My first reaction to watching this show was, "This is like a very strange version of America's Next Top Model." After watching the complete episode, I noticed a few interesting things that very much connect with the argument that Susan Sontag is making in Notes On "Camp."
The first is that the contestants in the show are very over-dramatic and like to exaggerate (both their attitudes and their style). For example, during the script reading, Mimi tries to show that she's the star by over-emphasizing the words and being loud. In Sontag's words, they are "propos[ing] a comic vision of the world,” and it does make the show much more entertaining to watch (44). During the runway show, most of the contestants went all out in their costumes (wearing elaborate head pieces, super high heels, and very flashy fabric), which relates to the fact that “the hallmark of Camp is the spirit of extravagance” (25)
The second is that the contestants do not take themselves very seriously. Instead, they are very open to using vile language and just being whatever they want to be. This connects with Sontag’s description of Camp in which it is “playful, anti-serious” (41). While some may view the idea of men dressing up as women as unnatural and bizarre, Sontag would argue that “what is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine” (9).
So for those that don't take themselves or others too seriously, this show would be very amusing and enjoyable to watch.
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