1. Describe a group, issue, or event that you may want to represent within your project.
The men's fashion magazine has traditionally over-used white models, and thrown all other potential models by the wayside. For a project undertaking mens fashion, a priority would be to represent more than just white models, bringing about an adequate amount of diversity.
The lack of diversity in men's fashion magazines can be chalked up to a lot of things, such as the creation of most magazines during times of racial segregation and overabundance of white models. However, in an increasingly diverse America, it's very important to include all types of individuals of varying ethnicities and races.
Taking steps to promote diversity can show fashion for all groups of readers. This representation of models of color solves for the over-representation of white models, as well as broadens potential readers.
2. Analyze two examples within the media of how this group, issue or event is already represented.
The media has started to become more inclusive in its portrayal of models of color. Fashion companies are reaching a time of "peak representation" by starting to actively hire more models of color. Magazines are starting to represent other races by featuring celebrities.
Magazines like GQ have started to more actively feature non-white celebrities in recent issues, which is a departure from their almost exclusively white repertoire. These steps help secure an active place for representation on the magazine realm. These steps have ensured a new way to represent inside of mens fashion.
Despite these strides, there's still steps that magazines can take to adequately represent multiple groups.
3. How do you feel about these representation characteristics? Are they fair? Correct?
These representations characteristics are fair, yet they are extremely limited. This is largely because they are predominantly featuring non-white celebrities, and while that's certainly progress, it's very selective representation.
These representations are usually extremely positive and they are required steps towards more frequent representation, yet they are tying down POC to the standards of celebrities and doesn't let them step out of famous shadows and simply be individuals.
These steps towards representation need to be far more sweeping and inclusive of the average person, and not over-represent celebrities.
4. Which representation characteristics would you retain? Which would you challenge?
I would certainly keep the showcasing of celebrities of color in fashion, as they have every right to be part of talks about representation. I would, however, ensure that representation is more inclusive towards the average person of color.
This would be accomplished by seeking out models of color from agencies in efforts to broaden the umbrella of representation. By finding more average models with average stories, we expand the message of inclusion and represent the average person of color in America who would be reading the magazine.
This goes a long way for overall representation, and is a necessary step towards accurately representing minority groups.
