In my current generation, that being the world of millennials, I've encountered some of the most beautifully different faces. However, some of the biggest and well-funded markets fail to represent these diverse faces and races in our society, one of which being the modeling industry. When people think of models, the first thing that comes to mind is their figures. When I look at the models on posters or television, I see these satin bras and wool sweaters are mainly presented by the racial majority.

Growing up in New York City, I've come to love how ethnically diverse and incredibly new the environment is. Some of my closest friends are from some of the most amazing countries in the world, like Egypt, Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad and so much more. And because of them, I learn more and more about different cultures every day, something I'm truly grateful for. So, if 18-19-year-olds can openly express America's current state of diversity, shouldn't the people who model the clothes we wear be a representation of it too?

One of the main jobs of advertising is presenting a product in a way to encourage people to buy it. Within the fashion industry, the main form of presenting an article of clothing is with the use of models, which is perfectly okay. However, who are these models? If the models within various stores and TV Ads consist of just one race, is that bra really open to “Every Girl's Body?" By creating a more diverse atmosphere throughout the modeling industry, with Hispanics, Asians, or African-Americans, I think every girl would truly feel encouraged and confident in buying that bra- which is what businesses want, right? Even so, ethnic diversity within the modeling industry seems to expand through bits and pieces over time.

Within different fashions shows, there have been models of different races, some of which have had the opportunity to exemplify their culture through their clothing as they walk the runway. Something I noticed while walking around a Victoria's Secret is that the company choose four Chinese models to participate in a major fashion show that took place in Paris. Even though this may seem like only a little, to me, it's a lot. It shows how companies are taking a chance on different women and the capabilities they may have as models. It's also a start of representing what America really is through fashion, and how these clothes really are meant for every girl, despite what race they may be.

By using models of different races, girls today can feel more confident in themselves. If a girl wants to be a model or be on television someday, they can see how open the rest of the world really is to this girl's dream. This girl watching the fashion show doesn't have to worry about the color of her skin when applying to a modeling agency ten years from now. And in my perspective, I think that's something that gives girls the confidence to become a model one day or that new girl on a TV show. Ten years later, this girl could end up on a billboard in Times Square, which could pass on confidence to the Chinese American wanting to sign up to be a Victoria's Secret Model ten years from then.

What I've come to realize is that both the identity and shape of the body can rightfully be different. If I see a model wearing a top I like and has a perfect body, that's not something that makes me believe this top would look good on me. This also isn't something that encourages me to look as fit as her. Everything in this world is so different, and I think that modeling industries should show this difference with pride. And what better way to do so than with the ethnically diverse women in this country today? As Meryl Steep said in her speech at The Golden Globes last week, “So Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners," which has transformed the arts into something truly spectacular and could do the same for the most popular modeling and fashion industries today.