A Model Contestant
November 29, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Medical Condition Won’t Stop Model from Competing: ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Contestant Makes It to Final Five, Despite Disability reads a headline in today’s ABC News. Heather Kuzmich, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD at the age of 13, was eliminated from ANTM last night. Speaking to Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America today, Heather noted:
“It actually was a big step for me when I first got on the show. I came out the first few moments and just told everyone,” she said.
She said it took courage to come right out and talk about her condition, but she did it so that she wouldn’t be misunderstood.
“I wanted people … [to know] and not just look at me like I’m a freak of nature. I also wanted to show other girls who possibly had this disability that it’s possible to do modeling and to do what they want to do.”
Seems to me that Heather has done very well not simply “despite” her disability, but with it.
Seems to me that Heather has done very well not “simply “despite” her disability, but with it.”
I thought the same thing watching this morning. I’ve followed ANTM for a long time, and this season, Heather has been a significant figure on the show. Because, the discourse of the entire season has been just like you point out: “Look what this girl did despite her disability.” And, then there was the treatment of fellow contestants and even the judges toward her. Accusing her of getting special favors, special considerations because of her disability. Suggesting that the other contestants resented her because of her dispensations.
Despite all of the talk about how “inclusive” the show was for having a contestant with Asperger’s, the contestants, judges, and producers made a concerted effort to show to bring up her Asperger’s every chance they got. And, then there was Tyra’s speech when they kicked her off about coming so far in the competition and inspiring others because of her disability, rather than because of her modeling.
But, then again, ANTM has never had a track record of being sensitive to disability-related issues. There was the whole “freak show” modeling shoot, for instance…
This was far from a perfect situation and had all of the usual BS that reality TV offers us. But I am still thankful for it.
The show is cheesy, and Tyra is such a bimbo diva. I didn’t expect much from it, but Heather sure made her mark because she was so photogenic and with all her supposed social challenges she behaved much better than the other girls. The remaining contestants are not even that good looking. I see prettier and more stylish women on the street every day. Some of the other contestants who were previously eliminated also looked better than the finalists.
I don’t know how much y’all watch and understand reality-type shows. However, you should know that they edit them to produce an affect and what you’re watching has likely undergone a contextual change.
There is an interview of Heather at http://www.wrongplanet.net and she does make a comment about how some things were altered via editting for an opposite effect.
I have been recording the show but have yet to watch it. It sounds like they brought up her disability in the show quite a bit. I guess no matter how they do it people will find things to complain about. A touchy subject.
A question to ask would be, indeed: How was the “reality” of Heather edited to represent a certain view of who others thought she was? On the other hand, can one say that modeling is mostly about an image created, a representation?
I guess the above sounds rather serious—-I’ll admit to being glad to have the chance to blog about something else besides the usual topics!
She just commented on the relationships between herself and the other contestants, saying she was surprised they portrayed them in a negative light. She claimed to be friends with some of them.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but I adore Top Model. And I loved Heather. Be it the editing or just her, I was rooting for her. Good for her for getting some awareness going.
“I guess no matter how they do it people will find things to complain about. A touchy subject.”
Well, maybe, but IMHO there really are some things to complain about. Such as the way autism was so often presented as a “sob story”, complete with sad piano music. Why can’t TV just give us capable people who may be disabled and in need of accommodations? It beats the soppy “overcoming obstacles” narrative they love.
I am an avid watcher and was proud that Heather got so far.
Who knows what diagnoses any of the other contestants might have, too? And I won’t be surprised if the “overcoming obstacles” phrase recurs when the “top model” is announced.
Has MTV’s Real World ever had someone on the autism spectrum? I know they put out the video series a few months ago; wondering about reality tv.