Brazil fashion show agrees to black model quota

[designerleather]

There is a false supposition that demanding for more non-white models on runways will cause “professional and talented” white models to lose valuable jobs. Another false supposition is that the non-white models who will be brought in are not as talented as their white counterparts. I have been very careful with my choice of words; your suppositions are not substantiated by facts and statistics. You compare this to Affirmative Action, but that is like comparing apples to oranges. Sure they are fruit, but that is about it. Demanding for more non-white models is not law.

What is false about my statement? You misunderstood my statement. I have made no statement about non-whites being brought in. The point at hand is that Brazil wants to institute a quota, this quota is to be 10% and that these slots are to be reserved based SOLELY on skin or perceived ethnic background.

The supposition here is that these models are not getting jobs either because of racism or bias and that doing such will provide some benefit, most likely a sociological one.

My statement which you highlighted, has NOTHING to do with white models losing their jobs, but does have to do with drawing a line in the sand and REQUIRING X number of people based solely on race and not on talent.

The highlighted statement: those who are thrust in to the light, juxtaposed against the professional and talented, might further suffer reinforcement by the spotlight that they do not deserve to be on the stage.

What I state, the starting of what was omitted So a danger that I would raise to some of those who support such measures, is raising the issue that this type of quota raises the potential for UNSKILLED people who have reserved slots based upon race to be shown next to those who were likely selected based upon talent and as such, might further reinforce the stereotype that the quota models are less talented and skilled.

It is also a true supposition that when quotas exist, a racial inequity is created. X number of slots are open to the quota race(s) and X - quota are available to the rest. The fact that a quota is put forth in indicative that they are trying to increase the number of one race versus that of another, which can only reduce the number of availability of jobs to the non-quota race.

I would also disagree with your statement that demanding for more non-white models is not the law.

In Brazil, which is what I am referring to, Under the terms of the deal, signed Thursday with prosecutors in the state of Sao Paulo, the number of black and indigenous models have to meet a set quota, otherwise fines could be levied against labels taking part.

What part of prosecutors of the state, set quota, fines and penalties is unclear.

And to restate the point I was originally making. Everything I have seen shows that the hiring of models comes down to look and walk/presence. That does not say that some bias does not exist, but also does not say that the less talented are passed over. The risk that I raise, is that when you do require that 10% are REQUIRED, based SOLELY on race, that there exists a chance that less talented people are chosen. If that is such... Having less talented people mixed among those who were chosen for their skills, the difference in acumen and talent is MORE PRONOUNCED. This can further reinforce the stereotype or perceived stereotype that is being regulated.

 

[designerleather]

Professional and talented? Are you kidding me? Didn't know modeling was a talent, all it requires is, to put it simply, a pretty face (and that's not even the case anymore) and a thin figure. Anyways, most working models today (white, black, whatever) are neither attractive, professional or talented.

Well I can tell you both as someone who has been on shoots as well as having watched a lot of competitions... YES. There is more to modeling than just having a pretty face. I have seen women who looked great in person, but took the most god awful pictures and just looked awkward and unappealing. I have also seen women who looked like nothing when they arrived and after two hours of hair and makeup were stunning.

And yes... Watch any of the modeling competitions and you will see some people who can walk a runway, and others who can't. There is talent, there is skill, some can be worked on and improved, and some no matter what they do will just never have the camera like them like it does others.

 

[FashionableNerd]

What is false about my statement? You misunderstood my statement. I have made no statement about non-whites being brought in. The point at hand is that Brazil wants to institute a quota, this quota is to be 10% and that these slots are to be reserved based SOLELY on skin or perceived ethnic background.

I did not misunderstand your statement. I read it in its entirety. It is absolutely false. So 10% of all models are mandated to be non-white. Okay. What is the non-white population in Sao Paulo? Now, how many non-white models are wanting to make that measly 10% quota. There's most likely an abundance of non-white models. There will therefore be no shortage of talent to choose from and you get to select the best of the best. White models have nothing to worry about if this truly about talent and professionalism as you state it is. Those who possess neither should be worried. And anyways, white models will most likely fill in the rest of the 90%. They always have and they always will.

 

[FashionableNerd]

BTW, it's still not law; it's a deal that they have with the prosecutors.