The Dark Side of Modeling
The Dark Side of Modeling
With its estimated annual revenue of $1.5 billion in the US and the global fashion industry valued at over $2.5 trillion, the industry offers significant financial potential.
Race: Cultural Appropriation-
APPROPRIATION VS. APPRECIATION
When someone appropriates something from another culture it can be through ignorance of the harm. They may be attempting to show appreciation of the culture, but going about it incorrectly. Or, they may not see the harm and feel like it is not a big deal. It is not illegal – so why should you care?
We know better now. Conflating "honor" with appropriation is so last century!
Appropriating from marginalized communities and cultures can have deeply harmful effects. It may take resources, labor, and economic opportunities from those communities. It also may lead to the fracturing of cultural identities. Appropriation perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the power differential. It also normalizes harmful language, slurs, and damaging imagery.
Does this mean you can’t appreciate other cultures at all? Of course not! But, there is a fine line between appropriation and appreciation. To appreciate other cultures, you need to do the work to honor and respect the culture and its people. It is a learning experience, where you gain knowledge and deepen your understanding over time.
Appropriation has to stop: Nobody asked tribal leaders for their permission, the power dynamic is unbalanced, a culture is perverted for profit
As an example, it is stated in the “It’s Not A Costume” exhibit that “buying authentic works and supporting the original artist is an essential practice.” We know this is the best way to ethically purchase Native arts and crafts. It also means that the way you are engaging with the culture is from a space of respect and not appropriation.
Some designs are attributed to a particular artist or hold a special meaning and you need to make sure you are being sensitive and honoring. Do not purchase fraudulent or stolen designs, as you may not have the moral right to own or display them. Avoid items that are culturally significant that you do not have the right to wear or own. Chances are, if you are asking yourself these questions you are not part of the in-group. Therefore, you need to engage with that culture from the space you inhabit, instead of attempting to co-opt aspects of the culture for yourself.
Critically think about your choices. Ask yourself: Do they play into racial or cultural stereotypes? Are you profiting off of someone else’s culture? Is someone else profiting off of a culture that is not their own? Do you just want to engage with it because it’s trendy? Or are you doing the work to learn about the culture and practices? If you are wearing a fashion or piece of clothing from another culture, reflect and think how it got to be in your wardrobe. Be mindful of items that may be culturally sensitive or spiritual.
Marginalized groups - and their centuries of traditions - shouldn't be used like sartorial springboards for others to play dress-up.
Gwen Stefani - no stranger to cultural reapprorpiation thanks to her usage of Harajuku Girls for her triple-platinum solo record, Love. Angel. Music. Baby - and her band, No Doubt, were forced to remove the music video for their song, "Looking Hot,"after intense backlash for their cliché Western garments.
Robert Holden, deputy director of the National Congress of American Indians, said of the video, it “is definitely offensive and culturally insensitive to Native people. It does continue to push the stereotypical idea of Native dress and culture in that it also is a depiction that you see in Hollywood or in Halloween or Thanksgiving.”
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