Love Lounge: New UK Reality Show Exploiting Disabled Models?



So, friends, have you heard about Britain’s Missing Top Model, the new UK reality show that gives disabled models a chance to compete for a photo spread in Marie Claire UK?

“The premise of the show seems cruel and unusual to the core—to boost the acceptance of disabled women in an industry that is based solely on physical perfection. Can you say “pleading for rejection and humiliation?” says one writer on TheFrisky.

She goes on to ask: Why on earth would any person want to put themselves through this show? And why would I want to watch? I know we all have our own disabilities—physical and emotional—and imperfections to overcome in life and, yes, we are all capable of achieving our dreams. But modeling is not for everyone.

Yes, that’s true. Modeling is not for everyone. But I must say that my agreement with the author stops there.

There is a big difference between being a model and giving someone a chance to be a model. Shouldn’t disabled women – and men – be afforded those same chances and opportunities?

When I was about 13 and swimming in the local pool one sunny summer day, I remember so clearly the stinging words of my sister’s friend’s mother. I’m not quite sure how the topic came up, but I distinctly remember the mother telling my sister’s friend, “Melissa couldn’t be a model. She’s disabled.”

Shocked, I just sort of let those words sit in my stomach for the next few days. Now, it was never and will never be my dream to be a model (though I do love to pose for the camera; I’ve never been camera shy, that’s for sure), but her words? Gosh darnit, it made me want to take a spin in my wheelchair on the catwalk just to prove her wrong.

If I still remember those words 15 years later, then, yes, we do need more shows like this. Shows that put those with disabilities in the forefront instead of the background – not in a humiliating let’s-make-fun-of-them for ratings way, but in an honest, this-is-my-story sort of way.

Which is exactly what I was hoping to do with The Bachelorette, but alas, ABC has yet to return my emails. Oh, the day will come my friends. Remember, people with disabilities are just that: people.

[Photos via TheFrisky and The New York Times]


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Comments

  1. Apryl says

    I think that you are right, and that the people who are disgusted or bothered by the show should be disgusted and bothered with themselves.

    These people are just as beautiful as anyone else I have seen on the show.

    Models in general do not usually depict the norm. They usually show overly tall and overly thin people while the average female hovers around 5'5" and is a size 10.

    I applaud them for doing this, and I applaud you in your camera happy ways and I think you are just as beautiful as the rest of them, inside and out 😉

    Reply

  2. Victoria says

    I totally agree with you Melissa – it's a chance to be a model for gals who maybe have dreamed of such a chance their whole lives, who may have been shunned or rejected because of a disability. I don't care for the title (Missing Top Model)but I love these brave beauties putting themselves – and their disabilities – out there for all to see.

    I can hear Tyra now: Be fierce!

    Reply

  3. CupcakeSniper says

    Wow! that really gets me at the core! it makes me angry to think that people would disapprove of these women, who are OBVIOUSLY gorgeous, of having a chance to be a model!

    I am excited for this show and would lOVE to see it, because they are probably way more beautiful than the women on the regular show. Not only physically but inwardly, because these are strong women, who doesn't let society stop them from following their dreams! It's these women who really grasp life!

    I'm proud of them and the people who created this show, allowing these women an opportunity!!

    Thanks for sharing Melissa!

    Reply

  9. Style Seduction says

    I think its a great idea, giving these women the opportunity to be models!

    I do think that modelling isnt for everyone, thats just how it works, you wouldnt expect to be a gymnast without training or without having certain skills, so somethings just have certain prerequisites that if you dont meet, then you dont meet! I think it can be a horrid industry, very critical, and I wouldnt want to be involved in it!

    Reply

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