The Dark Side of The Modelling Industry
By Sarah Stefanson August 18, 2009
Photo: Calvin Klein Models by Julio, Wikimedia Commons
For a young model, the industry may seem glamorous and exciting. Certainly these adjectives apply to certain parts of a successful model’s career. There are parties and events, designer clothes and jewellery, fame and fortune. A model can make a considerable amount of money and enjoy visiting exotic locations around the world. What many wannabe models don’t consider, however, are all the downsides to becoming a model.
Since a model’s career is often short-lived, many girls enter the modelling industry between the ages of 14 and 16. Youth is highly prized in the modelling industry and a thin, boyish body type is desired by photographers, designers and creative directors. The majority of young models are asked to participate in the highly sexually charged environment of the industry before they’ve even hit puberty or begun to regard themselves as sexual beings. They are asked to pose in provocative clothes using suggestive poses. The combination of their youth and naiveté often results in the girls being taken advantage of by those in power in the industry.
Sexual harassment and abuse is rampant in the modelling world. Models are thought of as mannequins and often end up feeling detached from their bodies. Being touched in intimate places becomes a normal part of their working day and they sometimes don’t know where to draw the line. A photographer or casting agent may ask a young model to disrobe and, not feeling empowered enough to say no or worrying about the potential consequences of declining, she may go along with it at the time. Teenage models frequently travel the world unchaperoned, meaning their parents have no idea what they go through on the road. Not wanting to cause trouble and risk their career, some girls keep quiet about abusive behaviour perpetrated by people in the industry. Their silence ensures that nothing will be done and they will continue to be mistreated.
A model’s schedule can be incredibly draining. Twenty-four hour workdays are not uncommon and tons of travelling is involved. Many models find themselves exhausted and stressed due to the pressures of their schedules.
Another peril of the modelling industry is the widespread use of drugs among models. Whether it is to deal with the fatigue and strain, or just because it is an accepted part of the model life, too many models become addicted to mind-altering substances. They are also expected to socialize with clients and other important people on a regular basis at parties where alcohol and drug use is encouraged. Famous supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have had public battles with drug addiction.
Eating disorders and body image issues plague the modelling world. In order to maintain the industry’s ideal body type, some models become anorexic or bulimic. Even those that don’t have full blown eating disorders may have poor diets caused by the distractions of their busy schedules and a lack of education on proper nutrition.
If a young model is not supported by her parents or other people she can trust, she runs the risk of dealing with shady characters in the business. There are many disreputable modelling agencies and schools, which will con young girls out of their money. At such a young age, new models cannot be expected to make intelligent, informed decisions about money and their careers, so they could be led astray by people who don’t have their best interests at heart.
The many pressures and dangers of the modelling industry can do serious damage to a young impressionable mind and body. While the positives may be intoxicating, the downsides can be harmful. Any young person considering entering the modelling industry should do his or her homework and research all the potential pitfalls of a career as a model. Keeping a level head and calling on the support of trustworthy people can help a young model get through the difficulties on their way to success, but it’s always better to know about any impending hurdles beforehand in order to avoid them.
Related Articles:
Submitted on August 18, 2009 in Model Intelligence.
Sarah is our Western Canadian correspondent. She recently left a long-standing position as editor and writer for TheSoko.com, DriverSense.com & LiveDress.com to focus on book and novel writing. Sarah continues contribute weekly articles to AskMen.ca and Models & Moguls. Sarah thinks she might have been a model if it weren’t for the blessing of Slavic hips and thighs.
Sarah Stefanson has contributed 64 articles to Models & Moguls.
