America's Next Top Model blackface controversy

October 29, 4:31 PMNorfolk Pop Culture ExaminerCorrina Stiles

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Tyra Banks, creator of America's Next Top Model.

Tyra Banks. She is a model, entrepreneur, talk show host, and has even been called the next Oprah. However, Miss Banks is causing quite the controversy over the photo shoot she pulled in Wednesdays episode of Tyra created reality show, America's Next Top Model.

Tyra took the remaining six models to Hawaii and, after giving them a little history lesson about the context of the shoot, the models are each given two different races and sent to make-up where their skin was painted with dark makeup. In other words: blackface.

Blackface began in the United States and in the 1800's (and for nearly 100 years after), it was considered an important performance tradition in theater. Of course, it is now viewed as racist and stereotypical. With so many people against it and a recent French Vogue controversy surrounding the same topic, why would Tyra Banks do this?

Watch part of the controversial episode!