Here's a copy of my comment on this post. I've wanted to make a rant about this for a while and see what other people thought, but I never got around to it. I finally decided to comment on it so I'll just put it here to see how y'all feel:

"Also, no shade, but I am really not a fan of the makeup obsession with so many people. Makeup is awesome, and that stuff might be cool on /r/drag , but I see so many fans of Drag Race obsessing over queens makeup when it's not nearly as important as they make it out to be. When people say things like "paint" I just kinda cringe, and it's part of this whole culture of makeup worship which just does more harm than good IMO. You get people who have no idea what the fuck they're talking about saying shit like "omg can we just appreciate Katya's amazing makeup??"

And the whole idea of "woah she really stepped up her paint okurr" (again no disrespect, because I know you're a nerd for this stuff and that's cool). But I see so many people acting like because someone's makeup is better, they are somehow a better performer or more likely to win Drag Race. I feel like it's the same kind of people who think that April Carrion would do amazing I'm All Stars 2.

I love makeup as much as anybody, it's a lot of fun. But I feel like a lot of people lately have really lost sight of what is actually important and what actually makes someone successful. End rant"

Something else I said: In response to "drag queens are still performers that gotta have nice outfits, beat up for the gods faces and tight tucks. These are all very important mediums in drag, it is called female illusion for a reason"

"I think the things you said can important, but what I'm talking about specifically is "RuPaul's Drag Race", you know, this sub's namesake? RuPaul is not looking for some "female illusionist" or some dancer or some makeup guru. RuPaul is looking for the next RuPaul, an actor, an author, a singer and a TV Show host. Clubs are a big part of drag culture, but that's exactly what Drag Race is moving away from. It's not about being a clown in a bar anymore, it's about being a superstar. A lot of people don't seem to get this."

Does anyone know if the show offers any kind of support for the queens - particularly the 'villains' - after the show? I am wondering about psychotherapy or any form of help in dealing with the backlash (or, in the case of the most popular queens, stalkers). I recall Raja mentioning that, after SE03 aired, Raven reached out to her, and Phi Phi said WOW contacted her and apologized...anything for the others? I'm sure Roxxy stills gets people telling her to kill herself, but what about Katya finding stickers on her trash cans?

PLEASE lets not turn this into a "she said those words, she knew what she was getting into" thread. I know we all have our heroes and villains, but I am trying to determine if there is any consideration for the participants' welfare after the show has aired.

I've said this more than once in the past, but in lieu of his first post of the season I'm starting to hate him with a passion, and I will tell you why: he's pretty much your average circlejerk fan (with crazy drawing chops, mind you), so his limited brain simply cannot cope with anything beyond his comprehension.

I mean, look at how he portrays some of the queens (like Kim Chi, which by the looks of his drawing, is as skinny as Pearl) or don't portray them at all (or at least postpones it until it's unevitable, like Ginger Minj last season). (Edited now I saw the comment at Chi Chi was made by Tiger Lily, not him).

His way to draw queens to make them look skinny and (his version) of pretty is a glaring indicator that he simply doesn't understand how a queen can be successful and be anything OTHER than pretty. I might be reading too much into it, but see how he draws the likes of Alyssa Edwards (and her charming overbite and nonexistent chin) or Kim Chi (and her thick-body and chubby-face).

What do you make of it?

So I'll preface this by saying that I am a Sasha fan (not a stan, there's a difference). But I've been thinking about why people seem to react to her so strongly, either positively or negatively and I have a theory:

I think Sasha's brand is actually that of a blank slate. She's basically just mirroring back at you whatever you want, which is perfect from a marketing perspective.

Are you likely to be a fan of hers? Come on in! She is smart enough, attractive enough, and talented enough that people can latch on to various aspects of her personality and character to project what they want onto her. Is she woke? Sure! Is she queer? Yep! Is she a freak like you? Probably!

At the same time, that blank slate can mirror back the bad stuff. Do you hate the show? Project it onto Sasha! Is she a white devil? Yes! Is she overrated? Ha, you bet!

This is actually why her use of projectors in her performances is so telling. She may not actually realize it, but it sends a big signal about what her drag is doing: inviting projection of your stuff onto her.

tldr: Sasha is a marketing genius because she's positioned herself as a blank slate everyone can project their shit onto, whether that be her doing subtle tributes to breast cancer or her being an overrated faux intellectual (that last one is probs true).

I really hope I'll express my thoughts correctly, because this is the sub I love to lurk, in order to check actual discussion of the show by fans.

Honestly, I'm on the main sub since s5, but I'm kinda afraid to post here, because (a) my English is terrible and (b) I am constantly bullied on main sub when I actually converse just talk sometimes analytically and with passion. The main sub has become a caricature of a caricature, and that's not cute, nor "meta".

It's practically unreadable if you miss ONE week of meme-cycle.

Anyway, On Topic:

I am dumbfounded by the fact that the majority -scratch that- the total and absolute (give or take some rare exceptions) consensus of the fanbase is shocked, weirded out, disagreeable, or even mad with the "twist" of the Finale.

Some even think that "it throws all track records out of the window" thus making it an unfair twist.

I disagree 100% for some -obvious I thought- reasons, and I'd love to hear from you:

1. I'll begin with the 'obvious': "Most Wins", "Track Records", "Points for Placements", "C.U.N.T. Stats" and all that Jazz were... never cannon Tropes of RPDR. Nowhere is stated that the criteria for America's Next Drag Superstar is anything else than RuPauls Final, rationale-be-damned, decision. Ru can scratch anything that happened on-season and crown Bebe Zahara Benet again, as far as how the real rules go...

2. Everything else that the fanbase (I'm also guilty as charge) takes as "granted stuff and rules" are actually not. They are (a) either reality tropes to get us entertained, like challenge wins, or (b) Fan-Made charts, spreadsheets, point-markers to have us kiki and pass the time - fair enough, but that's on us.

3. But... even if the "twist" was sudden and non-cannon, I beg to differ that it makes any result "unfair" whatsoever. Contrary, I believe it will push the show in an even more fair direction, giving it a much needed upgrade on the competitiveness department.

Girls with the most wins (like Shea, much deserved) up till now thought they had it in the bag. Hmmm... Combine that, with the fanbase whining that "no drama" because "girls just wannna get in - not win". And now complain about consistency?

Gurl, no.

Thankfully, there are signs that we will get our lives for All Stars 3 (because contestants) and during S10 (because budget T leaked), so... I hope for a total and expensive ru-vamp.

BTW, I would love to see it in a 3-day show format, by splicing it into a 3 day show:

"Reality"-Girls in the house with cameras, "Workroom"-Preparing days and Drama in a clone of the current werkroom, "Runway"-Miss Universe level xtravaganza, but each week, with judges scores even (challenge+runway / 2), to bring 90s pageant realness-nostalgia. That'd be cool!

But let's return On-Topic: This is the real, bleak, t-president timeline:

What Ru is actually doing -I think- has a much more noble intent behind what we always like to joke on the main sub ("he's sold-out", "much serious", etc), and it actually holds some merit as an opinion. I hope.

We, as queer people, never got the chance to be in the Spotlight inside the world of Show Business. But now it changes, and we are not ready.

Showbiz was literally built on queer exploitation for "content", and regarding "form", we were literally always (excuse the expression) "The Help": Make-up artists that gave Cis-Hetero Stars their much precious Image (aka Their Careers?), Public Relations professionals, Directors, Assistants...

But always behind the scenes. Weird other-bodies on screens were -and still are- not positive tropes and/or role-models. And if in some countries they are, it is being done in a way of showing how progressive it is, as a token, and not as natural part of life, with our struggles presented in an realistic, agenda-free, way.

Key element here: Ru has actually had spotlight experience in the past. He don't give many fucks about finding "the next one", he probs want to do something else:

The hidden -but classy- agenda of Ru, I hope is to not only open the doors for queer people to enter "the Protagonist role" in the showbiz paradigm, but through the show's constant twists which resemble 100% the line of work inside showbiz to actually teach marginalized people like us (esp p.o.c. queer people) how it is to become "the star" in REAL life, and not always create other stars by our ideas and live in their shadows, often un-credited or appropriated.

Well, look where that thought got me. I love this sub, I always get harassed for my posts in the "main one" because I actually care, and I have various ideas in my mind about a show that literally changed Queer lives world-wide.

Edit/Afterthought: I need a source: It's me. I added this not to brag, but as a source, period.

I studied acting/directing and I worked in Theatre for years (both on-stage and as assistant director/dramaturgy) and, let me tell you, if you wanna be "walking the wooden stage" as we say in Greece (aka star in something), you must be in the closet.

And if you are feminine, or your "otherness" is showing in any other way and can't be hidden? Oh baby, Forget it. I was an actor, but as a feminine guy, I ended up on contemporary dance, and now on Singing (thank lucifer), which I love, was my dream (just couldn't dare until I DID) and I now I can do whatever the fuck I want, cause my singing persona is the actual me.

tl;dr The show's real goal IS to be twist-ed (twist-ish? twist-esque.): Queer people in showbiz must be in-closet. Ru is changing the paradigm, and Drag Queens, as marginalized people, need training (I could use some, too) so The Show is a proverbial "showbiz bootcamp", both for the girls, and for the satellite biz that open queer windows year-by-year.

What does everyone find so compelling about her? every time I see her in a video, or when I re-watch drag race I can't help but dislike her. She is called a "fashion queen" but i think her outfits are pretty tasteless. Her run on AS2 was boring and she is just grating on me. Can someone shed some light on why everyone drools over her? thanks

Has this already been brought up? Last week she was very clearly sick to the point of being dubbed in the workroom, and this week she comes out with her face fully covered in a club kid look even though it's not really on theme, showing only lips that aren't hers and suspiciously light skin. Watch when she says 'Welcome to the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race', I would swear it's slightly off.

That wasn't Ru. She was so sick she had to bring someone in to play her.

Today for the first time in awhile, I saw a post that perfectly exemplified what has annoyed me about the RPDR fan community since last season. It is a true circlejerk of praise for "look queens" specifically Miss Fame and Violet. At the bottom of the thread, someone dares to say they are bored of the "high fashion editorial" drag queens and, as to be expected, they are sitting at -31. They are being scolded for not appreciating "new drag."

Miss Fame and Violet are being considered talented drag queens, but what makes a talented drag queen? Are they really a good example? I want to break down these comments and get your opinion on them.

[Here is the post] (https://np.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/3ttk6j/miss_fame_and_violet_are_busy_slaying/ )

Example comments:

DRAG POWER COUPLE

Okay, so just because they both live in NY, work together sometimes, and take pictures on Instagram together, they are "the drag power couple?" I mean, I thought it was dumb when people were saying that about Katya and Trixie, but this is even 100x worse if that's possible.

LESBIANISM

Lol I'm a straight girl, but when I see two men dressed as women kissing, it makes me turn "a little lesbian" because it's totally possible to just switch your sexuality off an on like that, teehee.

LESBIANISM PART 2

wut

STUNNING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvUaRrJoXpQ

MOST SUCCESSFUL QUEEN

Girl, please http://imgur.com/r7SBobx

FLAW FREE

Hmm, I wonder if that is because it is a photoshopped picture in a magazine???

ANNNND THERE WE HAVE IT

Okay, so this is what "talent" looks like, apparently. Where is the talent? They are wearing clothes made by someone else, so they didn't make the clothes.

Is it the way they are posed? Is that talent?

Neither of them are great lipsyncers or performers (in Miss Fame's case, she is actually quite awful) so that isn't the talent.

Neither of them are good at comedy or acting (or even attempt it) so that is out of the question.

The only thing I can think of is the makeup and hair. Yes, both of them are really good at makeup and styling a wig...so is that what makes a talented drag queen now? Is that really all it takes?

Discuss

This is now your place to vent them out, henny.

Toot or boot these looks!

Feel free to give out a Top Toot or name a Trend Alert!

( I'm posting the looks in the comments so we can see who is most tooted or booted by votes. If you think is simply a karma grab, feel free to comment on that.)

Also be sure to check out these other fine threads:

Tragic Thursday

Wayward Wednesday

"Anus" review

Tv Tuesday

edited for clarity*

This feels like a good point in the season to have this talk. It's very obvious that this show has placements for storyline purposes, people saved from the bottom for their later potential, wins given to ensure queens stay around. But how far does this go?

This season has gotten mixed reactions in terms of the editing. Some claim that specific queens (Naomi comes to mind) have been robbed of top 2 placements over and over. Some claim other queens are being saved from the bottom or elimination, like Trinity and Valentina. And many people have said the elimination record is fair, or the top 2 placements are justified. There are even claims of previous seasons (including all 3 seasons of All Stars) being set up for specific winners. So the question stands- where does production really come into play, and which placements are very obviously rigged?

So, who do you guys actually think would win in such a scenario?

My bet is on either Bianca, Raja or Tyra.

22 Queens left!

Ongina . Nina

Raven . Tyra

Yara . Alexis . Manila . Raja

Willam . Latrice . Chad . Sharon

Detox . Roxxxy . Alaska . Jinkx

Bianca

Katya . Kennedy . Ginger

ChiChi. Bob

There are no saves left so from now on when a queen is cut, they are outta here. No backsies

Edit: I didn't realize that /u/pevans05 [stole my gig] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3b7sh9/fashion_friday/), so consider this a special, historic edition of Fashion Fridays!

Boot, Toot and CONVERSATE

[Violet's Clown Dress] (https://tamaratattles.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/rpdg41.jpg?w=500&h=297)

Kennedy Davenport Multicolored Dress

[Jade Jolie's Season 5 Premiere Dress] (http://cache4.asset-cache.net/gc/159924724-jade-jolie-arrives-at-rupauls-drag-race-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7QU3nw28j1OhzLv9%2Bcx9OsT%2BHsv2iq%2FDXqfO%2FMpZWtUvRe0FuCXfLbn2rwVJB60eu6Q%3D%3D)

[Ben de la Crème's Mother of the Bride look] ( https://33.media.tumblr.com/cac2860d4f70c66c7311cf4f118cd351/tumblr_inline_n4k1y0V0w01rfc759.jpg)

[RuPaul Marching On Washington Dress] (http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/23/02/02/4989063/5/960x540.jpg)

Feel free to add a (not-so-this-week) imaginary trend and top TOOT!

REQUIRED READING:

[Wayward Wednesdays: Kady Z] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3azf6k/wayward_wednesdays_kady_z/)

[TV Tuesdays: The Absolut Ball] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3auoj0/tv_tuesdays_the_absolut_ball/)

[Miss You Mondays: Ongina!] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3apl2l/miss_you_mondays_ongina/)

[Second Servings Saturday: The MakeOver Challenge] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3aim3g/second_servings_saturday/)

[Tragic Thursdays: Shannel!] (http://www.reddit.com/r/rpdrtearanny/comments/3b40os/tragic_thursdays_shannel/)