Does Racism exist within Modeling?

 Have you ever wondered while reading a magazine or catalog why you might see a particular race/ethnicity and not another displayed?

 

                      Through my old connections at Scarsdale High School, I was able to reconnect with an old Teacher of mine, Mr. Silvera, to find out whether racism does or does not exist in modeling. Formally known as "Rashid" to most students, is a current Teacher and Model. you might know him from the classroom or from a Target Christmas catalog. Mr. Silver has a widely respected career outside the classroom from being on the cover of GQ to Essence magazine to our current day "Target" catalogs.

 

After being reunited with my old Teacher, I was able to successfully interview Mr. Silvera. After about an hour, it was clear that racism has and still does exist within modeling

 

I asked Mr. Silvera if he experienced any prejudice during his career and he told me "I got nothing but love". He told me though that despite not receiving any prejudice, his fellow African American colleagues did suffer. Mr. Silvera stated "I would send them work because I had too much and was teaching". Mr. Silvera also being a teacher, made it difficult for him to take all the jobs offered.

 

Mr. Silvera admitted that he believes "there already is equality". He also stated his content to the fact that one can see "Brown" in magazines/catalogs. Mr. Silvera claims that he believes because of his satisfaction with the current equality, that he is part of the problem.

 

After asking Mr. Silvera why it is we see a particular race/ethnicity, he claims that "it is based purely on who the people see as their demographic".

 

I believe this is an important topic which I personally never thought of along with everyone else. Today, it is important to fight for equality and to pay attention to the immigration into the United States. All ethnicities should be shown in modelling and throughout catalogs. Despite the racism and selective choices of models, the issue of racism is part of a larger issue in our society. The issue in which can be seen in the fact that racism is still present in our every day lives through sports, modeling and day-to-day activities.

 

For more information about Racism in Modeling, go to http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/18/black-models-fashion-magazines-catwalks