for surgery, so I guess I just look for a rack to stretch me to the 8-foot-6 I should be. I'm not really sure that being thinner would bring me the sense of wanting to be around for another 20 years...at this point the idea horrifies me, but I want to encourage all the others to keep on keeping on. Make yourself feel good about YOU first, then you will know what your 'so what' is. (ps...I'm 54)
-Cheryl

Hello Tyra
I love you're show and how you inspire others.I am almost the same weight as you and I would like to become a model.The thing is I don't know where to start from.I signed up at this booth at the fair.Last wenesday I recieved a call from them, which was the Casa Blancas modeling center and they schedule an appointment with me.I went on Friday night and they told me that, I had to get training, which is $2,600.Tell me what should I do, I can't afford it.I would love to go on "top model", but I want to graduate first,I'm only a junior in high school.Please help me Tyra!!=)
Thank you for taking to read this.
~xoxxoox~

Hey Tyra!
I just watched a rerun of your "SO WHAT!" Campaign show. I am 17 and I get teased for being "fat" or "ugly". Well, I may be those things to others, but SO WHAT. I think I am beautiful!!! You are the best Tyra!!
Much love,
Amanda

Tyra,
I'm sure you've heard this enough already -- Your "SO WHAT?" campaign ROCKS !!

That's the best thing I've seen in years!!! I'm 47 and have fought the battle of the bulge for years. Now I'm concentrating on HEALTHY. I think it's important to be healthy, whether you're 90 lbs or 300 lbs or anywhere in between... or whatever Race or disability, etc.

Tolerance! You Go, Girl!!

i am a first time mom. I went from a size 12 to a size 16. SO WHAT?

Tyra,

I loved your "SO WHAT" Episode. I am the mother of three young girl, and I want them to grow up loving the skin that they are in. It is hard my four year old already knows about "FAT". I get really depressed about being "Fluffy" Sometimes I think what if I don't eat, or what if I throw up my food, I even looked at those pro ANA and MIA sites. But I really think that you have a good point so I am a little fluffy "SO WHAT" I think that you are beautiful and a great person for standing up for women that cannot love the skin they are in. Thanks Tyra.

Tyra, I love you as an actress (especially on your Fresh Prince days), I love you as a model and I love you even more as a person! You are real and you don't care what is said or who says it! I love your attitude! You are an inspiration to others.

I am a 24 year old Army wife and mommy to an amazing 19 month old little boy and currenty 9 weeks pregnant with baby #2. Anyway, I LOVED your "so what" episode. It made me realize that everyone really does have flaws. I am tall, and that's ok. I am thick, and that's ok. I have booty, and that's ok. I have a belly that gets bigger more and more everyday growing something beautiful inside and I have stretch marks all over...SO WHAT!!! My stretch marks are my mama battle scars and I wear them proudly! It doesn't make me a bad wife or mommy or person. It doesn't make my husband or children love me any less. It doesn't change who I am inside. I HAVE STRETCH MARKS...SO WHAT!!! Bring them on!

I wish there was more inspiration like this 10, 12, 15 years ago when I was just a young girl and teenager. I have a 10 year old stepsister who already is worried about her body and wears cover-ups in the summer over her bathing suit...even in the water! I have passed on the "so what" philosophy to her! Thank you Tyra! Keep up the good work!

Hi Tyra! Im a young female that has struggle with weight issuse for almost half my life. I wasn't a chubby child but when i was rounnd 10-11 that's when I started to pick up weight. With my weight issues was my self-esteem issues and I thought that no guy would want a heavy female like me. I was told in my face by a male that i was to fat for him. When he told me that I cried and cried. I was so close to suicide because of my weight. I would hide knifes under my bed and just cut myself with the knife because I didn't want to live no more. I talked to my sister which you heard of her before Coko from SWV and she talked to me and just encourage me. You and her are the reasons why I didn't kill myself. I just THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH! Your words of encouragement to the people that come on your show has helped me so much. Im always telling my self that I want to give you a big hug just because who you are as a person. My sister as and can get anything she wants because she's a celebrity but I just want to thank her in a special way and you as well. Thank you, tears are about to roll down my eyes but just thinking about how I couldn't be here today because of the negative thoughts i had about me and my weight. THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH TYRA. Everyone that knows me knows you are my role model and my IDOL! Even though I don't have a SO WHAT video but I do have my SO WHAT quote. "MY BOOTY JIGGLES WHEN I WALK......SOOOOOOOOOO WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you Tyra from the one that looks up to you:-)

Tyra,
I want to thank you for this movement. I am an 18 year old Native American who has always struggled with my weight. People are always calling me fat, ugly, or telling me I should diet. my only respose to them has been "Bite me" but now I say "SO WHAT?!" "SO WHAT?!" I am a size 14, and weigh 216 lbs, but I make it look good! to quote my boyfriend "there's a size zero? wait... dosn't that mean you don't exist?" I look at some of these women and feel sick because all they think of is their weight, the intake of the food. Thank you, I feel free to be myslef.

Hi Tyra,
Thanks again for caring about those you don't even know. I am a young woman who has been through alot, and picking myself up is so hard but I realize I'm still here able to do things most women can't, but your shows help out alot. Its hard for me to see some shows so I have to go to the site just to find out what I missed, but when I sit and watch sometimes I cry, laugh cause u crazy girl, or get upset with how people ack or what they may say so believe me you help my life alot...
Thanks
Christina

hey tyra i love your show and i'm really glad that their is still people like you who know and feel how most of the society is going through about their wight but unlike me who i an naturally skinny and wouldnt mind to gain a few pounds and that people wish to be like me or either think im anorexic, which dose hurt but yiu really helped my sister so thank you very much!!!
i love you tyra

hey tyra!!!! i love your show and i'm really glad that their is still people like you who know and feel how most of the society is going through about their wight but unlike me who i an naturally skinny and wouldnt mind to gain a few pounds and that people wish to be like me or either think im anorexic, which dose hurt but you really helped my sister so thank you very much with her self confidence and She wanted to let you know thata she wights 158 and SO WHAT!!! THANK YOU ONCE MORE TYRA!

I'am 16 years old and come 4rm a mexican family.I just want 2 let u know that u are a role model 2 many girls specialy me.It might soung crazzy 2 people but today's show really changed the way i think about life and myself.You really showed me that there is more 2 what people think or say about me since i have always been over weight.I understand that I'am only 16 and people have told me that i dont know about life because im still young,but trust me Tyra i have been through alot of bad things in my point of view this past 2 years because i feel less pretty and bigger than the other girls, even though some people say im the oposite of what i think about my self but some people is not enogh for me i want everyone 2 see me normal.I used 2 be a real quit and shy girl with no confidence.Now im a loud not shy girl, that's a good thing dont get me wrong but what hurt me inside is what made me like this.Now im still over weight,but with anger and sadness inside.You can say i have done some "real stupid" things 2 loose weight,feel good about my self and fit in, but all that did not help me it just hurt me real bad and changed me in a oposite way.A way that i cant take no more i dont even know who I am, my family doesnt know who i am either. I scare my self and hurt the people that love, me my parents.Since im the oldest doughter of 4 children i feel i have no one that understands me,but in todays show you made me feel completly different about my self.I feel that u understand me and know where i'am coming from even though u dont know me.I just want 2 thank u 4rm the bottom of my heart and thanks 4 caring 4 ur fans and understanding us.Now i have something 2 live 4 seriously now i want 2 live life 4 me and not careing what people say.I'am me and "so what"!!! i love u Tyra and thanks!!!

Tyra! I'm only 14 but have been called fat everyday since the 2nd grade! I'm 5'5 and weigh 135. My feelings get hurt and things go through my head about should I quit eating, should I go to a different school. By watching your show about the "So What" campaign and reading your People's Magazine article, I've learned to stop caring. I want to thank you for doing this and let you know you truly did inspire me!!! Thanks you SOOOO MUCH!!

I am a mother of 3 boys. My belly has a pudge and I have stretch mark. SOOO WWHHAATT!!!! I got 3 lovely kids out of the deal!!! thanks tyra for opening my eyes.

tyra, you are truly inspirational. i love how you are going against what is in, and telling society the TRUTH.
but i have something i want to bring to your attention.
it's true that there are women who are dying to be skinny.
but what about females like me, who are NATURALLY skinny, but are healthy? and then people see them.. and think "oh, their skinny.. their anorexic."
it hurts.
i hope i'm not the only one going through this.

Hey Tyra! I love your SO WHAT? campaign. I think it would be awesome if you sold the red SO WHAT bracelets on your site and donated the profits to a rehab facility for eating disorders or some place like that. Wearing that bracelet would help remind women everyday that they are beautiful just the way they are and no one has the right to put them down. I know I would sport one! Thanks for the great message and keep up the great work, I love your show!

Tyra for years i have been unhappy with my weight. I have always tried to find ways to lose it and if i couldnt lose it i would cover it up wearing the big shirts and jeans with jackets. It wasnt till you tv show and article that made me realize so what if im a size 10 and i dont have the wash board stomach. For the frist time in my life im not scared to eat when me and my boyfriend go out or at home. It feels good. THANK YOU SO MUCH.. YOU ARE A TERRIFIC ROLE MODEL FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE AND I HOPE ONE MY CHILDREN WILL HAVE A ROLE MODEL LIKE YOU!

well i think the SO WHAT campagian is so empowering. Everyday on television we see women considered "beautiful" and we then try to make ourselves look like those women...i have to remind myself constantly that the people on tv are made to look perfect. ITS NOT REAL...true beauty is on the inside and im so glad that we can say SO WHAT...who cares what they think..we need to make ourselves happy.

Tyra,
It's not that easy. My name is Stephanie B. and I am 16 years old and weigh around 125 lbs. I'm only 5ft2, so that weight looks really bad on me. It's not that easy to just say ''so what''. Everytime I look in the mirror I am reminded of how disgusting I look. Everytime I eat something I am reminded of how I got this big. Last year I lost a lot of weight and during the summer decided I was going to try to love myself without running 700cals off per day and I gained all of that weight back, plus 10 lbs. Now, I'm enormous. So, there is no way I can just say ''so what'' because everywhere I go or everything I see I am reminded of how disgusting I am. I can't go to dinner with friends, or spend the night with friends, or go to the beach, or wear a bathing suit because I'm too disgusting. I can't just say ''so what'' and do it anyways, because there is always those people that are thinking inside their head ''why is she wearing that?'', or ''she shouldn't be eating that''. I feel like if I don't weigh less, or if I don't eat less, or exercise more I'm not going to amount to anything because everyone just sees that fat that I have. I want to be skinny so badly that is consumes my every thought. I go through school and I count calories on my paper when I should be paying attention in Biology. Or, I can't focus in English because I'm planning the exercise I'm going to do that night. It's even gotten to the point that I can't even get up on stage and act anymore like I loved to do, using to hope to be an actress. I can't just say ''SO WHAT'' and get up on stage anyways because I know I don't look as good as others. I watch Americas Next Top Model and for days later I feel like complete crap because I am not as skinny as they are, or as tall as they are, or .. as anything as they are. I will not ever be good enough because of the body I am in. I can't just say ''so what''.

Your the only one I have told this to.

Dear Tyra,

I saw your show's topic on weight issues, and believe me I can relate! I am 5'7-5'8 and weigh about 228-230.
I have felt like a cute Latina, but sometimes I have days in which I just feel like the biggest whale in the world.
However, after watching your show today I realized that I should not be ashamed of my body's weight nor should I be proud that I was eating unhealthy.
When I saw that different TV gossip shows, internet sites were calling you fat I was apalled and angry.
I could not believe that the superficial world would consider you fat!
In my opinion I think that you are one of the most beautiful woman in the world, and your body is ideal compared to those skinny sticks that the media hypes so much!
I admire women like you, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Salma Hayek,and so many others that have the courage to to tell the world "SO WHAT!"
Thank you Tyra for having a topic like this on your show. I hope that people that made fun of big people in high school or school realize that they hurt feelings!

Denise

i'm just here on behalf of all the other men-- YES, MEN!-- who love large women. big and beautiful, if u will.. yeah, so i enjoy a little meat on the bones. maybe even a lot of meat. maybe i want her to be bigger than me. maybe she can even rebound like dennis rodman and eat like the missing conehead sister. SO WHAT?!?!?

Dear Tyra-

after watching your show so many times, I have many things to say about the "weight issues" you surface basically everday.

I am so proud and I love what you are doing for "larger" women- making them feel comfortable in their own skin. It really is about time that so many women tell eachother to be comfortable.

BUT BUT BUT

I do not like the way you and/or any one else on the show, and in this world in fact, have been treating "thin" women.

I am 5'2 and 93 lbs. I'm as healthy as can be and I don't diet, I eat what I want, when I want. My favorite food is cupcakes. It's my gift and curse I guess cause I can't seem to ever gain 10 pounds. It's just not happening with my body and I've tryed alot from birth control to different eating routines.

I've had the anorexic story pitted on me for years now. I've had nearly all my friends tell me to shut up when I make a comment about my weight when we joke around, apparently I can't joke about my weight like other people. And now I get those "fuller" women telling me 'You're not a REAL women if I dont have CURVES'

This is the most hurtful of all. I feel lower and lesser just for being healthy, skinny, and boney unlike them. Why is that??

I think it has to do with all this weight hype. If you are going to address the weight in america, think of the weight of the world instead- where many women are thin and as beautiful as any other women.

why are those "real women" trying to set us against eachother, and divide us more?? 32A vs DD?

Real women are women who stand with eachother, fight for whats right, believes in themselves and every other women who is kind hearted. Not who is a size 0 and a size 10 (which is fastly the new goal in America I guess. I can't even gain 10 pounds, so I guess I'm not cool or real?)

I think you should do a show for the thin and healthy women. Please, it would be very helpful to us to help our own self esteem go up and have some one, a "real women with curves" be able to say 'you there with the hipbones are a real women too.' treat us with the respect as well please.

SO WHAT

IF MY COLLORBONE SHOWS AND I HAVE JUTTING HIPBONES AND MY THIGHS DONT TOUCH AND I'M A HEALTHY SIZE 0.

SO WHAT!!!!!

Tyra-

I'm an almost 15 year old girl who is very heavy chested and a little over weight.But, after watching your show and hearing about all those women out there that have went through what I'm going through, it gave me hope and strength to accept myself for me.Yeah, I'm big chested and have a not so tiny waist, So What? You've taught me to never look down on myself and I want to Thank You for you standing up for us Not Size 2 girls and showing us that we Are beautiful.No Matter What.

Thank You.

dear tyra
i am 19 years old and i weigh about 125 to 130 i am bout 5;3 i have always felt that i was fat and everyone gets quit mad at me for the way i feeli saw ur show about the so wat campaign and i thought about it alot i need to change the way i feel i mean nobody is perfect it is all about how you you see your self and how you feel .please write back when you can .

Hi Tyra,

I just finished watching your show today on the "so what?!" campaign. It was a repeat episode; I never saw it when it originally aired. I want to say "THANK YOU" from the bottom of my heart. I suffer from severe depression and body dysmorphic disorder, and I obsess about my weight. I carry a lot of hatred towards myself for being overweight, but now every time I look in the mirror and want to cry or insult myself because I hate my thighs or my gut I will say to myself "SO WHAT?!" This is huge, because I constantly want to kill myself, because I feel so ugly and fat. I have tried to kill myself once before. I have already started to practice this mantra, and guess what? IT’S WORKING! This brings tears to my eyes! Instead of crying and hating myself when I see something I don't like in the mirror, now I say "SO WHAT?!" and laugh it off. This is huge for me. I now have a technique to divert the mental beatings I give myself daily. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Earlier today I had eaten six doughnuts, and I was cursing myself out and feeling really bad about it, but after watching your show I said to myself "SO WHAT?!" it's not the end of the world. I was so mad at myself because I promised myself that I would start my diet today. After telling myself "SO WHAT?!" I reassured myself that I can still continue on with my diet, but I don't have to hate myself if I am not perfect. It takes time to eliminate all the junk food, so I just need to be patient. This is huge progress for me, because I have extreme body dysmorphic disorder and I have not left my home more than ten times in five years. I feel so ugly and fat that I don't want to be around other people. I am a 23 year old female, and I have been wasting the best years of my life staying at home and being depressed. I live with my parents, and this month they got a psychologist to have a session with me weekly. She comes on Wednesdays. Last Monday, I was determined to start dieting. When I failed miserably I felt that I was to fat to see my psychologist, so I cancelled our session. I would probably have cancelled this week’s session too, if it wasn't for you. Had I not seen your show I would have told myself that I am too fat and ugly to see my psychologist, but thanks to you I now think "so what?!" she is not coming to judge me, she is coming to help me. Thank you so much Tyra. With your words you have literally changed my life, as well as thousands of other people too. Bless you! :)

Hey, Girl.... I love you. Me and my friends watch you everyday.. You give me streangth becuase all my firneds are like 0,5,and 3 and i am a 15 and i say " SO the Heck What ". We all love you stay strong! (L)

First of all let me tell you how much I love your new show! I don't get to watch it that often since I am at work when it is on. I am off today and watched your "so what" show! I loved it, it made me cry and laugh. My so what moment was when my fiance and I were recently at the Dr. for a check up since I am pregnant with our second baby. I was so scared to let him see the scale, but he saw it and joked a little about it! Now I look back and say "SO WHAT!" I won't be scared to let him see it any more!
Have a great day!
Chrissy

Coincidence, Irony, .... Something is going on for sure!!!
I am single mother to 3 fabulous girls (12, 3, and 8mths). I'm also a full time student. I had made up my mind to start my diet this morning when I saw your "So What" show.
I was a size 5/7 and 5'7 in high school and at certain times after. However, with my last two children the weight has not melted away miraculously like it did after my first at age 18. I am now a good size 16. My goal this morning with the commencement of my diet was a size 10.
After watching your show, I realized that-I weigh 200 lbs. SO the hell WHAT!!!!! I'm still going to start eating healthier and excerising. I'm an intelligent woman and being healthy is the intelligent thing to do. But I AM NOT worried about what size jeans I end up in.
What I am worried about is that my girls know that I love them no matter what size they are, that they know that education is important, that they know that who they are will ALWAYS trump what they looks like!!!
Girl, I am a 200 lb, size 16, corn-fed Iowa Girl!!! SO WHAT!!!!!!!!!!
Tyra~keep on keeping on!!! You rock!!! We love you!!!

Tyra I have always been worried about my weight and everyone tells me I am beautiful but i just could never believe them. The pressure to me skinny has always been too high. My so what moment was when I became tired of worrying and and making myself sick and crying over what I looked like and decided it is just time to have fun! I am an artist and for my art show I decided to make my main focus on issues with women. So I stripped down and took a tasteful picture showing off my curves along with two of my room mates who are also beautiful. I did a whole date rape campaign with it. I am always covered up and for that show I wore a short skirt and some sexy boots and let me tell you heads were turning!!! My main goal in life has been to empower women and change the face of advertising. I thought it would be too hard to do on my own but there are so many women that think the same as me and I realize that now. You are truely a role model and are well respected and have now helped me realize that I am one step closer to reaching my goal for women!

Im curvy and love it! SO WHAT Tyra!!!

SO What1: I created a group on facebook.com entitled SO What?! I listed some of my friends so whats?! and a few of my own So whATs?! I have short hair, but still look good in extensions, I acutally have frontal alopecia which was cause by wearing hair extensions. Because society makes such a big deal out of hair, I would glue, braid-in, and sew-in extensions, eventually all of that stress cause bald spots all over especially in the front. I have been wearing wigs for over a year, and after watching Tyra so what?!, My call to action was that I took my wig off in front of my boyfriend(he's a ER DR. and my friends were so skeptical about me doing it cause they thought he would break up with me) and we are still together. And now when I come over I just pull my wig off and we cuddle…
SO What 2:By sophomore year, I had become a product of Michigan State University’s 24-hour McDonald’s. The figure that once walked the campus during freshmen orientation had become a memorable silhouette. My best friend had become McDonald’s two chicken sandwiches with cheese, a double cheeseburger, medium fry, a fudge sundae with extra fudge, and a large coke to soothe my sorrows. This best friend was there for me during three close-family deaths and freshmen transition period. Being obese and diagnosed with high blood pressure was old news to my family. After the doctor’s recommendation of weight loss to prevent more health conditions and determination to cross my legs again!!! Realizing this gluttonous act was a mere remedy to fill the void of sadness; I ended the unhealthy relationship with my best friend. I was 200 pounds then, I am now 145. I'm 5'7" and always had a dream of modeling but I thought I needed to lose 10-15 more pounds. So what I didn't lose those extra 10 pounds. If its meant for me to model the right company will take me as i am.........Call to action:I started applying to some ad's on craigslist.org. And I have done a few promotional model positions and I have been ask to do a fashion show for a local Detroit designer. I
I have a pic in a bikini saying so what when I was over 200 and me saying so what 55 pounds smaller. I've learned that you can't please everyone's perception of beauty, I have to be satisfied with myself at the end of the day......

I posted my before and after photos on website facebook.com as a source of motivation When I receive emails I provide encouragement, and teach them that weight loss is a gradual process which requires commitment to oneself and healthy living.

I really admire where Tyra has taken this topic of which could have been a negative and she took to a totally different level and made it one of the most REAL topics which the majoriyt of women go through. Women of all races, all economics and ages go through tis whether they want to admit it or not. I really feel that Tyra has a golden opportunity to go even further with tis issue and be extremely successful at it, by using a tool which she has and thats the top model show she has. In that show you see the judges being guilty of glorifying the skinny of models by saying that they have a gorgeous body when infact we know that the television is given them an extra 10 pounds and they look too thin. I have always believed that the average size is 8 and yet it has never been glorified, its laways eihter been a 2 or 12 and above. What has happened with one of the most popular sizes of which clothes are always running out of in size 8. She needs to have a model not a skinny or plus size but one that we can all really relate to. She needs to have the cellulite and non fake boobs, the bad hair, the bad skin and show how becoming a model and have this as a career is not just luck but hard work. So I really hope that this comment doesnt get lost and gets to her ears. I am very supportive with ow she has expressed herself to the media which can eithe make you or break you and in the manner of which she has reacted.

Good Luck Trya!!
Dee

Tyra,
just like many people I am applauding you. When I saw your cover proclaiming the battle cry for rational thinking about women I stopped dead in my tracks and had each of my kids take a look. I have been waiting for someone with a powerful voice to take this stand and I, just like many others, stand firmly behind you. I am writing to send you another encouraging note but to also ask you if you would consider taking this further and starting a magazine. please please please. Everything you bring up is so important and you could make a huge impact by allowing a different image to be shown in a popular magazine that yound women and men alike can use as a role model. I am proud to say my 12 year old son smirks at the weight loss commercials and values women of all sizes but we need more of that in our culture.
My family loves you Tyra!!!
Thank You

Hi Tyra,
My name is Brittany and I'm 16 years old and a Junior in High School. Your so what movement has inspired me in so many ways. You made me feel that it's okay for me to be confident about who I am no matter what ppl. think. I'm am confident about my body shape and the fact that I have cerebral palsy. Thank you sooooo much.

Tyra,
I love your show! I am thirteen and in junior high being pretty is being a size 3 and wearing only Abercrombie and Hollister. You give all of us "not pretty" girls hope to become whatever we want to be, despite our image. You have given me self confidence and the belief that beauty is on the inside not the outside. SO WHAT? I am not a size three and I'm darn proud of it!

Thank you for helping us girls and everyone in general know that is okay to love ourselves for what we are. We shouldnt have to compare ourselves to societys standards and you helped me with understanding that.
Keep on doing what you do , you'll always have people who support you.

Tyra -

I'm moved by your So What! campaign. I'm a 30 yr old mother of 3 soon to be 4 (7 month old). My 20's were spent having babies and breastfeeding, and while I don't regret that decision it has taken it's toll on my body. I'm so thankful that I acknowledge that and therefore have decent self-esteem. My pregnancies are always difficult and I become so weak during them that excercising is out of the question. I've promised myself that after this one is born I'm going to make efforts to get "healthy". I've always been turned off from dieting, getting on the scale daily, pills and ideal weights based on height and age. I want to change my eating habits, and make sure that just because I need something fast, it can be healthy! After seeing you face the media and say "I'm 161 - SO WHAT! I was moved to say the same thing. My body has spent that last 8 years creating life and it has signs of wear - SO WHAT!! My 30's will be so different, I can't wait to make some positive changes. Thanks Tyra for being strong enough to give strength to those who need it.

dear tyra,

i am 16 years old and i had a promblem with my weight. i had a problem with the fact that i was over weight or thought i was over weight, but when i met this boy he made me feel pretty and important. well a few months ago he broke my heart and left me for my friend. He told me i was not his type and that he need someone who could look good when we went out. well after that was depressed and acually began to starve meself due to the fact that i thought i was fat an not pretty. so when i began to watch this show i began to feel better about myself an move on with my life. that day when the show with the women with there red outfits on made me relize dang i don't need him and i need to feel good about my self now. So every morning i wake up and say
SO WHAT.... and pick somthing i don't like that day and that helps me through the day. And i just wanted to thank you for giving me back that confidence and let you know you really are a great role model