Project Runway

[oyceter]

I don't blog that much about all the reality TV I watch, but you guys, this week's PR was kind of awesomesauce!

While I know USian reality TV can be and frequently is just as problematic in terms of social justice as US network shows, how often do you get a character on scripted shows who is Latino, gay, and HIV-positive? Making awesomesauce clothes to boot!

I've been rooting for Mondo from pretty early on because I love the way his outfits are bright and colorful and cheerful in a way that I completely don't expect, but now I am super rooting for him! Also wanted to squeeze him last week when he was like, "Well, I left Denver with $14 in my bank account... now I guess I have twenty thousand... and fourteen dollars?"

Also, his curly hair on the runway this week was fab, as was his Cabaret MC-esque outfit from the Jackie O challenge.

Also also, I just went back to the Project Rungay meet Mondo post (and Andy, whom I also like), and it is kind of awesome that his fashion icons are Pee Wee Herman and David Bowie, he has recently been inspired by sf/f post-apocalyptic movies, and he wishes they'd bring back the drag queen challenge. Me too, Mondo, ME TOO.

Comments

[anoel]

I know, so good! And yeah, Project Runway is pretty good in terms of diversity and such but Mondo is just too amazing. He's been my favorite since the beginning too but lately I've just been completely in love with him and that big win last week made me cry not to mention this week. Plus I LOVE his style and man, what an awesome meet post. I am hoping he wins!

[oyceter]

I know! I've loved his stuff already, and was so happy for him when he got the shoot and the prize money last week, and this week just takes the cake!

Also, OMG, I want his apartment so bad. It is adorable!

[rachelmanija]

I think reality shows, at least the ones I watch, actually are consistently better in SJ terms than network TV, on this basis: the heroes don't have to be straight white men (or, occasionally, straight white women). I can't think of a single prime time (ie, non-cable) fiction show with a gay or lesbian lead, and there are virtually none with leads of color. But though reality shows have other issues (as do fiction shows), that one is simply not the case with the ones I've seen. The leads may be straight white guys. But they don't have to be.

I love Mondo so much, and I hope the Project Rungay guys are right when they say he may have saved some lives last night. I would not be at all surprised if he did.

I too want them to bring back the drag queen challenge!

[oyceter]

Me too! I mean, I argue a lot with the way SYTYCD frames hip hop and how it's so heteronormative, but on the other hand, it is so hard to, say, find black men or Asian men like Alex and Twitch and Brandon and etc. etc. etc. on prime time TV, whereas there are almost always awesome men of color on SYTYCD (I wish they did better on the women of color front... it's so weird how there are so much fewer!).

[rachelmanija]

Yeah, I do too. Ellenore was one of my all-time favorites - and have I ever seen a multiracial woman dancer on primetime who is a total geek and speaks both Japanese and "alien"? Or ever gotten a chance to see people like Alex or Russell become stars? Not even close!

The heteronormativity of SYTYCD is so weird to me, because I've always had the impression that dance, like design, is a field where it's simply not uncommon to be gay and out. The contrast between that and something like Project Runway or, weirdly, the much more macho field of pro cooking on Top Chef, is startling. I remember the one episode of the former where one of the men mentioned that he was straight, and everyone burst into a spontaneous chorus of "Really? You are?" because that season, every single other male designer was gay.

I wonder if it's because Nigel comes from ballroom, and it would be different if he came from something like ballet.

[telophase]

Have you seen the videos of Prince Poppycock from America's Got Talent? He made it to the finals, although didn't win. I was made aware of him on the blog The Duchess of Devonshire's Guide to the 18th Century (link goes to 'Prince Poppycock' tag)

I haven't watched any of the rest of the show, so I have no comment on it. :)

[oyceter]

Wow! Those are some awesome costumes and sets!

[oyceter]

Yeah, I am guessing it is the ballroom influence? Or Nigel himself, given his many and extremely annoying comments which attempt to cement his own manliness and instead just make him look like a sexist pig.

[loligo]

PR made my day yesterday. I had (still have) raging PMS and a miserable cold and it was a day of endless frustrations. After dinner, Andy and Chuckles went to a concert, and I turned on PR. Squeaky got a pile of books and cuddled up next to me on the couch and *sat still* for almost the entire show! That never happens! So I got to snuggle with him and get all teary-eyed when everyone's moms showed up -- and then Mondo's triumphant moment on the runway had me crying with happiness again.

[oyceter]

Awwwwww! I totally rewatched it online yesterday and got sniffly again...

[fourthage]

I had to break out my box of tissues for the last episode. Mondo's been my favorite almost from day one. I'm hoping he takes the whole thing.

[oyceter]

ME TOO!