As a black woman I've definitely noticed the lack of diversity in the industry and it does bother me. Why? Veronica Webb, former supermodel said it best, “....[the fashion industry] is where a lot of young women get their idea of beauty from. When you see someone that looks like you...it makes women feel beautiful, and it makes women feel they belong.”
I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately it's the media that determines what's considered beautiful and ultimately what's accepted in our society. To exclude models of color almost feels as though subconsciously we're being told that women of color are not as beautiful or as desirable as those who are predominately portrayed (my opinion).
Now of course we have the token women of color such as Chanel Iman, Alek, and Jourdan Dunn who do appear on the runways and in magazines but why must these handful of women represent the masses? I think it's okay to include more than 1 or 2 black models in a campaign don't you?
But it goes beyond just black and white. There is a lack of ALL ethnicities Asian, Hispanic, Native Americans you name it.
I support the movement to bring awareness to casting directors who do not use models of color because they, "already have [their] black girl." I'd like to see designers and high fashion magazines regularly embrace multiple models of all ethnicities.
I'm definitely going to keep an eye out on that social media campaign. I'm curious to see where it does or doesn't go.
I know it's a touchy subject but I'm curious to hear your opinion on the matter. Comment below and tell me whatcha' think. Different opinions are welcome.
XX Brytani Sierra
This definitely doesn't reflect the diversity of America, which is now almost 16% Latino and 13% African American. In fact, the only minority they seem to be "over-representing" are Asians, who only make up about 5% of Americans today. It is interesting how this skews from reality.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's totally awesome that you did the research and wrote this. I know very little about the high fashion modeling/runway show world by choice because I don't like to look at the underweight women, but I definitely can see the need for racial diversity.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was toying with covering this subject for a while and finally just decided to go with it after I saw the article in the New York Times.
DeleteI agree, I don't like the look of underweight women either but I must admit, I loooovvveee the fashion! They need to change the industry to include more models of ALL ethnicities and models who actually eat! Lol. :)
XX Brytani Sierra
Models who are on the runway and advertising do eat. Most of these girls are considered specialty sized because of their metabolism being so high, it is very cliche to say that models DONT eat, or they wouldnt be alive, smh. I can be that prime example, weighing at 98lbs since sixth grade, and taking after my father; GENETICS! from being so thin. its not a lack of eating for these woman, thanks.
DeleteVery interesting. I'll have to pay more attention now. I'm an avid project runway watcher and I know they have some gorgeous models on there!
ReplyDeleteThe lack of diversity is surprising, especially because I've seen so many beautiful women of color. It's particularly shocking when visiting countries where the majority are not white (such as Asia, Indian) and you see the ads there
ReplyDeleteWow I think it would be really cool to see ads where models of color are the majority. I've personally never seen that. It would make for a nice contrast. :)
DeleteXX Brytani Sierra