Models: The standards by which women judge themselves?

[Izemi-Clem]

Hail

I just don't get it.

There are little girls, teenagers and women who find the occupation of being a "Moggle" (model) desirable, Why?
What is the attraction in this seemingly functionless, exploitive, sexist profession, if it can be called a profession at all?

Is it that models are in fact the standard bearers of feminine beauty? And every woman needs to know that they are indeed desirable by every acceptable standard, and being a Moggle (model) confirms this?

Izemi-Clem

[nester-san]

Well, Money and the option to travel all over the world and have a gaggle of yes-men at your beck and call is sometimes seen as a life to be envied...

Some women love the attention, they can behave as badly and spoiled (as long as they are queens of the hill) and the behaviour is seen as "diva-ish" and they are not taken to task.

The pick of handsome/rich men to date. It goes on on on...

Look at Tyra Banks, without hours of make up she is as plain as a librarian, but once the make-up goes on, her attitude and her stylist make her the envy of the fashion world.

I know deep down when she gets up alone in the morning and washes her ordinary face, she wonders to herself if only briefly what the attraction is....

[Temptress]

Well, Money and the option to travel all over the world and have a gaggle of yes-men at your beck and call is sometimes seen as a life to be envied...

Some women love the attention, they can behave as badly and spoiled (as long as they are queens of the hill) and the behaviour is seen as "diva-ish" and they are not taken to task.

The pick of handsome/rich men to date. It goes on on on...

Look at Tyra Banks, without hours of make up she is as plain as a librarian, but once the make-up goes on, her attitude and her stylist make her the envy of the fashion world.

I know deep down when she gets up alone in the morning and washes her ordinary face, she wonders to herself if only briefly what the attraction is....

Yeah this basically sums it up.
Modeling is the perfect talent less job to have - all you have to do is look pretty and smile, once you have the look and you can pick up the posing and the walk along the way. However most people do no know what happens behind the scenes like the dieting, the emotional abuse they have to withstand and the slackness they endure just to be recognized enough to be on the cover of Vogue. Its not at all like what we see on America's Next Top Model plus if you don’t do as you are told without objection the chances of you reaching anywhere are very very slim.

In addition the media portraying these iron board-looking people as icons and the weak minded people (those with either no or low self esteem) feed off of these images and believe that if you weight over 100 lbs you are over weight.
:eusa_naug :eusa_naug

[nuhsenutten]

In addition the media portraying these iron board-looking people as icons and the weak minded people (those with either no or low self esteem) feed off of these images and believe that if you weight over 100 lbs you are over weight.
:eusa_naug :eusa_naug

no mawga girl for me .......i love the full figured ladies :D

[Gwadinka]

Women atleast the majority of women do not judge themselves by looking up to models. Otherwise, we Black women would all try to bleach ourselves white -that is what happens in Africa.
The fact is that even though we know that there is a hundred pounds of make up, plus some readjustment made thanks to the computer, we see those women everywhere and at times we come to think that..maybe with a body like theirs..our lives would be way easier. They are everywhere, making money only by smiling, get the sexiest men in their beds and we fancy their lives as something close to modern fairy tales.

[tiffany]

nobody can ever look like those models, those models don't look like thoses models

[Izemi-Clem]

Hail


They are everywhere, making money only by smiling, get the sexiest men in their beds and we fancy their lives as something close to modern fairy tales.

Interesting Gwadinka.. seems to go back to the Cinderella syndrome, where every woman dreams of a knight in shinning amour that will someday come to rescue them and take them away from all this. You would have think that with all the positive gains women have made in today’s society (worldwide) true independence from hard work would be more desirable than a fairy tale.


nobody can ever look like those models, those models don't look like thoses models

Tiffany that part of it really isn't the problem for me.
Why isn’t it seen as being offensive and retrograde to women,by women? Haven't we come much farther than this? Where a person or a profession is held in esteem, only because of how much money they make rather than the contributions and positive impact they have on the society.
How does a woman with a string covering her backside, her breast exposed, she looking emaciated with the world gawking at her (just as they would a woman in a playboy magazine) contribute any positive values to young girls growing up? Is this really is what is desirable about it?

How would it affect any of us to find out that any pervert out there (or our friends) can see pictures of our mothers baring their assets to the world, just to sell a magazine or to compete in a cattle show (beauty pageant)?

Izemi-Clem

[Manu]

How does a woman with a string covering her backside..............

Sorry...that part was mad funny yow :dwl: :rofl: :rotflm:

[nuhsenutten]

less is more or so it is made to seem in the modelling industry.......the less fat the more fame ........less cloth higher price ....we soon go to the no clothes stage from whence we came :D

[Purple Queen]

Hail

I just don't get it.

There are little girls, teenagers and women who find the occupation of being a "Moggle" (model) desirable, Why?
What is the attraction in this seemingly functionless, exploitive, sexist profession, if it can be called a profession at all?

Is it that models are in fact the standard bearers of feminine beauty? And every woman needs to know that they are indeed desirable by every acceptable standard, and being a Moggle (model) confirms this?

Izemi-Clem


Women need to find better role models and accept that moggling is not going to take you through life...after a few years and gravity pulls on the body...no more moggling opportunities.

A big problem is the people/agencies that go out and scout for moggles/models,do so to make themselves popular and it's all about the so-called business.
They are not concerned with the person's well-being in the long run...that's evident since they are scouting and recruiting girls as young as 12 yrs.old...they have no use for them once they pass a certain age.

The girls/ladies who get into the modelling industry clearly lack enough self-esteem,etc...a few of them are smart enough to just use it for as long as they need to,so as to earn enough money to pursue their studies towards their "real profession".

My problem with it is that the parents of these 12 yr.olds etc...are oh so proud when their child is approached and offered a contract by an agency,not realizing or just don't care what's waiting down the road.

I would much rather respect a 12 to whatever age individual seeking stardom/fame/money who goes into acting (not in porn industry)...but ooops...that requires studying and hard work!!

[Temptress]

The fact of the matter is that the majority of women are easily swayed due to either low self-esteem or wanting to fit in. Gone are the days when women feel beautiful in their skin, some how fake hair, nails and body parts make some feel like a “real” woman. We buy things not necessarily because we like it but because it’s in style. Most crave a Beyonce or a Halle Berry look when what we should be focusing on our own natural assets and not thrive to be like someone else.

What we need to do is empower ourselves and stop emulating these glittered-up, skeleton-like so called idols that we see on TV. Because ¾ of the women in Hollywood wear a size –2 doesn’t mean that’s the size we have to be in order to be beautiful. Beauty come from within – you could be the prettiest woman in the world but if your attitude and personality is detestable and vile then you are in fact unattractive and unappealing.

[nuhsenutten]

you could be the prettiest woman in the world but if your attitude and personality is detestable and vile then you are in fact unattractive and unappealing.
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap ...well said....:eusa_clap

[Purple Queen]

:eusa_clap Temptress:eusa_clap

Indeed the sad reality is the meagre-down syndrome is being practised in at least one of the so-called top high schools out here.
There is peer pressure to fit into the meagre posse...the result is a few of those students starved,etc...anorexic...and had to be sent either overseas or to nutritionists out here to try and get them better. One parent,after her child recovered,took her out of the school and enrolled her into another high school.The child is not allowed to communicate with members of the "posse"...good for the parent...BUT...how is it that some parents can't see for themselves when their child/children are seemingly not looking "healthy"?

I am all for strong parental involvement all the way,throughout their children's growth: mental/emotional,social and physical health.

[nester-san]

Yup, any one look at Lindsey Lohan and the various other "Teen Stars", they look like death warmed over. If I can see your ENTIRE skeleton when you are in a bikini you are to %#$%#$ thin, end of story.

Thank God, the fashion mags and media are starting to mock and ridicule the lengths that hollywood is going to in order to look "attractive", so in three months or so they should start looking like humans again.

[ramesh]

Yup, any one look at Lindsey Lohan and the various other "Teen Stars", they look like death warmed over. Not only "Teen Stars", but even some of the Victoria Secret models look like "death warmed over".

[Juliet]

Every woman secretly wants to be admired, wanted; to be thought of as sexy,and beautiful. It is this very thing that makes little girls want to become models.They see the attention and power it can get them so they'll strive towards this status.Unfortunately most are not educated on the heartache and sacrifices that go with it. It is therefore our job as responsible adults and parents to let them know.
Obviously not all women judge themselves by the standards set by the world, some judge themselves by the standard set by their male counterparts (who may like voluptuous rather than skinny). Some judge by their own standards, and are so comfortable in their skins that they cant help but be seen as attractive to others. The latter is the kind I think eventually wins in the end.

[Bahama Mama]

Hail

I just don't get it.

There are little girls, teenagers and women who find the occupation of being a "Moggle" (model) desirable, Why?

The money is probably the main attractant. The average model can make anywhere from $500- $5000 per modelling engagement, not to mention the super models who can make up to $10,000 per modelling engagement.

Source (http://www.fashion-schools.org/fashion-model.htm)

Also the travelling opportunities, if you are privy to strut your stuff on the catwalks of Europe and Asia. And of course there is the opportunity to have one's face plastered on all the high end fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, and be seen and hopefully recognized all around the world.


What is the attraction in this seemingly functionless, exploitive, sexist profession, if it can be called a profession at all?

Though modelling appears to be a seemingly functionless profession, it does serve a purpose as a form of marketing and advertising for designers who want to get their work recognized. As well it is also used as a marketing tool to reach the consumer,especially the high end spenders. I also think that modelling can be considered a sort of dynamic art form as well from a personal point of view. As far as being exploitive and sexist, that is left up to the opinion of the viewer.


Is it that models are in fact the standard bearers of feminine beauty? And every woman needs to know that they are indeed desirable by every acceptable standard, and being a Moggle (model) confirms this?

Izemi-Clem

I think the modelling industry is distorting feminine beauty with these 6'0, 120lb walking skeletons. These women are by no means 'standard'. The average woman is a size 12. Until the modelling industry reflects the 'standard' and provide women with a realistic view of feminine beauty, they will forever be under harsh criticism. I think if the modelling industry began to portray the average woman on their cat walks, more of the plus-sizes and curvaceous of women, the industry would garner more respect.

Unfortunately the very impressionable of women will judge themselves by what they see on the cat walks today.

[Bahama Mama]

The girls/ladies who get into the modelling industry clearly lack enough self-esteem,etc...a few of them are smart enough to just use it for as long as they need to,so as to earn enough money to pursue their studies towards their "real profession".




I dont agree that they all lack self esteem, I think it is probably the opposite . It takes alot of guts if you ask me, to put your face and body on display like that for the world to see, as well as having to endure the criticisms of your 'imperfections' and 'flaws' as determined by the modelling industry.

[Izemi-Clem]

Hail


Though modelling appears to be a seemingly functionless profession, it does serve a purpose as a form of marketing and advertising for designers who want to get their work recognized. As well it is also used as a marketing tool to reach the consumer,especially the high end spenders. I also think that modelling can be considered a sort of dynamic art form as well from a personal point of view. As far as being exploitive and sexist, that is left up to the opinion of the viewer.

:icon_arro BM I hear you, I wont argue your point about it being left up to the opinion of the viewer, but certainly you can admit that the real dynamism and the true artform comes from the designers themselves, their work shows talent and creativity. The moggles as one local designer put it to me are "really just walking clothes hangers".

I believe that these so called super model are psuedo created by the industry itself: By "hyping", inflating the salaries and lifestyles of these moggles, the industry (or those who control it) create another focal point in their marketing strategy, whereby supporting all facets of this multi-faceted industry. People who follow the hype around these moggles will also buy the magazines, attend the shows and buy the clothes and products the moggles pitch for.

Until the modelling industry reflects the 'standard' and provide women with a realistic view of feminine beauty, they will forever be under harsh criticism. I think if the modelling industry began to portray the average woman on their cat walks, more of the plus-sizes and curvaceous of women, the industry would garner more respect.

I believe that women should not have to wait on the industry to suddenly develop a conscience, but rather collectively demand through their powers as consumers that the industry make the changes that are necessary and conscienable, so as to protect our young women and to keep the focus on what it should be, the clothes.

Izemi-Clem

[Babyjay]

That's y I love the (Victoria Secrets/Dove) ad that Oprah spearheaded :eusa_clap . None of the ladies were models, some had stretch marks, fat lumps at the waist, a lil xtra fat on the tummy, yet all were beautiful in their own way.
True beauty comes from within. ;)

[Purple Queen]

I dont agree that they all lack self esteem, I think it is probably the opposite . It takes alot of guts if you ask me, to put your face and body on display like that for the world to see, as well as having to endure the criticisms of your 'imperfections' and 'flaws' as determined by the modelling industry.

:icon_arro BM
I didn't say they all lack self esteem.:eusa_naug It doesn't take alot of guts to put your face and body on display for the world to see...in my opinion,you are combining self-esteem with self-confidence...Surely,they are confident enough to do what they do....still,it's the money that attracts them,and that's the bottomline.

[Bahama Mama]

:icon_arro BM
I didn't say they all lack self esteem.:eusa_naug It doesn't take alot of guts to put your face and body on display for the world to see...in my opinion,you are combining self-esteem with self-confidence...Surely,they are confident enough to do what they do....still,it's the money that attracts them,and that's the bottomline.

Whether it is self confidence or self esteem, I think one would need ample amounts of it. Ask any model the amount of criticism they have to endure, particularly at the beginning of their modelling career. The modelling industry is a rather cut throat business, and you will be critiqued down to your toe nails. I am not saying that models are the standard bearers of self esteem and self confidence, but they must at least exude that to some level.

The money of course is the bottom line. A model can make more in a week, than a school teacher can make in a year. Sad but true. If one has what the industry demands, and they utilize that for monetary gain, I say go for it. There are far worse things they could be doing with their bodies.

[Bahama Mama]

Hail


:icon_arro BM I hear you, I wont argue your point about it being left up to the opinion of the viewer, but certainly you can admit that the real dynamism and the true artform comes from the designers themselves, their work shows talent and creativity. The moggles as one local designer put it to me are "really just walking clothes hangers"

True but models are necessary for that art form to be displayed to its fullest. Its hard to appreciate a dress folded under a counter. Manicans (sp.) would be the next best option of course.


I believe that these so called super model are psuedo created by the industry itself: By "hyping", inflating the salaries and lifestyles of these moggles, the industry (or those who control it) create another focal point in their marketing strategy, whereby supporting all facets of this multi-faceted industry. People who follow the hype around these moggles will also buy the magazines, attend the shows and buy the clothes and products the moggles pitch for

That is very true. I agree with you fully on this point.


I believe that women should not have to wait on the industry to suddenly develop a conscience, but rather collectively demand through their powers as consumers that the industry make the changes that are necessary and conscienable, so as to protect our young women and to keep the focus on what it should be, the clothes.

Izemi-Clem

Yes I agree with you here as well. There has to be trendsetters to this movement. It is happening slowly but alas not fast enough.

[Purple Queen]

There are far worse things they could be doing with their bodies.


Very true...and you know,some of those same models DO worse things with their bodies...one example: anorexia.

[Bahama Mama]

Very true...and you know,some of those same models DO worse things with their bodies...one example: anorexia.


Yes very true. That is a result of the standards set by the modelling industry. Thus those standards need to be changed. If those standards are changed, then the industry can gain some respect. The responsibility doesnt only lie at the feet of the models, but the agents, the scouts, the designers, and society in general.

[Bahama Mama]

In my opinion, it is the standards of the industry that needs to be adressed and reformed.

[Purple Queen]

I agree BM...however,I don't think that will be addressed / reformed...not unless someone like say Oprah buys out all the modelling agencies etc...and sets the standards from there (I know she would be hiring people like the Dove models (those are ladies who really look like ladies next door,in the supermarket,and ladies who've already had children)
Oprah didn't lose weight because she wanted to become a model...in my opinion she did it,(and might I add the healthy/correct way),because she wanted a "healthy lifestyle".