January 2021
Model: Tennyson Crofoot
There are too many models who are victims of sexual abuse. Mostly women, but also men… A male victim, lost among a thousand thoughts, probably asks himself what to feel, and how to address the issue. A man does not expect to be a victim, and therefore is woefully unprepared for it. Moreover, we, our society, do not take a sexual victims' grievances seriously, let alone those of a male victim. In addition, agents are devoid of compassion...Neglected by societal conventions, and despite his good looks, a male model may feel unworthy of his place in society. Frankly, nothing can instantly fill that void.
It's ridiculous: Hours-long casting calls that might end in rejection; a lifestyle that is tethered to monumental financial debt to the agency; months-long periods with no modelling job...The list goes on. But problems like wasted time, financial deception, and job idleness can leave a model anxious, delusional, and therefore depressed. Behind that smize, a model is desperately holding it together.
A model should believe in his/herself. However, that belief can breach an irrational boundary, which is exemplified on Instagram; A model, motivated by his/her agent, may be driven to validate their worth by amassing thousands of followers via aimless portraits and pathetic thirst-traps... I worry for them - does a model have any semblance of self-esteem?
From afar, I've witnessed these moments during fashion weeks... For some models, this respite may be a victorious moment to celebrate a demanding day. For others, this is a necessary moment to prevent an outright mental breakdown... Something must be wrong if a model finds fresh air in a cigarette.