Looks aren't everything. Believe me, I'm a model. | Cameron Russell | TED

Summary

Cameron Russell, a model for 10 years, candidly discusses the superficiality and power of image in her industry. She humorously changes her appearance to illustrate the mutable nature of perception. Russell acknowledges her privilege in a legacy built on racial and gender biases, revealing the harsh reality behind the glamorous facade of modeling. She encourages young girls to aspire beyond the superficial and addresses the insecurities even models face, advocating for a more honest dialogue about the impact of image on our lives.

Takeaways

• 👗 Cameron Russell, a model for 10 years, addresses the superficiality and power of image in the modeling industry.
• 🎨 Russell demonstrates how quickly one's image can change with a simple outfit change, highlighting the malleability of perception.
• 🧬 The modeling industry is built on a legacy of certain physical traits, including tall, slender figures, femininity, and white skin, which Russell describes as winning a 'genetic lottery'.
• 🌍 Diversity in the modeling industry is limited, with only a small percentage of non-white models being hired, as illustrated by a study Russell cites.
• 🚼 Russell encourages young girls to aspire to be more than just models, suggesting they could be anything, including the President of the United States.
• 📸 The modeling profession involves more than just posing; it's a collaborative effort with professionals in styling, makeup, and photography.
• 🛍 Russell discusses the concept of 'free stuff' in the modeling world, both in terms of material items and the unearned privileges that come with a certain appearance.
• 👮‍♂️ She contrasts the 'free stuff' she receives due to her looks with the systemic discrimination faced by people of color, particularly young black and Latino men in New York.
• 💔 Russell reveals the insecurity that models face, despite having the 'ideal' body types, challenging the notion that physical appearance equates to happiness.
• 🤔 The talk invites reflection on the impact of image on success and failure, urging an honest acknowledgment of the role appearance plays in society.
• 🙏 Russell expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her perspective, emphasizing the importance of candid conversations about the modeling industry's legacy and its effects on individuals.

Q & A

What was Cameron Russell's initial feeling about the audience's reaction to her appearance?

Cameron Russell felt an uncomfortable tension in the room because she believed she should not have worn the dress she initially came out in.

What was significant about Cameron Russell's outfit change on the TED stage?

It was the first outfit change on the TED stage, making the audience feel special for witnessing it.

How does Cameron Russell describe the transformation of her image in a short time?

Cameron Russell describes the transformation as a quick change that significantly altered the audience's perception of her, highlighting the power and superficiality of image.

What does Cameron Russell reveal about the modeling industry's definition of beauty?

Cameron Russell reveals that the modeling industry's definition of beauty includes not only health, youth, and symmetry but also tall, slender figures, femininity, and white skin.

What does Cameron Russell call the advantage she has in the modeling industry?

Cameron Russell refers to her advantage as winning a 'genetic lottery' and being a recipient of a legacy built on historical beauty standards.

What percentage of non-white models were hired in the fashion industry according to the 2007 study mentioned by Cameron Russell?

According to the 2007 study, less than four percent of the 677 models hired were non-white.

What alternative career paths does Cameron Russell suggest to young girls who express interest in becoming models?

Cameron Russell suggests that young girls could be anything they want, such as the President of the United States, an inventor, or a cardiothoracic surgeon poet, and if they insist on modeling, they could aim to be influential in the industry like an editor in chief or a CEO.

How does Cameron Russell demonstrate the superficiality of her profession?

Cameron Russell demonstrates the superficiality of her profession by showing pictures of herself in various contexts, emphasizing that the images are constructions by professionals and not an accurate representation of her.

What does Cameron Russell say about the impact of her appearance on her life?

Cameron Russell says that her appearance has given her certain privileges, such as getting items for free or leniency in certain situations, which are not based on who she is as a person.

What is the connection Cameron Russell makes between her profession and societal issues like racial profiling?

Cameron Russell connects her profession to societal issues by pointing out the disparity in how people are treated based on their appearance, citing the high percentage of black and Latino teenagers stopped and frisked in New York.

What does Cameron Russell reveal about the insecurities of models despite their physical appearance?

Cameron Russell reveals that models, despite having the thinnest thighs, shiniest hair, and coolest clothes, are some of the most physically insecure women on the planet.

What message does Cameron Russell hope the audience takes away from her talk?

Cameron Russell hopes the audience feels more comfortable acknowledging the power of image in their perceived successes and failures.

Outlines

00:00

👗 The Illusion of Image and Identity

Cameron Russell, a model for 10 years, starts her talk by humorously changing her outfit on stage to illustrate the superficial nature of image. She points out the immediate transformation of perception that comes with a simple change of attire. Russell acknowledges her privilege in being able to alter people's opinions of her so swiftly. She discusses the uncomfortable reality behind the glamorous facade of modeling, revealing that her success is largely due to winning a 'genetic lottery' and benefiting from a legacy of conventional beauty standards that favor tall, slender, white, and feminine features. Russell emphasizes the industry's racial bias, citing statistics that show less than 4% of runway models were non-white in 2007. She encourages young girls to aspire beyond the superficial goal of becoming a model, suggesting they could achieve more meaningful and influential roles in society.

05:02

📸 The Reality Behind the Camera

Russell delves into the mechanics of modeling, from the repetitive and often awkward poses to the extensive retouching of photos. She shares personal anecdotes, such as her first modeling job in a bikini before even having her period, to highlight the disconnect between the constructed image and her real self. The talk addresses the 'free stuff' models receive, not just in terms of material items but also in the preferential treatment they receive in everyday life due to their appearance. Russell contrasts this with the harsh reality faced by young men of color in New York, who are disproportionately targeted by stop-and-frisk policies. She also touches on the negative impact of the beauty standards perpetuated by the modeling industry, citing statistics about girls' dissatisfaction with their bodies and the insecurities even models face despite embodying those standards. Russell concludes by expressing her conflicted feelings about the benefits and insecurities of her career, and she calls for a more honest dialogue about the power of image in shaping our perceptions of success and failure.

Keywords

💡Model

A model is a person who poses for photographers, painters, or sculptors or who wears clothes to display them to potential buyers. In the video, Cameron Russell discusses her career as a model, highlighting the superficial yet impactful nature of the profession on society's perceptions and her own life.

💡Image

Image refers to the visual representation or impression of someone or something. The video emphasizes the power of image in shaping public opinion and personal self-perception. Russell demonstrates how quickly one's image can change perceptions, affecting how people are treated in society.

💡Privilege

Privilege denotes special rights, advantages, or immunities granted or available only to a particular person or group. The script discusses the speaker's privilege in being able to change perceptions about herself quickly, which is not a universal ability, highlighting the social advantages that come with conforming to certain beauty standards.

💡Genetic Lottery

Genetic lottery is a metaphorical term used to describe the random distribution of genetic traits that one inherits from their parents. In the context of the video, Russell uses this term to explain that her success as a model is largely due to winning this 'lottery' by being born with traits that align with conventional beauty standards.

💡Legacy

Legacy in this context refers to the cultural and societal norms and standards of beauty that have been passed down through generations. Russell discusses how the legacy of beauty is defined by certain physical attributes that she happens to possess and how this legacy has benefited her in her career.

💡Diversity

Diversity refers to the inclusion of different types of people (e.g., varied racial and ethnic backgrounds) in a particular environment. The script points out the lack of diversity in the modeling industry, as evidenced by the low percentage of non-white models on the runway, indicating a systemic bias towards certain physical appearances.

💡Insecurity

Insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about oneself. The video reveals that models, despite appearing to have ideal physical attributes, often suffer from insecurity due to the constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain their looks, challenging the notion that physical perfection equates to happiness.

💡Racial Oppression

Racial oppression refers to the systemic discrimination and unfair treatment of individuals based on their race or ethnicity. The script touches on the racial disparities in society, such as the high percentage of black and Latino teenagers being stopped and frisked by the police, illustrating the real-world consequences of racial bias.

💡Body Image

Body image is a person's perception of their own body, which can significantly impact self-esteem and mental health. The video discusses the negative impact of societal beauty standards on body image, noting that a large percentage of teenage girls are unhappy with their bodies due to the pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals.

💡Perceived Success

Perceived success refers to how one's achievements or status are viewed by others, often influenced by superficial factors. The video's message encourages acknowledging the role of image in how people's successes are perceived, suggesting that external appearances can sometimes be mistaken for true accomplishment.

💡Fearlessness

Fearlessness is the state of being unafraid or courageous. In the context of the video, fearlessness is demonstrated by the speaker's honesty in discussing the realities of her profession and the societal implications of the modeling industry, despite the potential for personal criticism or backlash.

Highlights

Cameron Russell's candid admission of feeling uncomfortable due to her appearance in the dress she initially wore.

The first outfit change on the TED stage, symbolizing the ability to quickly change perceptions.

Russell's acknowledgment of her privilege in being able to alter people's opinions of her in a short time.

The superficial yet impactful nature of image on our lives, as demonstrated by Russell's transformation.

Honesty as a form of fearlessness in discussing the reality of being a model.

Russell's self-identification as a beneficiary of a legacy based on beauty standards.

The revelation that beauty in the modeling industry is often defined by tall, slender figures, femininity, and white skin.

The shocking statistic that less than 4% of runway models in 2007 were non-white.

Encouragement for young girls to aspire to be more than just models, highlighting the limitless potential of careers.

The unrealistic expectations placed on models and the lack of control over becoming one.

A humorous demonstration of the 'model knowledge' acquired over Russell's 10-year career.

The reality that models are often typecast and limited by their resumes in the industry.

The extensive retouching in modeling photos and the role of professionals in creating an image.

Russell's personal experiences of receiving 'free stuff' in real life due to her appearance.

The societal implications of image-based privilege and the costs faced by those who don't fit beauty standards.

The alarming statistics on body dissatisfaction among young girls and its progression with age.

Russell's confession of insecurity despite being a model, challenging the myth of model happiness.

The difficulty of discussing the benefits and happiness derived from being part of a privileged group.

A call to acknowledge the power of image in our successes and failures, and the importance of honesty in discussing it.

Transcripts

Translator: Joseph Geni Reviewer: Morton Bast

Hi. My name is Cameron Russell,

and for the last little while, I've been a model.

Actually, for 10 years.

And I feel like

there's an uncomfortable tension in the room right now

because I should not have worn this dress.

(Laughter)

So luckily, I brought an outfit change.

This is the first outfit change on the TED stage,

so you guys are pretty lucky to witness it, I think.

If some of the women were really horrified when I came out,

you don't have to tell me now, but I'll find out later on Twitter.

(Laughter)

I'd also note that I'm quite privileged

to be able to transform what you think of me

in a very brief 10 seconds.

Not everybody gets to do that.

These heels are very uncomfortable, so good thing I wasn't going to wear them.

The worst part is putting this sweater over my head,

because that's when you'll all laugh at me,

so don't do anything while it's over my head.

All right.

So, why did I do that?

That was awkward.

(Laughter)

Well --

(Laughter)

Hopefully not as awkward as that picture.

Image is powerful,

but also, image is superficial.

I just totally transformed what you thought of me, in six seconds.

And in this picture,

I had actually never had a boyfriend in real life.

I was totally uncomfortable,

and the photographer was telling me to arch my back

and put my hand in that guy's hair.

And of course, barring surgery,

or the fake tan that I got two days ago for work,

there's very little that we can do to transform how we look,

and how we look, though it is superficial and immutable,

has a huge impact on our lives.

So today, for me, being fearless means being honest.

And I am on this stage because I am a model.

I am on this stage because I am a pretty, white woman,

and in my industry, we call that a sexy girl.

I'm going to answer the questions that people always ask me,

but with an honest twist.

So the first question is, how do you become a model?

I always just say, "Oh, I was scouted,"

but that means nothing.

The real way that I became a model

is I won a genetic lottery, and I am the recipient of a legacy,

and maybe you're wondering what is a legacy.

Well, for the past few centuries

we have defined beauty not just as health and youth

and symmetry that we're biologically programmed to admire,

but also as tall, slender figures,

and femininity and white skin.

And this is a legacy that was built for me,

and it's a legacy that I've been cashing out on.

And I know there are people in the audience

who are skeptical at this point,

and maybe there are some fashionistas who are like,

"Wait. Naomi. Tyra. Joan Smalls. Liu Wen."

And first, I commend you on your model knowledge. Very impressive.

(Laughter)

But unfortunately, I have to inform you that in 2007,

a very inspired NYU Ph.D. student

counted all the models on the runway, every single one that was hired,

and of the 677 models that were hired,

only 27, or less than four percent, were non-white.

The next question people always ask is,

"Can I be a model when I grow up?"

And the first answer is, "I don't know, they don't put me in charge of that."

But the second answer,

and what I really want to say to these little girls is,

"Why? You know? You can be anything.

You could be the President of the United States,

or the inventor of the next Internet,

or a ninja cardiothoracic surgeon poet,

which would be awesome, because you'd be the first one."

(Laughter)

If, after this amazing list, they still are like,

"No, no, Cameron, I want to be a model,"

well, then I say, "Be my boss."

Because I'm not in charge of anything,

and you could be the editor in chief of American Vogue

or the CEO of H&M, or the next Steven Meisel.

Saying that you want to be a model when you grow up

is akin to saying that you want to win the Powerball when you grow up.

It's out of your control, and it's awesome,

and it's not a career path.

I will demonstrate for you now 10 years of accumulated model knowledge,

because unlike cardiothoracic surgeons,

it can just be distilled right now.

So, if the photographer is right there,

the light is right there, like a nice HMI,

and the client says, "We want a walking shot,"

this leg goes first, nice and long, this arm goes back, this arm goes forward,

the head is at three quarters, and you just go back and forth,

just do that, and then you look back at your imaginary friends,

300, 400, 500 times.

(Laughter)

It will look something like this.

(Laughter)

Hopefully less awkward than that one in the middle.

That was -- I don't know what happened there.

Unfortunately, after you've gone to school,

and you have a résumé and you've done a few jobs,

you can't say anything anymore,

so if you say you want to be the President of the United States,

but your résumé reads, "Underwear Model: 10 years,"

people give you a funny look.

The next question is, "Do they retouch all the photos?"

And yeah, they pretty much retouch all the photos,

but that is only a small component of what's happening.

This picture is the very first picture that I ever took,

and it's also the very first time that I had worn a bikini,

and I didn't even have my period yet.

I know we're getting personal, but I was a young girl.

This is what I looked like with my grandma just a few months earlier.

Here's me on the same day as this shoot.

My friend got to come.

Here's me at a slumber party a few days before I shot French Vogue.

Here's me on the soccer team and in V Magazine.

And here's me today.

And I hope what you're seeing

is that these pictures are not pictures of me.

They are constructions,

and they are constructions by a group of professionals,

by hairstylists and makeup artists and photographers and stylists

and all of their assistants and pre-production and post-production,

and they build this.

That's not me.

Okay, so the next question people always ask me is,

"Do you get free stuff?"

(Laughter)

I do have too many 8-inch heels which I never get to wear,

except for earlier,

but the free stuff that I get is the free stuff that I get in real life,

and that's what we don't like to talk about.

I grew up in Cambridge,

and one time I went into a store and I forgot my money

and they gave me the dress for free.

When I was a teenager, I was driving with my friend

who was an awful driver and she ran a red and of course,

we got pulled over,

and all it took was a "Sorry, officer," and we were on our way.

And I got these free things because of how I look,

not who I am, and there are people paying a cost

for how they look and not who they are.

I live in New York, and last year,

of the 140,000 teenagers that were stopped and frisked,

86% of them were black and Latino, and most of them were young men.

And there are only 177,000 young black and Latino men in New York,

so for them, it's not a question of, "Will I get stopped?"

but "How many times will I get stopped? When will I get stopped?"

When I was researching this talk,

I found out that of the 13-year-old girls in the United States,

53% don't like their bodies,

and that number goes to 78% by the time that they're 17.

So, the last question people ask me is,

"What is it like to be a model?"

And I think the answer that they're looking for is,

"If you are a little bit skinnier and you have shinier hair,

you will be so happy and fabulous."

And when we're backstage,

we give an answer that maybe makes it seem like that.

We say, "It's really amazing to travel, and it's amazing to get to work

with creative, inspired, passionate people."

And those things are true, but they're only one half of the story,

because the thing that we never say on camera,

that I have never said on camera, is,

"I am insecure."

And I'm insecure because I have to think about what I look like every day.

And if you ever are wondering,

"If I have thinner thighs and shinier hair, will I be happier?"

you just need to meet a group of models,

because they have the thinnest thighs, the shiniest hair and the coolest clothes,

and they're the most physically insecure women probably on the planet.

When I was writing this talk,

I found it very difficult to strike an honest balance,

because on the one hand,

I felt very uncomfortable to come out here and say,

"Look I've received all these benefits from a deck stacked in my favor,"

and it also felt really uncomfortable to follow that up with,

"and it doesn't always make me happy."

But mostly it was difficult to unpack a legacy of gender and racial oppression

when I am one of the biggest beneficiaries.

But I'm also happy and honored to be up here

and I think that it's great that I got to come

before 10 or 20 or 30 years had passed and I'd had more agency in my career,

because maybe then I wouldn't tell the story of how I got my first job,

or maybe I wouldn't tell the story of how I paid for college,

which seems so important right now.

If there's a takeaway to this talk,

I hope it's that we all feel more comfortable acknowledging

the power of image in our perceived successes

and our perceived failures.

Thank you.

(Applause)