Is the modeling industry a sexual predator?

[Radical Activist]

The threads about the nightline special on sexual predators got me thinking about this. Modeling agents recruit girls in the 13-17 year old age range. Its not uncommon to have them model underwear or bikinis and put their half-naked pictures in advertisements all over the nation. They prey upon the insecurities and naivety of teen girls to take advantage of their bodies. Is a modeling agent who lures a 14 year old girl into this lifestyle essentially a sexual predator?

[tjdee]

1. Maybe the people who like those photos are sexual predators?

Modeling agents aren't thinking sexually, IMO. They're thinking money. They are hard pressed to find rail thin women over 17, which is apparently what all the designers/photographers want.

Btw, Adriana Lima was sent away from Victoria's Secret at first because she looked too much like a child--until the next year or whatever, and men were no doubt pleasuring themselves to her pics, so....? If people didn't enjoy those pics photographers would stop taking them, na? Or is it a chicken/egg thing? I'm babbling now, LOL.

[Radical Activist]

4. They're certainly enablers.

I think there's something wrong with the fashion industry making the sexualization of 14 year old girls a routine and socially acceptable thing.

[Benfea]

2. Sexual predators, no. Exploitive, yes. -NT

[LeftyMom]

3. There are definitly abusive aspects to the industry

A friend of mine (who was drop dead gorgeous) contacted a modeling agency about finding some work when we were teens. They told her to drop ten pounds and get back to them. She was a swimmer and didn't have any extra padding on her, they just wanted to starve her (average-sized) hips, butt and tits off before they would even consider working with her.

Even sicker, her parents went along with this. :(

[Radical Activist]

5. From what I've read/heard

about the pervasive use of drugs and coerced sex in the industry, it makes me view it as an abusive process.