Sadly, the problem you ascribe to Tyra is widespread in American culture, and is especially prevalent both among the 3rd and 4th generation of rich folks (possibly Paris Hilton, tho who knows?) and those without the benefit of a good education.

Tyra made he living based on her looks, and so a certain lack of understanding is expected.

On the otherhand, to take advantage of her position to educate herself, and to rectify her possible blind spots is praise worthy.

Not many would bother to search out one’s blind spots in the first place.

Reply to this: comment

Seems like the comment system is slightly broken, and doesn’t allow proper posting after a preview in some web browsers

Here is the final cut of my full comment

...................

Sadly, the problem you ascribe to Tyra is widespread in American culture, and is especially prevalent both among the 3rd and 4th generation of rich folks (possibly Paris Hilton, tho who knows?) and those without the benefit of a good education.

Tyra has made her living based on her looks, and so a certain lack of understanding is expected, according to the stereotype.

On the otherhand, to take advantage of her position to educate herself, and to rectify her possible blind spots is praise worthy.

Not many would bother to search out one’s own blind spots in the first place, never mind try to correct them

Too many take too much joy in seeking out the blind spots of others.

Reply to this: comment

I don’t know where you are coming up with all of this,but Tyra Banks is a good hearted person.And I LOVE her shows I never miss them.She has helped me by telling the world she is 161 pounds and SO WHAT.I had my son a year ago and I hated my body for not going back to size 1 but hey I’m a size 3 SO WHAT.I love my body now and I thank her for speaking out!!!!!

Reply to this: comment

Lack of empathy does not always mean sociopathy - It can mean a kind of high functioning autism or aspergers - the inability to guess or understand that the thoughts of others are different than ones one - there are so many ranges on the spectrum sometimes (As Tony Attwood discusses) it goes undiagnosed in Girls because unlike boys who manifest it in counting, numbers etc… they become great “actors” to navigate the social system, just like some autistic guys will become great theatrical preformers but cannot function as well socially on one on one or highly personal ways (outside the “preforming” role) While this seems like Sociopathy it is not - I think the range of emotions she shows precludes this - she feels them, but you rightly point out they are all centered around herself, or if others because she relates them to her own experience or way of thinking. Her explosive temper when people do not act as she expects them to (and subsequent lack of real understanding why people would react)and her need for creating this kind of structure around the whole modelling game on her show could be another Aspie thing. Unlike people like Oprah, who has longtime best friend Gail, it doesnt seem like Tyra has longtime, deep friendships of this sort - but can navigate a lot of superficial ones - very Aspie. (Tony Attwood’s book on Aspergers syndrome opened my eyes to this) and I think he may have mentioned how some people mistake this for sociopathy - but aside from the explosive temper tantrums, yelling or pendantic thinking and need for having things certain ways (which can leave a family confused and hurt) there is no real malice involved - it is almost a childish way of being, so the inherent narcisism isnt that offensive I guess (unless you are the child of a person like this, or under the employment of etc..) people can have “dashes” of this, maybe thats what Tyra has - a dash.
Anyway, sorry for rambling, thats my two cents.

Reply to this: comment

I think she does shows like the homeless one for example to show her viewers what people in that position go through on a daily basis.  Lots of people don’t know what other people go through.  You don’t fully know until you put yourself in their shoes.  The episode where she went undercover as a fat person really opened my eyes.  I always knew that there are people who make fun of fat folks but to see Tyra go undercover like that really made me see the extent to which people do it.  It’s terrible.  Tyra is a kind-hearted person and she does shows like this to increase public awareness.  Furthermore, she loves to help people.  In the homeless episode she helped a family financially and by even offering a job.  As for posing in the cold on ANTM, swimsuits shots are usually done in the cold weather…a season before the swimsuits actually go on sale.  She was just preparing them for the reality of the modelling industry.  I watch ANTM a lot.  She is extrememly kind to the girls and they love her.

Reply to this: comment

There are quite a few sociopaths in America and we have the highest amount compared to any other country.  This has a lot to do with our society and how we praise independent attitudes more than others.  I have been doing extensive research on sociopaths because I am trying to figure out why a certain family member has been acting a certain way and not taking responsibility for his actions, or rather being aware that he did anything wrong.  He seems to fit the sociopath persona perfectly and we are trying to get him evaluated, but as you will find, it is difficult to do so because sociopaths can convince most people that nothing is wrong with them. 
As pertaining to your theory about Tyra, I have seen ANTM and her talk show, as well as interviews on other talk shows and I don’t believe she is a sociopath from the information I have found.  You mention some of her characteristics but they don’t explain how she can truly be a sociopath because most sociopaths would not do the type of things she has done to help people or get a better understanding of other people’s lives, unless there was a significant gain for her from it.  In Tyra’s case, she would get some beneficial gain from it but because she could not handle being homeless for a day or doesn’t quite understand how amateur models don’t fight harder to get to where they need to be, does not mean that she doesn’t understand anyone’s point of view.  I’m sure there are points of view and ways of life that baffle you, as well.  In any case, I know that Tyra shows too much animation and emotion to fit the sociopath label.  There are other characteristics that would disqualify her, as well, but to get a better understanding for yourself, check out the psychopathy checklist by Dr. Robert Hare.  You can find it online. 
I’m not a professional, myself, but my mom is a mental health professional, I have had experience with a sociopath (maybe even two… probably two but he hasn’t been diagnosed or evaluated, yet), and I have read many sources about sociopathy (which is also known as psychopathy, and sometimes antisocial personality disorder as mentioned in the DSM-IV), so this is how I come to my conclusion about Tyra.  I hope that helps! 

Reply to this: comment