The Moral Teaching of Tyra Banks

I know what you’re thinking, so I’ll preempt. No, the title of this post is not a joke. It is not even ironic.

For that who sometimes tire of my references to the Chinese Sage and the Greek philosopher, here’s a nugget of moral wisdom from Tyra Banks.

In the midst of a discussion with other panel members on her show America’s Next Top Model, Banks offered the following piece of advice to young girls. Link here.

In her words: “A lot of young girls think that the opposite of fake is rudeness… and… just as ugly as fake is, so is saying whatever is on your mind because it’s the truth.”

It’s great advice. Precious few moral philosophers could have said it any better.

Banks is highly respected among young women and girls. Considering the messages that the culture has been throwing at this demographic, it is good to hear Banks give them a good smack down. In two phrases she has countered the principles that the therapy culture has been forcing on people all these many decades. It’s also advice that someone ought to have given to the late, lamented Princess Diana.