I need to make a correction on the miscommunication in my previous post. When it came to Antogona's comments, Tyra was on the side of the majority (being against what Antogona said). However, what Antogona said was the reality of what society is. Besides, Tyra mentioned a big made woman commands more attention and looks more cut for the job of a C.E.O (and for the excutive position Tyra was looking for a candidate to fill). Yes... big made, commanding personality, maybe... but not a obese woman!

I love the Tyra show but this was one show that went alllll wrong. I have always appreciated Tyra being very honest on the show, but this time I really dont know why she turned the tables on the one person who was honest in her opinion. Having said that, I do remember at just once Tyra defended Antogona's view point but never really stood upto it through out the show. It only got worse when Tyra said in Part II "Anotogona I am trying to throw you a line..... " (something to the effect that Antogona is messing it up for herself). I remember when this same sort of focus group thing was done with kids, and it's amazing that the kids seem to resolve and understand the objective of the focus group much better than these adults did!!

The bodyville show aired today in Tanzania. Everyone from Tyra, the audience and the participants in the focus group seem to have lost sight of the obejective of the show. All except Antogona. However she was attacked by everyone!! I remember reading about this show in the Tyra newsletter and was really looking forward to it. HOwever it turned out to be an absolute disaster of a show. To make things worse Tyra openly sympathised with the comments Antogona made as a person. What she was doing was representing society!! That was what they were all supposed to do! Instead the participants were taking things very personally. This show was not about colour or personality. It was to do with body size!! Why did everyone not understand that?? All including Tyra???

The bodyville show aired today in Tanzania. Everyone from Tyra, the audience and the participants in the focus group seem to have lost sight of the obejective of the show. All except Antogona. However she was attacked by everyone!! I remember reading about this show in the Tyra newsletter and was really looking forward to it. HOwever it turned out to be an absolute disaster of a show. To make things worse Tyra openly sympathised with the comments Antogona made as a person. What she was doing was representing society!! That was what they were all supposed to do! Instead the participants were taking things very personally. This show was not about colour or personality. It was to do with body size!! Why did everyone not understand that?? All including Tyra???

Hi, the bodyville show aired in Tanzania just today!! I remember reading about this show in the Tyrah newsletter I receive. I was really looking forward to it. However, I was shocked at how the show progressed. If I were you Tyrah I wouldn't have bothered airing it, because the real objective was not met by the focus group. I think they failed to understand that they were supposed to judge people by their BODY SIZE not by their colour, race or how outspoken they are. I myself am over-weight. If I were in that focus group I would not resist if someone labled me fat, thick or anything nasty. It was stupid of the participants to take what was said so personally. This was not about feelings.. it was about IMAGE. And I think it was even more stupid of you (Tyra) to get involved in it in a way that you thought Antogona was coming on too strong. She was the only person in that group who understood the objective of that focus group. In all of the shows on Tyrah... this has been a huge disappointment. Really..... everyone including the live audience present were acknowledging the wrong things!! A real thumbs down for this one!

Hey Tyra,
First of all let me say you are a great role model and real woman of beauty. The comment posted by Alysha referring to Jaslene as "anorexic-looking" was bothersome. Im a naturally thin lady myself and to be assumed that you're 'anorexic' is such a judgement. Its not our fault that some people are just naturally small...everyone is beautiful in their own way. Maybe Alysha should love herself the way she is more and stop thrashing on the people who are striving to make beauty a daily lifestyle by commiting to diet, exercise, and physical well-being.. You have dedicated your life, in a way to beauty, Tyra, and I respect that.

hey tyra , i love your show !!!i saw this epsiode ..and just recently i met a friend of my my dealing with her body image . she is about to be 14 years old nd she weighs about 80 something pounds. she and i met somewhere that was akward but i understood that she was there for help and well i used to make fun of ppl who were fat or the way skinny ppl but now i know how my friend felt when she told all the time she's been laugh nd being bullied . i guess ppl cant understand how beautiful they are on the inside.

I just wanted to say that I agree with so many of you. I feel like this show had great potential in the beginning, but because of our inability to really speak our minds, and be honest, for fear of hurting others, it really only created more hurt than help. I too have been on both sides of the coin. But from my observations, both on this show, and also in real life, people who have been persecuted and bullied because of physical traits feel the need to come together and build each other up, protect each other and make each other feel better, because they feel that no one else will. I've experienced the rejection from family, friends, strangers, so I know that it can be good to find someone who understands and comfort each other. However, I also sat with my husband while he was waiting for a kidney transplant and dialyising (he's only 23, there was renal failure when he was 2), and I sat watching all these other patients doing dialysis, and 95% of them were there because of diabetes. People had lost limbs over this terrible disease, and as morbid as this sounds, they could have done something about it had they chosen to take care of their weight problems. Heart problems, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, multiple health issues come with being overweight. If we don't stop worrying about people's feelings, and tell them the truth, we are in for alot more heartache than necessary. I am working to get my weight back under control, and it is not an easy task, but with proper encouragement, it can be done. I appreciated what the girl who was labeled "fat slob" said, even though it was tough. Those other girls who ripped her apart became quite hypocritical in my eyes, because they became the persecutors, instead of the persecutees. That poor girl was only being honest, and she was the only one who actually doing what Tyra had asked in that exercise. Yet those girls sacrificed her on the altar of nicety. Pretty sad. They need to take an honest look at themselves, care about their health, become strong women because they have done everything in their power to extend and strengthen their life, and continue.

I'am 16teen years old and I watched tha tshow and was like that is egxatlly what America thinks about people who are heavy and not thin and who like me may have a little bagage with her.The world automaticaly thinks tha tif that person is ovcer weight, that they don't take care of themselfs. That is not always the case.Some people just have aharder time loseing weight then other people do and that's ok.I go to James Madison High School and I am a Jounior.I just have to say that I love your views on things like that And you look great still how do you do it? Please tell me. Thanks again.

I have so far watched the first episode of this experiment today. I thought the women labeld the woman whogot fat slob very incorrectly. I feel they labebled her that by personality and for the fact nobdoy wanted it. These woman are in denial and need to understand that they have body issues. Trying to point their finger to someone else just beacause they dont' like her personality the womens personality is immmature but it's the world we live in were if everybody agrees on one thing all will follow. Nobody wants the harsh truth put in their face. It's sad that all these women say that they were made fun of becuase of their looks when they were younger but on the show as soon as all of them got together they bashed on the one pesron that was telling the truth the whole time i guess it just goes to show how many contradictive people we have in our society. as soon as their put in a comfortable state of mind with people they can relate to all that they have experinced can be easily forgotten.

what saddens me, is the girl talking about the surgeries that she has had done (nose, breasts...) and still wants more. that is not seeing true beauty and is missing the point here. i am 33 and recovering from an eating disorder that i have had for 13 years i believe that tyra's point of this show is to see how society really judges people, especially when it comes to women and our sizes and how we take that in, and base it on our self worth. it is damaging to some people. and it can ruin them possibly for life.

what saddens me, is the girl talking about the surgeries that she has had done (nose, breasts...) and still wants more. that is not seeing true beauty and is missing the point here. i am 33 and recovering from an eating disorder that i have had for 13 years i believe that tyra's point of this show is to see how society really judges people, especially when it comes to women and our sizes and how we take that in, and base it on our self worth. it is damaging to some people. and it can ruin them possibly for life.

what saddens me, is the girl talking about the surgeries that she has had done (nose, breasts...) and still wants more. that is not seeing true beauty and is missing the point here. i am 33 and recovering from an eating disorder that i have had for 13 years i believe that tyra's point of this show is to see how society really judges people, especially when it comes to women and our sizes and how we take that in, and base it on our self worth. it is damaging to some people. and it can ruin them possibly for life.

Hey Tyra,
I have trouble with self esteem problems..Why i say that is because some days i hate my very own body. I have a huge 3rd degree burn on my stomache and a scare on theleft side of my face. I was suppose to be on the show over the summer but it didn't work due to bad photo taking. I really would like to fix my flaws. I don't want to wear a 2 peice bathing suit anymore. I have so much that i have wrong with my body. I hate going to school with people calling me names and asking questions about chloe' what happened did you cut yourself with a knife my response is no i didn't. It hurts when people look at me one time and judge me. I skipped out on the beach when my aunt asked me if i wanted to go. The reason for that was i have this huge scare that i can't erase. Its their for life. What happened was that i was stirring a hot pot of water and i was talking to my cousin and the pot fell off of the burner and onto my skin. The hot water took all of my skin off and the hair particles. My burn look likes the state of Flordia. And theirs a lot more to my story.
So please help me.....THIS IS A CRY FOR HELP CAN YOU FIX ME??????????????????????????????????
CHLOE' im 18 years old

Hi,tyra

I just wanted to no could it just be possible that there are some that are big but do eat healthy,but never lose that weight and they feel fine feeing big.Because I didn't mind, though I didn't health.but as I was growing up I hated being fat because I couldn't run as fast a sthe other kids did. I would get tired and take a long time just trying to catch my breath. but soon after as I was going to High school I joined a sport with out realizing it I lost a lot of weight. But I don't dislike big women but I do joke around with my sister about our weights but go to far and my brother,he is some what a little like me. Big and then hiked for about a year in this program or something and then when he got back home he gained it all back because of a indury he had and now has to legs that he can't run or stand for log period of time.But he is able to bike and that's all.Okay back to me.I still lost weight,my wight goes up and down ,when I start to feel my pant's getting tighter.I don't know if that helps I know is you can chose to be what you want to be and no matter what you look like it doesn't matter. I like being big and have to run.Also being a size 9 and short.

The majority of you are correct-Antigona was telling the truth, but she did it in a slightly unclassy way.
I think that everyone here is missing the point about what Tyra strived for in this series. I believe that what she was looking for was a possible truthfulness with unity. I believe that she really did want the members of the panel to be truthful. And in their truthfulness, I think she also wanted compassion and unity in the women's judgment.
You can either call a person "a fat pig-you need to stop eating" or you can go the route of "I am concerned that at your weight there may be consequences healthwise".
I think Tyra wanted the second to happen. She strongly believes in women uniting (despite our differences) because we destroy ourselves as a sisterhood.
Step into another person's shoes for a minute and think about how you would want to be spoken to. Would you want class and concern, or would you want rudeness and hurtfulness? Having been on both sides of judgement, I can tell you from experience that speaking from a place of love and concern does wonders, where as spewing nasty things breaks us down.
What Tyra hoped to happen didn't necessarily happen. In saying that, she wanted us all to see the results of asking for the truth...Some people will give it with a thought, some people want to disguise it.
Take it as it is. Society will never accept us bigger -fat- girls.
I know that I got to this weight by myself. And I have accepted that I have to go through this journey alone because society won't back me up. I work out everyday and lose 15+ lbs a month-but they won't see it because they are focused in what is right there in front of them, not what I can become. I am not defending or condoning my weight here...just putting out there that maybe SOME of us "fat slob" girls are turning into "athletic" girls before your eyes, yet you don't see it.

Tyra, I am saddened by the thought that couch potato and thick where happy being their size. They are both unhealthy and need help. They are both beautiful inside and have beautiful faces. I have been unhealthy looking skinny and I, at 44 have some love handles and need to get in shape.My weight is 123 and average looking.I exercise a week and give up. Society is cruel. Growing up I had a big nose, my step-mom called me homely. I had my nose done at 18 and I didn't get to choose what I wanted. My real mom did. If I could do it again, I would have just had it straightened and not ski jump and tipped up. I had my breast done after nursing my 4 boys and it has been a nightmare 3 surgeries later and still need more work. The 2nd and 3rd surgery doctor was featured on Dr. 90210,I haven't seen him on there in quite some time. I feel so insecure about my looks now. My face looks like I am on drugs with dark circles and sunken in eyes that I am so afraid to have anything done to my face, but I need it.We adopted our daughter 3 years ago and I don't want her to be distorted.We don't think about saying move your big o'l butt,she says she has a big butt.Society is so harsh My husband,he loves me for who I am.I tell him his gray hair is jumping into mine.On your modeling show, I have come to realize that the girls aren't necessary beautiful, that make-up helps their flaws as well. I do look up to you.

Tyra, I am saddened by the thought that couch potato and thick where happy being their size. They are both unhealthy and need help. They are both beautiful inside and have beautiful faces. I have been unhealthy looking skinny and I, at 44 have some love handles and need to get in shape.My weight is 123 and average looking.I exercise a week and give up. Society is cruel. Growing up I had a big nose, my step-mom called me homely. I had my nose done at 18 and I didn't get to choose what I wanted. My real mom did. If I could do it again, I would have just had it straightened and not ski jump and tipped up. I had my breast done after nursing my 4 boys and it has been a nightmare 3 surgeries later and still need more work. The 2nd and 3rd surgery doctor was featured on Dr. 90210,I haven't seen him on there in quite some time. I feel so insecure about my looks now. My face looks like I am on drugs with dark circles and sunken in eyes that I am so afraid to have anything done to my face, but I need it.We adopted our daughter 3 years ago and I don't want her to be distorted.We don't think about saying move your big o'l butt,she says she has a big butt.Society is so harsh My husband,he loves me for who I am.I tell him his gray hair is jumping into mine.

I watched the first part of the "bodyville" shows, and was very disapointed with it.

The audience, the other "residents of bodyville", and even Tyra, were all ganging up on Antigona, just because she was telling the truth. When she spoke, she did not sugar coat anything, or act as if it were "okay to be 300 pounds as long as you feel confident".

She spoke her mind, the cold, hard truth. Most of the women on the show were all in severe dinial. And Tyra did nothing about it.

Sure, nobody wants to hear the truth, I understand that, but I bet that if someone asked those two very overweight women who were "So confident with they're weight" if they would rather be a size 10 or 12, they would say yes.

I can personally see this whole thing from both sides of the coin. I am 5'2, a licensed nutritionist and a former fat person. I was always a skinny child, as a teen I was curvy but still very lean (approx. 115 lbs). After the birth of my second child I became rather fat (185 lbs). Now, two years later I have lost the weight and am again curvy and lean (120 lbs).
I really found it appalling that everyone was so quick to attack Antigonia. I feel that she was the only one being truly honest. Be it right or wrong her feelings are her feelings and I respect her honesty. It also bothers me that the two girls labeled skeletor and needs to eat were attacked as being unhealthy. Both of those girls look naturally thin and healthy. I also found it interesting that the girls attacking them were the fat ones. As a former fatty I know how it feels to have people judge you by your weight. However, being overweight is not attractive to the majority of Americans. I certanly never felt beautiful when I was fat nor do I think other fat women are beautiful. I also know as a nutritionist that being fat is NOT healthy. It bothers me to no end how fat people try to convince themselves that they are healthy. Think about it, how many obese senior citizens do you see walking around? I think that in general most people are attracted to what looks healthy. Fat is unattractive because it is unhealthy the same as anorexia is unattractive because it is unhealthy. I am sure that my post will get attacked like Antigonia but these are my opinions, at least I can say that I am being honest.

Antigona was the only really honest one out of the bunch. Then she was ganged up on, it really was not fair.

"Couch Potato" was really obese & it will affect her health in the long run. She is really in denial, couldn't beleive she thought just 20 lbs.

I watch the Tyra Show every chance I get. I commend your efforts in breaking barriers between women and helping the female population build a positive self-image.

I am disappointed by the posts that condemn people for being over-weight. I am grossly obese. I am also very aware that my poor eating habits will cause severe medical problems down the road. I believe that all people who are over-weight are equally aware. Tyra has never said that being over-weight is a good choice and she has never promoted obesity. She has simply said that regardless of our weight we need to love and respect ourselves. Sadly, young people, men and women alike, are subject to ridicule and harsh words. Often times, weight and body type are the focal point for these attacks. The cruelty that people are subject to can be far more damaging than the weight they carry.

Although I have not always been heavy, I am very heavy now. I battled for several years with my weight and my self-image. Unfortunately, I viewed myself as unworthy and undeserving of the love and affection that a smaller woman would receive. I dropped out of college and stuck to jobs that were conducive to my weight. Not surprisingly, I continued to gain weight and began to let other parts of my life decline. These feelings were often fueled by public comments and harsh criticism from friends and family. I never lost sight of my dreams though. I always knew what I wanted and held true to my personal values. I wasn’t willing to address my weight issue, but I was willing to examine and pick apart my character and personality. I found through this self-examination I love myself. I am funny, smart and very loveable. I also looked in the mirror and saw a beautiful woman.

As a result of my continued self-evaluation, I am a very confident and self assured person. I am deserving of love and respect. This is a point that really needs to be driven home. Regardless of a persons size, every person deserves respect.

I watched Part 2 of Bodyville today and was horrified and appalled at how we as women view each other! Yikes!!! and Ouch!!!! I feel more acutely aware of my size than ever!

Being overweight all my life has not been a walk in the park. Being called big elephant, cow, big truck, fat *ss, hefty, fat pig, (and other things) and being treated as if I don't really exist is very damaging to the self-esteem and hurts.

At one point I was heavier than I am now. Before I married my husband, his family and friends were worried that I was not right for him because of my size. They thought I would be jealous of other women and cause problems in the marriage. That really hurt! I'm not jealous of other women.

Just because one is overweight does not make her character any worse than slim women. We are deserving of the same respect that slim women receive.

Do I like being overweight? No! Is it easy to lose weight and keep it off? No! But I plan on trying to lose weight anyway and it won't be for vanity. I'm getting older and could develop diabetes and high blood pressure. It's not good on my joints either.

We women should stick together instead of judging each other like we do. Since men judge women so harshly, who do we have left for support? NOBODY!

Thank you!

about antm its not only tyra who picks the next top model, there are 3 other judges, tyra fought to get two plus size models, its just our society, most fashion designers dont want plus size models, when janice dickinson was a judge she was calling one of the girls fat when she wasnt. models have always been rly thin. the girls who are chosen as top models are chosen bc of their pictures, how they present themselves, and they fit the criteria. i agree that jaslene is way too skinny but her body may just be like that, she can eat a lot and stay like that, there are a lot of girls like that.a lot of models do drugs and drink. it will take awhile for the top designers and the fashion industry to fully accept plus size models, like anything else takes time.

I don't really watch your show, but happened to catch this one. I think you, the women on the panel,(with the exception of Antigona), and the most of the women in your audience are in complete denial about how they are viewed. If the show was supposed to be about being honest, you missed the boat. Antigona was the only woman who had the balls to be honest, and what did you guys do? Attack her for it. Wasn't the purpose of the show to be honest in how SOCIETY views womens' body types? That is why women will never be able to have an honest dialogue with each other. You are so concerned about being liked, that you are afraid to say what you really feel to someones face, but then you go behind each others back and say what you really feel. That is probably the main reason women don't trust men and definitely don't trust each other. I don't mean to be harsh, but guess what-sometimes the truth is just that-HARSH.

in todays society people are definetly rude. no matter what people are going to be different sizes. one girl could work out and eat the healthiest food and still be bigger than a girl who eats junk food. it just depends on a persons genetics and their body type. i'm 18, around 5'6 and i weigh more than i should but unlike other girls who weigh as much as me i dont look it.with me i eat better foods, and when i have worked out before i dont drop weight and i slowly lose inches. the girls who were bigger need to really understand that their size could really effect their life later on. extra weight like that means more pressure on the organs and bones. the girls who were labeled skeletor and needs to eat are very skinny but doesnt mean they have a health problem. there are many girls who eat a lot but just dont eat any bigger. i believe that each woman held their selves together very well. the media puts out the wrong image of women, not everyone needs to be model thin, as long as women are healthy, happy and love their bodies who cares what they look like. it is up to each of us to change what we dont like, we all definetly need encouragement.

i love you tyra, you are the best!!!!! you are one of my idols.