Modelling : the art, the dedication, the career

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore why, women's main ambitions often focus on appearing desirable. This is a constant craving which many times is never satisfied. It is however, a means through which powerful forces such as people concerned with the beauty industry and modelling schools, gain from these insecurities and with promises of fulfilment and of achieving the ideal self, contribute to the control of the female sex. In the hope of becoming the 'ideal person' and having the ideal looks or image, people are prepared to follow trends and examples set by the media and market forces which, in order to make a profit are ready to take advantage of the fact that women feel the need to improve their looks. These forces work at making a person think that they can reach the 'ideal self' through consumerism. To transmit this message of virtual-self-improvement, these forces use models to set the image. They work on an individual's perspective to influence them into focussing on their 'self-image'. In this case the terms self-image and self-improvement relate only to appearance and not how one perceives oneself generally, like for example one's abilities, one's values, one's character and personality. They convey the message that self-esteem and success are boosted through 'self-improvement', a self-improvement which is determined by following the current trends and the businesses who thrive on the beauty industry. A model's image is powerful and influential and it is used to deliver these messages. During the course of this study I shall attempt to discuss: (a) How women's life styles have been channelled in ways to be controlled by a patriarchal system. (b) How the basis of modelling schools and agencies conforms with the principles of a patriarchal system. (c) How models are used to spread influences of a pre-determined as opposed to a self-determined better self. (d) How modelling agencies give the impression that success can be achieved by taking modelling courses. (e) What are the prospects of making a career through modelling.