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Spoilers ahead for the finale ofRuPauls Drag Race Global All Starssfirst season,including the winner.
So why did the inauguralGlobal All Starsflop so spectacularly?
Skill sets are important, yes, but so is being able to define yourself quickly.
The character you play onstage while onDrag Raceneeds to be immediately apparent and consistent.
This isnt to say the ESL queens dont see themselves as brands.
Notably, that challenge nabbed her her only win.
Specificity, usually the lifeblood of the impression drag thatSnatch Gameasks for, became irrelevant.
Listen, RuPaul has always loved ethnic stereotypes.
Remember on season 16 whenPlane wonSnatch Gamewith a European pop star that Ru had never heard of?
Michelle thought the character was made-up!
Thats how you win with something Ru doesnt know you turn it into something she does know.
And what does she know and love?
Think of how few American queens really grapple with America as a concept.
Those queens have brands, but their national identity is not part of them.
This isnt to say the blame for the seasons issues lies exclusively with RuPaul.
Yes, Kween and Kitty were routinely dismissive of the ESL queens.
At the same time, why wouldnt they be?
But why wouldnt they be?
Thats been a problematic hurdle for Puerto Rican queens on U.S.Drag RacesinceNina Flowers saidHIVinstead ofhit TVon season one.
