Jessica, A Model With Down Syndrome, Is Shattering Beauty Standards And Paving The Way For Others
Modeling is a beast in its own right; controversies and debates filling the space, with seemingly baby steps being taken to better it for everyone involved.
Regardless, some strict measures are in place, with a model’s height, age and measurements always taken into account, no matter what niche of modeling they’re in. Yet, they seem to be also looking for something unique or different to set the model apart.
Equal representation and an end to discrimination are things models are fighting for, paving the way for future generations
Modeling is a beast in its own right; controversies and debates filling the space, with seemingly baby steps being taken to better it for everyone involved.
Regardless, some strict measures are in place, with a model’s height, age and measurements always taken into account, no matter what niche of modeling they’re in. Yet, they seem to be also looking for something unique or different to set the model apart.
Equal representation and an end to discrimination are things models are fighting for, paving the way for future generations
But one question stands – do you have what it takes? Considering the fact that the modeling business has suffered a culture of racism, fatphobia, and ableism, leaving the models themselves often the least influential people in the rooms they inhabit, what does ‘having what it takes’ actually mean?
The patience, the forms, the continuous need to become something different in order to take jobs? Many models these days are fighting to eradicate tokenism – recruiting a small number of people from under-represented groups – and have a fully inclusive range of models seen more often, and Down syndrome models should join that list.
Catalina Girald, the founder of Naja, told ABC News that brands and agencies are being more inclusive “because the world expects it of them and because they need to generate sales.” She continued to say that “in the process of doing it, things actually will change.” The motivations for inclusivity might not yet be the most wholesome or ethical, but people like Jessica are paving the way for those that will come after them, inspiring them to follow their dreams.
“We are different, but not inferior” – Jessica is also a verified member of the Venezuelan Red Cross
Regardless, some strict measures are in place, with a model’s height, age and measurements always taken into account, no matter what niche of modeling they’re in. Yet, they seem to be also looking for something unique or different to set the model apart.
Equal representation and an end to discrimination are things models are fighting for, paving the way for future generations
Modeling is a beast in its own right; controversies and debates filling the space, with seemingly baby steps being taken to better it for everyone involved.
Regardless, some strict measures are in place, with a model’s height, age and measurements always taken into account, no matter what niche of modeling they’re in. Yet, they seem to be also looking for something unique or different to set the model apart.
Equal representation and an end to discrimination are things models are fighting for, paving the way for future generations
But one question stands – do you have what it takes? Considering the fact that the modeling business has suffered a culture of racism, fatphobia, and ableism, leaving the models themselves often the least influential people in the rooms they inhabit, what does ‘having what it takes’ actually mean?
The patience, the forms, the continuous need to become something different in order to take jobs? Many models these days are fighting to eradicate tokenism – recruiting a small number of people from under-represented groups – and have a fully inclusive range of models seen more often, and Down syndrome models should join that list.
Catalina Girald, the founder of Naja, told ABC News that brands and agencies are being more inclusive “because the world expects it of them and because they need to generate sales.” She continued to say that “in the process of doing it, things actually will change.” The motivations for inclusivity might not yet be the most wholesome or ethical, but people like Jessica are paving the way for those that will come after them, inspiring them to follow their dreams.
“We are different, but not inferior” – Jessica is also a verified member of the Venezuelan Red Cross
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21 April 2022
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